2020 Audi SQ5
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2020 Audi SQ5. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2020 Audi SQ5. Newest first.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
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 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.
Owner complaints
8 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
2020 Audi SQ5, 3.0T EA839 engine. On 9/22/2026 an independent repair shop inspected the vehicle and found engine coolant pooling in the engine valley beneath the coolant module (integrated water pump / thermostat housing). The leak is internal and was not visible from outside the vehicle: no…
2020 Audi SQ5, 3.0T EA839 engine. On 9/22/2026 an independent repair shop inspected the vehicle and found engine coolant pooling in the engine valley beneath the coolant module (integrated water pump / thermostat housing). The leak is internal and was not visible from outside the vehicle: no coolant on the ground and no warning light before the shop inspected it. The area was wet and coated with residue, indicating the leak had been active for some time. The shop confirmed the leaking coolant has contaminated the PCV valve and vacuum hose system located in the same area. Repair estimate is approximately $4,600 to replace the coolant module, PCV valve, and vacuum lines. This failure pattern on EA839 engines is the subject of a pending class action (Larr v. Volkswagen Group of America, D.N.J. 2:26-cv-05678). Because the leak is concealed, a driver can lose coolant and overheat the engine with no warning, which is a safety concern. No crash, fire, or injury. Vehicle is outside the factory warranty. Problem confirmed by an independent service center; not yet inspected by the manufacturer.
- Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
My 2020 Audi SQ5 (3.0L turbo V6, EA839 engine) experienced premature water pump failure at 64,361 miles. Coolant leaked into the vacuum system, damaging the vacuum unit and related components. Failed parts are available for inspection. Safety Risk: Loss of coolant circulation causes rapid…
My 2020 Audi SQ5 (3.0L turbo V6, EA839 engine) experienced premature water pump failure at 64,361 miles. Coolant leaked into the vacuum system, damaging the vacuum unit and related components. Failed parts are available for inspection. Safety Risk: Loss of coolant circulation causes rapid overheating and risk of sudden engine failure at highway speeds, creating a collision hazard. Coolant intrusion into the vacuum system can also impair brake booster function, compromising stopping ability. Confirmed by Dealer: Diagnosed and confirmed by Audi Reno Tahoe (Reno, NV) on April 9, 2026. Written estimate #XXX documents replacement of the water pump, pulley, valve, vacuum unit, hose, and tank — totaling $6,591.37 out of pocket. No recall or manufacturer assistance has been offered even though this is a known issue dating back to 2013. Warnings: On 4/9/2026, dealer reports that after a non related repair test drive the technician observed "Drive system malfunction ON during hard acceleration" as well as visible signs of coolant leakage. Prior to having the non-related service completed, I did not see any warning lights or receive a temperature warning. Known Defect — Recall Warranted: This failure is consistent with a documented defect across 2013–2022 Audi/VW 3.0T engines. A class action — XXX et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America, Case No. XXX— specifically names the 2020 SQ5. Despite known complaints, internal testing data, and dealer reports, no recall has been issued. I urge NHTSA to investigate and mandate a recall of all affected vehicles.
- Unknown or other
My sunroof spontaneously imploded while driving my vehicle on the highway. I was going to speed limit in the middle lane, very little traffic, no semi-trucks near and did not drive under an overpass.
- Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking
I recently purchased this vehicle 8/5/23 and since then the pre sense function has activated it’s jarring emergency breaking three times. Once it happened to me backing out of my driveway without any obstruction, another with my husband backing out of a parking spot, and then most recently today…
I recently purchased this vehicle 8/5/23 and since then the pre sense function has activated it’s jarring emergency breaking three times. Once it happened to me backing out of my driveway without any obstruction, another with my husband backing out of a parking spot, and then most recently today with me as a driver going about 35 mph where it “sensed” a vehicle next to me about to change into my lane but changed their mind. Even if the vehicle next to me changed lanes to go in front of me, there was plenty of space and having the emergency pre sense braking created a more unsafe situation with the vehicle behind me potentially rear ending me. I contacted the local Audi dealer and they said there is no way to have this feature turn off as a default. Instead, I have to manually turn it off every time I turn on the ignition. I love the car but the pre sense feature has placed me in more unsafe situations than without it. I wish the manufacturer would allow having this system turn off as a default.
- Unknown or other
The sos emergency system continues to fail. It alarms that it failed. Warning light on the dashboard continues to be on. The car was brought to the dealer. emergency calling unavailable while driving.
- Back over prevention › Warnings · Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking · Forward collision avoidance › Warnings
I have had multiple instances of the emergency breaking applying improperly. On at least two occasions the rear backup/parking sensors detected some sort of object when one didn’t exist and abruptly engaged the breaks despite there being no object behind me. On one occasion I had a passenger who…
I have had multiple instances of the emergency breaking applying improperly. On at least two occasions the rear backup/parking sensors detected some sort of object when one didn’t exist and abruptly engaged the breaks despite there being no object behind me. On one occasion I had a passenger who witnessed the behavior. On another instance, and the one that concerned me, the front collision indicator detected something non-existent and abruptly slammed on my breaks while I was driving 70mph on a 3 lane highway. There were no objects or car in viewable distance at all. The abruptness, lack of warning, and breaking power sent my car out of control across all three lanes and nearly into a barrier before I was able to regain control and the breaks released. I was on the phone (hands-free) when this occurred and my fiancé could hear the whole thing. In both instances no sensors or alarms were activated in advance to give warning, and activated only in concert with the breaks being autonomously applied. All instances were reported to Audi who ran diagnostics and electrical/systems tests and found no errors or problems despite multiple occurrences.
- Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking · Service brakes
The contact owns a 2020 Audi SQ5. The contact stated while reversing in her driveway, the automatic braking system activated and the vehicle stopped abruptly. The contact stated that there was a vehicle at a stop sign 500 ft. away from her vehicle when the failure occurred. The contact shifted the…
The contact owns a 2020 Audi SQ5. The contact stated while reversing in her driveway, the automatic braking system activated and the vehicle stopped abruptly. The contact stated that there was a vehicle at a stop sign 500 ft. away from her vehicle when the failure occurred. The contact shifted the vehicle into park. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while reversing and while driving from a complete stop. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal sound while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer approximately 3-4 times however, the mechanic diagnosed that no issues were found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact notified the manufacturer and inquired about buy back. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 150.
- Steering · Vehicle speed control
When using the lane-departure and 'steering correction' system this vehicle will attempt to suddenly, sharply, and dangerously change lanes. this morning (8/26/20), while traveling on a four lane divided highway with cruise control and lane departure active, the vehicle jerked left into a…
When using the lane-departure and 'steering correction' system this vehicle will attempt to suddenly, sharply, and dangerously change lanes. this morning (8/26/20), while traveling on a four lane divided highway with cruise control and lane departure active, the vehicle jerked left into a turn-only lane, overriding my manual steering of the car in the straight travel lane. had another car been in the turning lane we would have nearly certainly collided, as my car was at least 30% into the lane before I could react and bring it back into the center lane.
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
- 11009967This bulletin provides information when there is an issue with wireless charging/wireless charging not working with Audi Phone Box.
- 11009959This Pending Service Solution (PSS) requests that technicians enter a record in the PSS Database when there is an Audi connect installation error.
- 11009957This bulletin provides informatin on ordering replacement parts for vehicles with ConBox Low; applies to any customer complaint or DTC, including SOS malfunctions.
- 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.
- 11009390This Pending Service Solution (PSS) requests that technicians enter a record in the PSS Database when there is an Audi connect installation error.
- 11009387This bulletin provides information when there is an SOS Malfunction with ConBox Low, "Emergency call function: fault", (DTC U142100, U153E00).
- 11009385This bulletin provides information about ordering ConBox Low replacement parts; applies to any customer complaint, or DTC, including SOS malfunction.
- 11009380This bulletin provides information about the Audi pre sense warning, warning jolt and/or brake engagement.
- 11009377This bulletin provides information when the audi virtual cockpit display has semi-circular marks on the edges of the display.
- 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.
Every Audi SQ5 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.