2018 Audi SQ5 recalls and problems

5 recalls and 25 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Audi SQ5.

5
recalls
25
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2018 Audi SQ5 recalls

Structure: body · Electrical system: body control module/BCM

NHTSA campaign 21V947000 · reported December 8, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 288,991 vehicles potentially affected

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

Structure: body

NHTSA campaign 19V737000 · reported October 16, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 174,278 vehicles potentially affected

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

Wheels: hub

NHTSA campaign 19V416000 · reported June 5, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 126,161 vehicles potentially affected

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

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, master cylinder

NHTSA campaign 19V277000 · reported April 8, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 12,645 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, disc, caliper

NHTSA campaign 18V369000 · reported June 1, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 10,225 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 22, 2026 · Engine

[B9 SQ5 - EA839 3.0T V6 CWGD] - Remove Front Bumper & Activate Radiator Support Service Position - Drain Cooling System - Remove & Replace Water Pump, Thermo- Pneumatic Valve, & Vacuum Line Set w/ Solenoids & All Necessary Hardware - Remove & Replace Thermostat Assembly w/ Seal - Remove & Replace Both Accessory Drive…

Aug 9, 2026 · Engine

I purchased my 2018 Audi SQ5 on September 12, 2025, from Audi Denver (McDonald Automotive Group). On …, at 114,145 miles, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic engine failure while driving on the highway near […], caused by defective rocker arm needle bearings in the 3.0T EA839 V6 engine. ​The early-design…

Jul 5, 2026 · Engine

While driving a 2018 Audi SQ5 with the EA839 3.0T engine, a coolant warning light activated and engine temperatures began rising to 210-215°F. The vehicle was pulled over immediately. Upon inspection the coolant reservoir was found to be nearly empty with dried coolant residue on the exterior indicating an active…

Dec 29, 2024 · Electrical system

Heavy rain leaked into the cabin of my SUV,and damaged the module, no controls worked through the key fob, no start . I keep my SUV under cover 90% of the time. A recent wind storm damaged my car port that I usually keep it under, so lately it’s been outside more often, especially if wind is in the forecast. I still…

Nov 22, 2024 · Electrical system

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.

SQ5 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2015 1900
2016 0600
2017 0520
2018 52510
2019 52010
2020 4800
2021 51300

Across all years, the 2018 SQ5 has the most complaints (25). All Audi SQ5 years →

Questions

Does the 2018 Audi SQ5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 Audi SQ5, the most recent reported on December 8, 2021 (Structure: body, Electrical system: body control module/BCM). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Audi SQ5?
Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (8 complaints), followed by engine (7).
How many 2018 Audi SQ5 complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 25 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 22, 2026.