2016 Audi Sq5 Safety Report
2016 Audi SQ5 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Audi Sq5
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Audi Sq5. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Low (0) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (6) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Steering | Compare steering issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2017 | Compare against the 2017 Audi Sq5 with 5 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Audi Sq5 before buying across this generation. |
Audi Sq5 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Audi Sq5 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Audi Sq5 | 5 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Audi Sq5 | 7 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Audi Sq5 | 22 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Audi Sq5 | 17 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Audi Sq5 | 6 | 4 | Use as a comparable safety baseline. |
| 2021 Audi Sq5 | 9 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2016 Audi Sq5 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Audi Sq5, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Steering
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Audi onlyUnknown Or Other
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Audi onlyEngine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Audi onlyVisibility/Wiper
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Audi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Audi Sq5
Reliability Score
The 2016 Audi Sq5 receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Audi Sq5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Audi Sq5
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Audi Sq5:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Water Pump Failure The engine water pump has failed twice within a short period, indicating a potential reliability issue. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering Intermediate Shaft Defect A known defect on MLB-platform Audi models, including the SQ5, can cause steering issues. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Audi Sq5:
Steering issues are a common problem in the 2016 Audi SQ5.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Audi Sq5
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Audi Sq5 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
THE ORIGINAL ENGINE WATER PUMP FAILED AT 18,313 MILES ON MAY 12, 2019. THE REPLACED ENGINE WATER PUMP HAS FAILED AGAIN AT 24,700 MILES ON APRIL 25. 2021. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE AND UNSAFE.
STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IS A KNOWN DEFECT ON EVERY MLB-PLATFORM AUDI MODEL. MY SQ5, LIKE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS, HAS DEVELOPED A KNOWN DEFECT THAT CAUSES A SQUEAKING/CREAKING THAT CAN BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. IT CAN ALSO BE FAINTLY HEARD. INSTEAD OF INITIATING A RECALL TO FIX THE ISSUE, AUDI HAS RELEASED TONS OF TSBS THAT ONLY COVER IN-WARRANTY CARS, EVEN THOUGH MAY C...
THE AUDI SQ 5 LOSES POWER STEERING IF THE RACK/PINION POWER STEERING UNIT IS EXPOSED TO WATER. THIS DOES NOT REFER TO FLOODING OR SUBMERGED CAR AUDI CONSIDERS WEATHER AN OUTSIDE INFLUENCE AND DOES NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY THE CAR RETAINS FULL PROPULSION BUT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER THE ELECTRICAL MECHANISM ON THE POWER STEERING IS DANGEROUSLY EXPOSED , AND APPARENTLY NOT WEATHER PROOF I MADE A ...
I HAVE A REPEAT OF MY ISSUE 10971202. WHILE IT MIGHT NOT SEEM LIKE A BIG DEAL- THAT THE CAR LOCKS ITSELF AFTER I PLACE MY PURSE WITH MY KEYS ON THE BACK SEAT AND CLOSE THE DOOR- IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR A WOMAN IN A MALL. I GET LOCKED OUT OF MY CAR, AND SOMETIMES MY PHONE IS IN MY PURSE, LEAVING ME STRANDED. AUDI CLAIMS THAT NO ONE HAS REPORTED THE ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT TH...
I AM WRITING TO EXPRESS MY EXTREME ANXIETY OVER MY RECENT EXPERIENCE WITH THE SENSOR-KEY. I TYPICALLY KEEP THE KEYS IN MY PURSE, OPEN THE REAR DOOR (BEHIND THE DRIVER DOOR), AND LEAVE MY PURSE ON THE SEAT OR THE FLOOR, CLOSE THAT DOOR, THEN OPEN THE DRIVER DOOR AND DRIVE. A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO (MARCH 8TH, 2017), THE CAR WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. I UNLOCKED THE REAR DOOR, PLACED ALL MY BA...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI SQ5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIZE AND PLACEMENT OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE MIRRORS CAUSED A BLIND SPOT WHEN MAKING TURNS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT DUE TO THE FAILURE, HE NEARLY CRASHED INTO A PEDESTRIAN. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE ROAD WAS UNABLE TO BE VIEWED WHICH COULD RESULT INTO A CRASH DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFO...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Audi Sq5
Has the 2016 AUDI SQ5 been recalled?
No, the 2016 AUDI SQ5 has no recalls on record with NHTSA as of our latest data update.
How many complaints does the 2016 AUDI SQ5 have?
The 2016 AUDI SQ5 has 6 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 AUDI SQ5?
The 2016 AUDI SQ5 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 AUDI SQ5?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 AUDI SQ5 involve steering (2 complaints), unknown or other (2 complaints), engine (1 complaints). Other affected components include visibility/wiper.
How many crash reports does the 2016 AUDI SQ5 have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2016 AUDI SQ5 in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2016 AUDI SQ5 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2016 AUDI SQ5 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 AUDI SQ5?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 AUDI SQ5.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 AUDI SQ5?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 AUDI SQ5.
Should I buy a 2016 AUDI SQ5?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 AUDI SQ5 is generally recommended. It has 6 complaints, 0 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 AUDI SQ5?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 AUDI SQ5 are: 1. STEERING (2 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), 3. ENGINE (1 complaints), 4. VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints). STEERING is the single most-reported problem area with 2 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 AUDI SQ5?
Be aware of potential steering and engine water pump issues, especially if you plan to drive over 30,000 miles. The 2016 AUDI SQ5 has 6 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2016 AUDI SQ5?
The 2016 AUDI SQ5 receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 6 owner complaints, 0 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine water pump failure and Steering intermediate shaft defect.
What are the known issues with the 2016 AUDI SQ5?
Known issues with the 2016 AUDI SQ5 include: Engine water pump failure, Steering intermediate shaft defect. These are based on patterns found across 6 NHTSA complaints.
Are there any known defects in the 2016 Audi SQ5?
Yes, the steering intermediate shaft is a known defect, and the engine water pump has failed twice.
How many miles do the engine water pump failures occur at?
The engine water pump failed at 18,313 miles and again at 24,700 miles.
What should I be cautious about with the steering in my 2016 Audi SQ5?
Be cautious about steering issues, as a known defect can cause problems, especially if you drive over 30,000 miles.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential steering and engine water pump issues, especially if you plan to drive over 30,000 miles.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Audi Sq5
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Audi Sq5. The data includes 6 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Audi Sq5 an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13