2018 Audi SQ5 recalls and problems

The 2018 Audi SQ5 has 5 safety recalls and 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.

Urgent: recall 18V-369 carries a "do not drive" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
5
Complaints
25
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Audi SQ5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Audi SQ5 recalls

Recall 21V-947: Structure, Electrical System

Reported Dec 8, 2021 · 288,991 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 19V-737: Structure

Reported Oct 16, 2019 · 174,278 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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: The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 19V-416: Wheels

Reported Jun 5, 2019 · 126,161 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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: The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 19V-277: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Apr 8, 2019 · 12,645 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 18V-369: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Do not driveReported Jun 1, 2018 · 10,225 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2018 Audi SQ5 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System8
Engine7
Forward Collision Avoidance5
Power Train4
Unknown or Other3
Exterior Lighting3
Visibility/Wiper2
Service Brakes2
Steering2
Parking Brake1
Wheels1
Tires1

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
  • Tires › Sidewall — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 7,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Audi SQ5 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Oct 22, 2026
[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
Engine · reported Aug 9, 2026
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…
Engine · reported Jul 5, 2026
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…
Electrical System · reported Dec 29, 2024
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 · reported Nov 22, 2024
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.

Other Audi SQ5 years

Compare all Audi SQ5 years · All Audi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Audi SQ5 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 Audi SQ5: 21V-947 (structure, electrical system), 19V-737 (structure), 19V-416 (wheels), 19V-277 (service brakes, hydraulic), 18V-369 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Audi SQ5?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (8 reports), followed by engine (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 7,000 miles.

Are Audi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Audi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.