VehicleVerdict

2014 Audi SQ5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 2014 Audi SQ5 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

13

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2014 compare to other SQ5 years?

SQ5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted35 complaints2013: 1 complaints2014: 13 complaints2015: 8 complaints2016: 6 complaints2017: 5 complaints2018: 35 complaints2019: 25 complaints2020: 12 complaints2021: 18 complaints2022: 2 complaints2023: 3 complaints2024: 8 complaints2025: 7 complaints
SQ5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all SQ5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Audi SQ5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering431%
Fuel System323%
Suspension215%
Engine18%
Electrical System18%
Body & Structure18%
Visibility & Wipers18%

Does the 2014 Audi SQ5 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V452000SteeringJuly 20, 2015 · 5,625 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Audi SQ5 vehicles manufactured May 22, 2013, to April 14, 2015. The affected vehicles have an electric power steering assist system that may shut down in cold temperatures due to a steering motor sensor fault.

Consequence

If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the power steering control module software, free of charge. The recall began on July 31, 2015. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 48M1.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDI SQ5. BEFORE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V452000 (STEERING). WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE OUT OF THE PARKING LOT, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUDI BEVERLY HILLS (2340…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 14, 2019

“UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES DRIVING TO OR FROM LOS ANGELES TO PHOENIX, THE FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTIONS AND THE CAR SHUTS DOWN. IT STARTS AGAIN AFTER VEHICLE COOLS DOWN. THE FIRST TIME IT SHUT DOWN AT BLYTHE CALIFORNIA AND THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE AUDI DEALER IN RANCHO MIRAGE. DIAGNOSTIC SHOWED NO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 21, 2019

“I have a 2014 Audi sq5. Had vehicle in for service today and the tech discovered a huge rust hole in the rear subframe on both the left and right sides under the plastic shielding. This is a huge safety issue and this is not normal on a 10 year old vehicle to have this massive rust problem. After…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 27, 2024

“Vehicle has suffered extensive and catastrophic corrosion to the rear sub-frame resulting in structural danger to operate vehicle. Extensive rust appears to be the result of substandard materials and the manufacturer supplied installation of plastic guard which traps and retains moisture and debris…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 6, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDI SQ5. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SITTING IN THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND TRAVELED DOWN TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT NO OBJECT ENCOUNTERED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND THAT HE WAS CONCERNED THAT THE MATERIAL WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 28, 2014

2014 Audi SQ5 — common questions

Is the 2014 Audi SQ5 reliable?

The record is thin — 13 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2014 SQ5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (4 complaints), fuel system (3 complaints), suspension (2 complaints).

Does the 2014 Audi SQ5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2014 Audi SQ5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi SQ5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the SQ5 years to avoid are 2018. The cleanest record among SQ5 years belongs to 2013.

How safe is the 2014 Audi SQ5?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2014 Audi SQ5 earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.