VehicleVerdict

2015 Audi SQ5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 2015 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.

8

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other SQ5 years?

SQ5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 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, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all SQ5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Audi SQ5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure338%
Steering225%
Brakes113%
Other113%
Suspension113%

Does the 2015 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.

“Rear subframe has extensive and significant rust affecting the structural integrity of the critical component…. Have been advised by a qualified certified mechanic that the vehicle should NOT be driven as doing so could result in catastrophic collapse of the vehicle suspension with potential loss…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 13, 2025

“POWER STEERING DISABLED WHILE DRIVING. WARNING ON DASH INDICATED THAT POWER STEERING IS DEFECTIVE. LOSS OF ELECTRONIC STEERING ASSIST WAS IMMEDIATE AND STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE. VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO SHOULDER WITHOUT INCIDENT. DEALER INDICATED SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 29, 2017

“Rear subframe has extensive and significant rust affecting the structural integrity of the critical component…. Have been advised by a qualified certified mechanic that the vehicle should NOT be driven as doing so could result in catastrophic collapse of the vehicle suspension with potential loss…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 13, 2025

“The contact owns a 2015 Audi SQ5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, while the brake pedal was depressed, the brakes failed to engage; the contact had to initiate the emergency brake to bring the vehicle to a halt. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 19, 2025

“ON JANUARY 8, 2018; I TOOK MY VEHICLE (AUDI SQ5, 2015, 21847 MILES, WELL WITHIN WARRANTY) INTO FLOW AUDI SERVICE DEPT. IN WINSTON-SALEM, NC. FOR A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER'S WHEEL HITTING AS IF METAL TO METAL, WITH A LOUD BANG AN A HARD JERK AS IF THE WHEEL IS SEPARATING FROM THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 8, 2018

2015 Audi SQ5 — common questions

Is the 2015 Audi SQ5 reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2015 Audi SQ5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2015 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 2015 Audi SQ5?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 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.