2018 Audi SQ5
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2018 Audi SQ5. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2018 Audi SQ5. Newest first.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle may allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module, causing it to shutdown.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90S9.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi SQ5 and 2018-2020 Audi Q5 vehicles. The rear wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach from the vehicle.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four clips securing the forward part of the rear wheel arch trim, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 66K8.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will secure the wheel arch trim with an additional screw and nut, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66K6.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake master cylinder casting may be too short.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A short casting can cause a sudden loss of brakes, increasing the risk of crash. The electronic parking brake and its emergency brake function are not affected and will still function.
Remedy
Audi has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 47O9.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.
Owner complaints
25 complaints1 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
[B9 SQ5 - EA839 3.0T V6 CWGD] - Remove Front Bumper & Activate Radiator Support Service Position - Drain Cooling System - Remove & Replace Water Pump, Thermo- Pneumatic Valve, & Vacuum Line Set w/ Solenoids & All Necessary Hardware - Remove & Replace Thermostat Assembly w/ Seal - Remove & Replace…
[B9 SQ5 - EA839 3.0T V6 CWGD] - Remove Front Bumper & Activate Radiator Support Service Position - Drain Cooling System - Remove & Replace Water Pump, Thermo- Pneumatic Valve, & Vacuum Line Set w/ Solenoids & All Necessary Hardware - Remove & Replace Thermostat Assembly w/ Seal - Remove & Replace Both Accessory Drive Belts - Fill & Bleed Cooling System - Reverse Service Mode & Reinstall Front Bumper - Road Test Vehicle & Verify Cooling System Is Operating Properly
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
I purchased my 2018 Audi SQ5 on September 12, 2025, from Audi Denver (McDonald Automotive Group). On XXX, at 114,145 miles, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic engine failure while driving on the highway near [XXX], caused by defective rocker arm needle bearings in the 3.0T EA839 V6 engine.…
I purchased my 2018 Audi SQ5 on September 12, 2025, from Audi Denver (McDonald Automotive Group). On XXX, at 114,145 miles, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic engine failure while driving on the highway near [XXX], caused by defective rocker arm needle bearings in the 3.0T EA839 V6 engine. The early-design needle bearings disintegrated within the cylinder head, scattering loose metal roller bearings into the valvetrain and oiling system. This caused an immediate, complete loss of engine power and sudden engine lockup on a remote stretch of highway. This mechanical failure created a severe driving emergency. The sudden engine seizure stranded us on the shoulder, resulting in a total loss of propulsion, loss of vacuum assist for power braking, and potential loss of power steering—posing a severe risk to vehicle occupants and surrounding highway traffic. The vehicle required an initial tow off the highway in [XXX], followed by a second tow of nearly 200 miles back to [XXX]. Professional diagnostics confirmed complete engine destruction due to valvetrain failure, with repair estimates exceeding $20,000 for an engine replacement. Because the repair cost far exceeded the vehicle’s market value, I was forced to sell the vehicle for scrap/junk at a severe loss. Audi is aware of this EA839 rocker arm needle bearing defect and updated the part design in later production runs, yet has failed to issue a safety recall or warranty extension for this active driving hazard. I strongly urge NHTSA to open an investigation into early 2018 EA839 3.0T rocker arm failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Engine · Power train
While driving a 2018 Audi SQ5 with the EA839 3.0T engine, a coolant warning light activated and engine temperatures began rising to 210-215°F. The vehicle was pulled over immediately. Upon inspection the coolant reservoir was found to be nearly empty with dried coolant residue on the exterior…
While driving a 2018 Audi SQ5 with the EA839 3.0T engine, a coolant warning light activated and engine temperatures began rising to 210-215°F. The vehicle was pulled over immediately. Upon inspection the coolant reservoir was found to be nearly empty with dried coolant residue on the exterior indicating an active leak. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Audi dealer who confirmed via multi-point inspection that the water pump, shut off valve, and vacuum system require replacement due to coolant leakage, with a repair estimate of $5,324.87. This is a known defect in the EA839 engine platform. Audi has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins on this issue and is currently named in active federal class action lawsuit Larr et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America, Case No. 2:26-cv-05678. The vehicle was confirmed by the authorized dealer and the component is available for inspection.
- Electrical system
Heavy rain leaked into the cabin of my SUV,and damaged the module, no controls worked through the key fob, no start . I keep my SUV under cover 90% of the time. A recent wind storm damaged my car port that I usually keep it under, so lately it’s been outside more often, especially if wind is in the…
Heavy rain leaked into the cabin of my SUV,and damaged the module, no controls worked through the key fob, no start . I keep my SUV under cover 90% of the time. A recent wind storm damaged my car port that I usually keep it under, so lately it’s been outside more often, especially if wind is in the forecast. I still use it if no wind is forecasted, because of the damage I don’t trust the carport until I can repair the damage.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Car's electrical system fried overnight during a rainstorm. All systems unresponsive to keys or key faub. Car was towed to used dealership and they told me due to drainage system blockage a pool of water collected in rear battery compartment and submerged the battery.
- Electrical system · Engine · Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking
During a rainstorm, water drained from roof drains that are apparently supposed to be cleaned & maintenance done by dealership on a regular basis but were clogged due to them not being any maintenance done. Water shorted out the entire control module for the entire vehicle computer after leaking…
During a rainstorm, water drained from roof drains that are apparently supposed to be cleaned & maintenance done by dealership on a regular basis but were clogged due to them not being any maintenance done. Water shorted out the entire control module for the entire vehicle computer after leaking into the rear inside behind hatch where battery and electrical components are located rendering the vehicle dead and undriveable on the side of the road. By the vehicles complete electrical system being rendered dead, this puts those in risk of accidents and is not covered as a warranty item for an issue that is well known according to dealership on their entire line of SUV products for the last decade. They wanted more than the SUV was worth to replace the computer control module, body wiring harness, and drain tubes that were clogged, but stated it happens all the time and is well documented by all Audi dealerships.
- Engine
Oil leaking from the engine. Mechanic determined that it was the Filter Housing. They replaced the filter housing and since then, the problem is all good. I spent over $5000 to identify this problem and get it repaired.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Unknown or other
After a hard rainstorm the Comfort System Control Module (CCM) errored apparently from getting wet from a clogged sun roof drainage line, causing water to enter the rear left side compartment in which the CCM is housed (behind the insulation). The entire area is still damp 3 days later, and water…
After a hard rainstorm the Comfort System Control Module (CCM) errored apparently from getting wet from a clogged sun roof drainage line, causing water to enter the rear left side compartment in which the CCM is housed (behind the insulation). The entire area is still damp 3 days later, and water is also located in the tire well and the rear right side compartment. The CCM error in turn caused a cascade of other errors, including causing the rear lights to stop working, an obvious safety hazard. As is evident from online discussion boards this is a frequent issue with this model and a clear design flaw. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Engine Thermostat broke
- Air bags · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2018 Audi SQ 5. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH in rainy weather, several unknown warning lights started blinking and the rear windshield wiper independently activated, and contact was unable to turn off the rear windshield wiper. The contact pulled over on the side on…
The contact owns a 2018 Audi SQ 5. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH in rainy weather, several unknown warning lights started blinking and the rear windshield wiper independently activated, and contact was unable to turn off the rear windshield wiper. The contact pulled over on the side on the road and turned off the vehicle. Once the contact restarted the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that there was a water leaking from the sunroof causing corrosion to the air bags connector, module, and the headliner had mold and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 73,949.
- Steering
I’m hearing squeaking noise from the steering column when steering left or right slowly of my Audi SQ5 2018 model. I noticed the noise can be heard loud after driving the vehicle for 30 min on the road or longer time driven. The squeaking noise from steering wheel column is often heard when taking…
I’m hearing squeaking noise from the steering column when steering left or right slowly of my Audi SQ5 2018 model. I noticed the noise can be heard loud after driving the vehicle for 30 min on the road or longer time driven. The squeaking noise from steering wheel column is often heard when taking the vehicle out from parking lot or moving the vehicle from stationary while turning the steering wheel. It’s kind of creaking noise rubbing off against something and heard from inside the cabin.
- Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking · Forward collision avoidance › Warnings
The Forward Collision Warning system in my 2018 Audi SQ5 is meant to autonomously apply the vehicle's brakes in the event the car senses an oncoming forward collision. At least five different times over the past five months, my vehicle's Forward Collision Warning system activated and applied the…
The Forward Collision Warning system in my 2018 Audi SQ5 is meant to autonomously apply the vehicle's brakes in the event the car senses an oncoming forward collision. At least five different times over the past five months, my vehicle's Forward Collision Warning system activated and applied the brakes at seemingly random times when there was no possible threat of an oncoming forward collision because, in each instance, the vehicle was being driven on multi-lane highways with no other vehicles, barriers, or any other frontal hazard within a quarter-mile of my vehicle. In four of the five instances, the vehicle was traveling at speed at or around 65 mph and, when the Forward Collision Warning system was activated without warning, the vehicle rapidly its speed to below 10 mph, which caused me and my passengers to be thrown forward and our seatbelts burned our shoulders and laps. In the other instance, the same occurred while traveling 45 mph. There is no warning or indication of malfunction prior to or following these instances. I''ve run multiple OBD2 scans on the vehicle, none of which have shown any problems with the Frontal Warning Collision system, or any other vehicle system.
- Visibility/wiper
While driving the rear half of the sunroof exploded. With no warning there was a sudden, very load "pop". The sunroof pane had completely shattered and was only held in place by the aftermarket tint layer that had been applied. The mesh shade that sits below the sunroof kept any pieces from…
While driving the rear half of the sunroof exploded. With no warning there was a sudden, very load "pop". The sunroof pane had completely shattered and was only held in place by the aftermarket tint layer that had been applied. The mesh shade that sits below the sunroof kept any pieces from falling on us while driving. Had the tint and mesh shade not been there, the interior would have been covered in glass. While we can't say with 100% certainty, we don't believe that any objects/debris hit the glass. The broken pane was on the back, downslope of the roof; if debris had hit it it would not have been a direct impact, but at most a glancing blow. We took the car to the dealer for repair. They immediately stated that it was due to rock/debris impact. The shattering does appear to originate from a single point in the glass, but there is not clear impact damage at that point. The origination point is smaller than a pencil eraser and is a square missing piece, of which there were many throughout the glass. I don't see the rough, crushing type damage I would relate to an object impact.
- Electrical system · Engine · Exterior lighting
The car windows were down the windshield wipers were running the front lights were on and parking brake light is flashing. I'm not sure how water was sitting where the spare tire was located. As I researched it stated it may be a faulty comfort module.
- Forward collision avoidance › Warnings · Power train · Service brakes
Two issues: 1. Phantom braking, sudden deceleration, vehicle came to a rapid complete stop on road. Audi assist light came on. Road Conditions: clear, dry, very good visibility for night conditions. 2. While driving at highway speed, i.e. 65 MPH, the transmission disengaged temporarily for several seconds and causing the engine RPM to surge. Transmission re-engaged and operation became normal.
- Unknown or other
Twice in the past 5 months my stop/start system has malfunctioned. While rolling to a stop my car had died, reports a malfunction and will only start again after 5-7 attempts. The first time this happened I was at a stop light and could have been hit from the rear. The second time this happened I…
Twice in the past 5 months my stop/start system has malfunctioned. While rolling to a stop my car had died, reports a malfunction and will only start again after 5-7 attempts. The first time this happened I was at a stop light and could have been hit from the rear. The second time this happened I was stranded in the middle of a very busy 4 lane highway and could have been hit by oncoming traffic. The first time I took my car to Audi they said there were no faults and it should be fine. The most recent time they said they found a fault with the brake pressure sensor and replaced that. I now have to wait and see if it happens again and hope I am not in an accident because of it. The vehicle has been inspected by the same Audi dealership service center two times. There have been no warning lights or error messages in my car prior to this happening either time. I'm aware there is a class action lawsuit against Audi's parent company for this malfunction and I told the service center this as well. Audi needs to make this a recall and fix the issue before someone is hurt or worse.
- Tires › Sidewall
Tire sidewall is splitting. There have been no accidents or incidents that could have caused this type of sidewall damage. The tire is a Contisportcontact 5P, 255/40 zr21.
- Unknown or other
My car keeps saying please reduce oil level
- Steering
While driving, the 'steering malfunction' warning light came on. The warning said that it was ok to drive. On the same day, the steering wheel became askew and was no longer aligned. this made it very difficult to drive the car. the dealer replaced the entire steering column in july 2020. I…
While driving, the 'steering malfunction' warning light came on. The warning said that it was ok to drive. On the same day, the steering wheel became askew and was no longer aligned. this made it very difficult to drive the car. the dealer replaced the entire steering column in july 2020. I picked up the vehicle on 7/23/20. on 9/5/20, the same 'steering malfunction' warning light lit up. it IS back with the dealer as if 9/8/20.
- Service brakes
I was stopped in a designated left turn lane waiting for oncoming traffic to clear. As the last car was passing me going the opposite direction I began to accelerate and make my left turn. The audi pre-sense slammed on the brakes. so now I'm in the lane of oncoming traffic with my car temporarily…
I was stopped in a designated left turn lane waiting for oncoming traffic to clear. As the last car was passing me going the opposite direction I began to accelerate and make my left turn. The audi pre-sense slammed on the brakes. so now I'm in the lane of oncoming traffic with my car temporarily disabled. This IS the fourth time this has happened. If I had had my dog in the back of the car, he would have been thrown into the windshield. I've been driving for 50 years, my wife, for 48 and have never been in an accident. It IS my opinion that this system IS unsafe and there should be a way to have it permanently disabled.
- Wheels
I purchased my 2018 audi SQ5 brand new from the dealership in april 2018. I believe the pirelli tires that were put on the car during producation are defective. The inside of the tires came apart; the noise cancellation pads came apart in the tire and have rolled up. they were causing the whole…
I purchased my 2018 audi SQ5 brand new from the dealership in april 2018. I believe the pirelli tires that were put on the car during producation are defective. The inside of the tires came apart; the noise cancellation pads came apart in the tire and have rolled up. they were causing the whole car to shake when I would go over 50+ mph. These were unsafe tires to be driving on. I am reporting this to you incase you have not heard about the defect in these tires yet. They are unsafe tires to have on the road. the dot number on these PZ4 tires: un rm V376 4517. I had to replace these tires at my expense. I feel these tires are horribly unsafe and need to be recalled. https://vidmails.com/v/wyatda44dt
- Forward collision avoidance
TL* the contact owns a 2018 audi SQ5. While driving approximately 25 mph, the collision avoidance system erroneously activated and caused the vehicle to abruptly stop. There were no other vehicles in the vicinity at the time of the failure. The contact indicated that the failure also occurred while…
TL* the contact owns a 2018 audi SQ5. While driving approximately 25 mph, the collision avoidance system erroneously activated and caused the vehicle to abruptly stop. There were no other vehicles in the vicinity at the time of the failure. The contact indicated that the failure also occurred while driving in reverse. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer (bell audi, 782 US1, edison, nj) was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 1,500.
- Visibility/wiper
Audi's mmi has a parking aid which includes a 360 degree top view mode. Top view mode reverts to "graphic view" with each restart of the vehicle. Top view mode should keep the user's last setting which in my case IS "camera view." camera view IS safer because the driver can actually see if there…
Audi's mmi has a parking aid which includes a 360 degree top view mode. Top view mode reverts to "graphic view" with each restart of the vehicle. Top view mode should keep the user's last setting which in my case IS "camera view." camera view IS safer because the driver can actually see if there are any obstacles right up against the car (e.g. Children) which sensors could miss. To switch to camera view, the driver needs to take their eyes off the road and click through the mmi menus. If parking with traffic, this IS a distraction and also not safe. This defect in the software isn't being addressed by audi in a timely fashion - it's been present for over a calendar year. New audi vehicles apparently include a later mmi version which does not have this bug but they have not distributed a fix to existing vehicles.
- Electrical system
Backup camera defaults to a black graphic view in stead of camera. Almost in multiple accidents as I had to switch to camera after every start while backing up in parking lots.
- Parking brake · Power train
The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in the garage with the garage door open and with the parking brake engaged. The contact was notified by a neighbor that the vehicle had rolled forward out of the garage down a small inclined driveway, crossed the street, and crashed into the corner of…
The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in the garage with the garage door open and with the parking brake engaged. The contact was notified by a neighbor that the vehicle had rolled forward out of the garage down a small inclined driveway, crossed the street, and crashed into the corner of the neighbor's house. The vehicle then rolled back into the street and stopped. Prior to the incident, no warning indicators were illuminated. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to audi south coast (1425 auto mall dr, santa ana, ca 92705 (714) 973-7766) where it was awaiting diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a claim was filed. The failure mileage was 500.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011305This bulletin provides information when the camera for the Driver Assist Systems is coded incorrectly.
- 11011303This bulletin provides information when the anti-theft alarm activates for no reason, or when the anti-theft alarm does not activate.
- 11011296This bulletin provides service-info relating to lithium-ion high-voltage batteries; determining energy content.
- 11011285This TSB Provides information when parking assistance provides false warnings.
- 11011282This bulletin provides information when speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference is noted.
- 11011274This bulletin provides information when the restricted function icon for Audi Pre sense is displayed after engine starts.
- 11011270This bulletin provides informatoin when Audi pre sense restricted message appears in the instrument cluster, no DTCs.
- 11011263This bulletin provides information regarding cleaning exterior glass.
- 11011256This bulletin provides information when the DTCs B200FF0 to B200FF5 are stored in the J775 suspension control unit.
- 11011253This bulletin provides infomraion when there are rumbling/knocking noises from the front suspension.
- 11011240This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
- 11011239This bulletin advises that fuel additives are not permitted.
- 11009983Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
- 11009941This bulletin provides diagnostic information regarding the locking system.
- 11009938This bulletin provides information when there are droning noises/vibrations in tight corners, vehicles with PR number GH4 (quattro with ultra technology).
- 11009936This bulletin provides informatin when there is binding or vibrations in tight turns with quattro Ultra.
- 11009928This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
- 11009927This bulletin provides information when oil is lost from the filler cap.
- 11009920This bulletin states that the use of fuel additives is not permitted.
- 11009380This bulletin provides information about the Audi pre sense warning, warning jolt and/or brake engagement.
- 11009376This bulletin provides information when the instrument cluster is blank when the vheicle is started, LED bar graphs are lit.
- 11009375This bulletin provides information pertaining to the GFF test plan required for A/C compressore replacements, regardless of the concern.
- 11009372This bulletin provides informaiton when the exterior black optic trim is discolored.
- 11009366This bulletin provides information when the vehicle does not start using the key reader, and/or the key is not recognized during immobilizer servicing.
- 11009365This bulletin provides information when there is visible corrosion at the joint between the roof and roof side member.
- 11009362This bulletin provides information when there is a prompt to take over steering; hands off detection.
- 11009361This bulletin provides information regarding steering wheel visual damage.
- 11009356This bulletin provides informaion regarding zirconium inserts in the bake piston for vehicle equipped with ceramic brakes.
- 11009354This bulletin provides information on frequency analysis.
- 11009351This bulletin provides information regarding the general approach to brakes rubbing.
- 11009348This bulleitn provides information when there is an implausible signal in the ABS/ESC speed sensor.
- 11009347This bulletin provides information when there are vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11009339This bulletin provides information parameter settings for suspension control unit J775.
- 11009335This bulletin provides information when there are rumbling noises from the suspension - upper link rubber mounting.
- 11009332This bulletin provides information when there are noises and/or vibration in tight turns in vehicles with quattro drive.
- 11009327This bulletin provides information when ther is an Engine: start/stop system fault shown and start/stop system not is working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
- 11009313This bulletin provides guidance in order to provid informaiton regarding preparatoin when calling the Audi Technical Assistnce Center (TAC).
- 11009312This bulletin provides informationw hen there are car was brush bristles trapped in the seam between the headlight and fender.
- 11007354This bulletin provides service-info relating to lithium-ion high-voltage batteries; determining energy content.
- 11007345This bulletin proves information when the bluetooth does not work, adaption channel deactivated.
Every Audi SQ5 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.