VehicleVerdict

2018 Audi SQ5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 35 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.4 times the median SQ5 year — the 2018 model ranks #1 of 13 SQ5 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (7), driver assistance (5), and engine (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

35

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other SQ5 years?

SQ5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 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, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all SQ5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Audi SQ5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System720%
Driver Assistance514%
Engine411%
Lighting39%
Brakes39%
Other39%
Visibility & Wipers26%
Tires & Wheels26%
Transmission26%
Steering26%
Fuel System13%
Airbags13%

Does the 2018 Audi SQ5 have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V947000Body & StructureDecember 8, 2021 · 288,991 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

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. Audi's number for this recall is 90S9.

19V737000Body & StructureOctober 16, 2019 · 174,278 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

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. Audi's number for this recall is 66K8.

19V416000Tires & WheelsJune 5, 2019 · 126,161 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66K6.

19V277000BrakesApril 8, 2019 · 12,645 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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. Audi's number for this recall is 47O9.

18V369000BrakesJune 1, 2018 · 10,225 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

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. 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 26, 2024

“Two issues: 1. Phantom braking, sudden deceleration, vehicle came to a rapid complete stop on road. Audi assist light came on. Road Conditions: clear, dry, very good visibility for night conditions. 2. While driving at highway speed, i.e. 65 MPH, the transmission disengaged temporarily for several…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · September 3, 2021

“The car windows were down the windshield wipers were running the front lights were on and parking brake light is flashing. I'm not sure how water was sitting where the spare tire was located. As I researched it stated it may be a faulty comfort module.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 24, 2023

“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE WITH THE GARAGE DOOR OPEN AND WITH THE PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED BY A NEIGHBOR THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ROLLED FORWARD OUT OF THE GARAGE DOWN A SMALL INCLINED DRIVEWAY, CROSSED THE STREET, AND CRASHED INTO THE CORNER OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 21, 2017 · crash

“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). The entire area is still damp 3 days later, and water…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 12, 2024

2018 Audi SQ5 — common questions

Is the 2018 Audi SQ5 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 35 complaints put the 2018 model at #1 of 13 SQ5 years. It is one of the SQ5 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 SQ5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (7 complaints), driver assistance (5 complaints), engine (4 complaints).

Does the 2018 Audi SQ5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 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.

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.