2021 Audi SQ5
Only 13 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 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2021
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2021: 13 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2019 | 20 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Known problem areas
Only 13 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine
5 of 13 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
I noticed my car started to lose coolant, I checked my water pump and I saw there was a leak on of the hoses. Once I discovered that I also heard a tapping noise coming from the engine.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-23
Also filed under Service brakes
The engine water pump on this vehicle is leaking both internally and externally. This vehicle uses the 3.0T (EA839) engine, which uses a vacuum-actuated water pump with a shroud sleeve mechanism.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-13
While driving kid spilled water on rear seat, within 5 min all sensors started beeping, display started turning off and on, steering wheel very hard to maneuver, windows opening and closing spontaneously, car wouldn't go into park mode, engine...
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-04-18
Also filed under Electrical system
Electrical system
4 of 13 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
MMI not connecting Control module for emergency call module
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-08-01
Comfort Module J393 failed that is tied to all electronics warnings in car. brake warnings, light warning, security warnings, etc. Car was unable to be started as a result.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-04-30
Power train
3 of 13 total reports mention: power train.
Steering
1 of 13 total reports mentions: steering.
Service brakes
1 of 13 total reports mentions: service brakes.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2021-06-04Suspension21V295000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
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R
2021-08-27Seat belts21V606000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021.
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2022-01-21Electrical system, structure21V947000 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.
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R
2022-03-03Suspension, tires22V034000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
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2022-10-25Back over prevention22V742000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Audi SQ5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V295000 · Suspension
- Recall 21V606000 · Seat belts
- Recall 21V947000 · Electrical system, structure
- Recall 22V034000 · Suspension, tires
- Recall 22V742000 · Back over prevention
FAQ
- Is the 2021 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 2021 Audi SQ5?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Audi SQ5 have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.