Audi SQ5 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 124 owner complaints and 14 safety recalls on file for the Audi SQ5, across 14 model years (2013–2026). The 2018 model year has the most complaints (24). The most reported problem area overall is engine.
Audi SQ5 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical SQ5 year: 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2018 SQ5: 24 complaints, 5 recalls
- 2019 SQ5: 20 complaints, 5 recalls
- 2021 SQ5: 13 complaints, 5 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Audi SQ5 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 24 | 10 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 22 | 9 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 18 | 9 | 0 |
| Steering | 15 | 9 | 0 |
| Power Train | 11 | 5 | 1 |
| Structure | 10 | 6 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 9 | 5 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 8 | 5 | 0 |
| Suspension | 8 | 5 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 8 | 6 | 1 |
| Air Bags | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Lane Departure | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Tires | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Audi SQ5 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 SQ5 | 4 | 0 | — | Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| 2025 SQ5 | 8 | 1 | — | Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| 2024 SQ5 | 6 | 0 | — | Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| 2023 SQ5 | 3 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2022 SQ5 | 5 | 2 | — | Engine | |
| 2021 SQ5 | 13 | 5 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2020 SQ5 | 8 | 4 | — | Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| 2019 SQ5 | 20 | 5 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2018 SQ5 | 24 | 5 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2017 SQ5 | 5 | 0 | 4★ | Electrical System | |
| 2016 SQ5 | 6 | 0 | 4★ | Steering | |
| 2015 SQ5 | 9 | 1 | 4★ | Structure | |
| 2014 SQ5 | 12 | 1 | 4★ | Steering | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2013 SQ5 | 1 | 0 | — | Engine |
More from Audi: all Audi models · Audi VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi SQ5 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2014 (12), 2018 (24), 2019 (20), 2021 (13) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical SQ5 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Audi SQ5?
Engine, with 24 complaints across 10 model years.
How many recalls does the Audi SQ5 have?
14 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.