2018 Audi SQ5
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 24 |
| 2019 | 19 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 24 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 24 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
I purchased my 2018 Audi SQ5 on September 12, 2025, from Audi Denver (McDonald Automotive Group).
NHTSA ODI report, 20260809
Also filed under ENGINE and POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180812
6 of 24 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine Thermostat broke
NHTSA ODI report, 20240314
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
5 of 24 total reports mention: forward collision avoidance, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230612
4 of 24 total reports mention: power train.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE WITH THE GARAGE DOOR OPEN AND WITH THE PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170922
Also filed under PARKING BRAKE
3 of 24 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
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).
NHTSA ODI report, 20240515
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 18V369000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 19V277000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 19V416000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 19V737000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles.
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.
Campaign 21V947000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Audi SQ5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V369000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V277000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V416000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V737000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V947000 (electrical system, structure) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2018 Audi SQ5 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Audi SQ5?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Audi SQ5 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.