2018 Audi SQ5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2018 Audi SQ5 has a complaint index of 92, ranking 2nd worst out of 13 model years, with 24 complaints and 5 recalls, including 1 do-not-drive recall. Electrical System problems lead at 33% of complaints, based on NHTSA data.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 92/100
- #2 of 13 SQ5 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 24
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- 1 Do Not Drive
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 19 city / 24 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2018 Audi SQ5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System8 (33%)
- Engine6 (25%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (17%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (17%)
- Brakes3 (13%)
- Other3 (13%)
- Steering2 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (8%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (8%)
- Airbags1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Backup camera defaults to a black graphic screen instead of showing the live camera view, sometimes right after starting the vehicle.
- The 360-degree top view parking aid reverts to a different graphic mode every time the vehicle restarts instead of keeping the driver's chosen view.
- The collision avoidance system has erroneously activated at around 25 mph, causing the vehicle to stop abruptly with no obstacle present, including while in reverse.
- Audi pre-sense has slammed on the brakes during a left turn with oncoming traffic clear, temporarily disabling the vehicle in the lane of oncoming traffic.
- A steering malfunction warning light came on and the steering wheel became misaligned, recurring even after the steering column was replaced.
- The transmission has temporarily disengaged at 65 mph highway speed, causing the engine RPM to surge before re-engaging.
2018 Audi SQ5 recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V947000Dec 8, 2021Structure & Body288,991 vehicles
Structure:body
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 19V737000Oct 16, 2019Structure & Body174,278 vehicles
Structure:body
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 19V416000Jun 5, 2019Suspension, Wheels & Tires126,161 vehicles
Wheels:hub
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.
Risk: 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.
2018 Audi SQ5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other SQ5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Audi SQ5 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2018 SQ5 ranks 2nd worst among 13 model years with a complaint index of 92, and NHTSA lists 5 recalls including one do-not-drive recall for brake caliper pistons.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2018 Audi SQ5?
- The Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 33% of complaints (8 of 24), with a median mileage at failure of 36,979.5 miles.
- Does the 2018 Audi SQ5 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 SQ5, covering brake caliper pistons (do-not-drive), brake master cylinder, wheel arch trim (two separate recalls), and a body seam water ingress issue.
- How does the 2018 SQ5 compare to other SQ5 model years?
- The 2018 SQ5 has a complaint index of 92, the second highest among 13 model years tracked, behind only the 2024 model year which has an index of 100.
- What fuel economy does the 2018 Audi SQ5 get?
- The 2018 SQ5 is rated at 21 mpg combined (19 city / 24 highway) by the EPA, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,800.