2018 Audi Sq5 Safety Report
2018 Audi SQ5 Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Audi Sq5
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 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 | High (5) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (22) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 1 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Electrical System | Compare electrical system issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2017 | Compare against the 2017 Audi Sq5 with 5 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Audi Sq5 | 17 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Audi Sq5 | 5 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Audi Sq5 | 6 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Audi Sq5 | 6 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Audi Sq5 | 9 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Audi Sq5 | 7 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2018 Audi Sq5 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 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.
Electrical System
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Audi onlySteering
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Audi onlyForward Collision Avoidance
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Forward Collision Avoidance issues Audi onlyVisibility/Wiper
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Audi onlyUnknown Or Other
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Audi onlyElectrical System,Exterior Lighting
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Exterior Lighting issues Audi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Audi Sq5
Reliability Score
The 2018 Audi Sq5 receives a reliability score of 87 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 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 2018 Audi Sq5
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Audi Sq5:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Control Module/Bcm Failure Water damage to the BCM can render the vehicle inoperable, requiring towing and repair. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering Noise A squeaking noise from the steering column can occur, especially in rainy weather. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction The system may fail to function properly, leading to potential safety concerns. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Thermostat Failure Thermostat failure can lead to engine overheating and potential engine damage. |
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 2018 Audi Sq5:
Water damage can cause BCM failures, leading to inoperable vehicle systems.
Noise from the steering column can occur, especially in rainy conditions.
Malfunctions can occur, affecting safety features.
Thermostat failure can lead to engine overheating and damage.
Recall Details for the 2018 Audi Sq5
The following 5 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Audi Sq5 by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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. Volksw...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Audi Sq5
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Audi Sq5 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
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 use it if no wind is forecasted, because of the damage I don’t trust the carport u...
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.
During a rainstorm, water drained from roof drains that are apparently supposed to be cleaned & maintenance done by dealership on a regular basis but were clogged due to them not being any maintenance done. Water shorted out the entire control module for the entire vehicle computer after leaking into the rear inside behind hatch where battery and electrical components are located rendering the ve...
Oil leaking from the engine. Mechanic determined that it was the Filter Housing. They replaced the filter housing and since then, the problem is all good. I spent over $5000 to identify this problem and get it repaired.
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 is also located in the tire well and the rear right side compartment. The CCM error in turn caused a ...
Engine Thermostat broke
The contact owns a 2018 Audi SQ 5. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH in rainy weather, several unknown warning lights started blinking and the rear windshield wiper independently activated, and contact was unable to turn off the rear windshield wiper. The contact pulled over on the side on the road and turned off the vehicle. Once the contact restarted the vehicle, the vehicle operated norma...
I’m hearing squeaking noise from the steering column when steering left or right slowly of my Audi SQ5 2018 model. I noticed the noise can be heard loud after driving the vehicle for 30 min on the road or longer time driven. The squeaking noise from steering wheel column is often heard when taking the vehicle out from parking lot or moving the vehicle from stationary while turning the steering whe...
The Forward Collision Warning system in my 2018 Audi SQ5 is meant to autonomously apply the vehicle's brakes in the event the car senses an oncoming forward collision. At least five different times over the past five months, my vehicle's Forward Collision Warning system activated and applied the brakes at seemingly random times when there was no possible threat of an oncoming forward collision be...
While driving the rear half of the sunroof exploded. With no warning there was a sudden, very load "pop". The sunroof pane had completely shattered and was only held in place by the aftermarket tint layer that had been applied. The mesh shade that sits below the sunroof kept any pieces from falling on us while driving. Had the tint and mesh shade not been there, the interior would have been co...
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.
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 seconds and causing the engine RPM to surge. Transmission re-engaged and operation became normal.
Twice in the past 5 months my stop/start system has malfunctioned. While rolling to a stop my car had died, reports a malfunction and will only start again after 5-7 attempts. The first time this happened I was at a stop light and could have been hit from the rear. The second time this happened I was stranded in the middle of a very busy 4 lane highway and could have been hit by oncoming traffic. ...
Tire sidewall is splitting. There have been no accidents or incidents that could have caused this type of sidewall damage. The tire is a Contisportcontact 5P, 255/40 zr21.
MY CAR KEEPS SAYING PLEASE REDUCE OIL LEVEL
WHILE DRIVING, THE 'STEERING MALFUNCTION' WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. THE WARNING SAID THAT IT WAS OK TO DRIVE. ON THE SAME DAY, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME ASKEW AND WAS NO LONGER ALIGNED. THIS MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE THE CAR. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN IN JULY 2020. I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE ON 7/23/20. ON 9/5/20, THE SAME 'STEERING MALFUNCTION' WARNING LIGHT LIT UP. IT IS...
I WAS STOPPED IN A DESIGNATED LEFT TURN LANE WAITING FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC TO CLEAR. AS THE LAST CAR WAS PASSING ME GOING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AND MAKE MY LEFT TURN. THE AUDI PRE-SENSE SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. SO NOW I'M IN THE LANE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC WITH MY CAR TEMPORARILY DISABLED. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. IF I HAD HAD MY DOG IN THE BACK OF THE CAR, HE ...
I PURCHASED MY 2018 AUDI SQ5 BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN APRIL 2018. I BELIEVE THE PIRELLI TIRES THAT WERE PUT ON THE CAR DURING PRODUCATION ARE DEFECTIVE. THE INSIDE OF THE TIRES CAME APART; THE NOISE CANCELLATION PADS CAME APART IN THE TIRE AND HAVE ROLLED UP. THEY WERE CAUSING THE WHOLE CAR TO SHAKE WHEN I WOULD GO OVER 50+ MPH. THESE WERE UNSAFE TIRES TO BE DRIVING ON. I AM REPORTING THI...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 AUDI SQ5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ABRUPTLY STOP. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES IN THE VICINITY AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (BELL AUDI, 782 US1,...
AUDI'S MMI HAS A PARKING AID WHICH INCLUDES A 360 DEGREE TOP VIEW MODE. TOP VIEW MODE REVERTS TO "GRAPHIC VIEW" WITH EACH RESTART OF THE VEHICLE. TOP VIEW MODE SHOULD KEEP THE USER'S LAST SETTING WHICH IN MY CASE IS "CAMERA VIEW." CAMERA VIEW IS SAFER BECAUSE THE DRIVER CAN ACTUALLY SEE IF THERE ARE ANY OBSTACLES RIGHT UP AGAINST THE CAR (E.G. CHILDREN) WHICH SENSORS COULD MISS. TO SWITCH TO CAMER...
Showing 20 of 22 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Audi Sq5
Has the 2018 AUDI SQ5 been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 AUDI SQ5 has 5 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 AUDI SQ5 have?
The 2018 AUDI SQ5 has 22 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. 2 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 AUDI SQ5?
The 2018 AUDI SQ5 does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 AUDI SQ5?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 AUDI SQ5 involve electrical system (2 complaints), steering (2 complaints), forward collision avoidance (2 complaints). Other affected components include visibility/wiper, unknown or other, electrical system,exterior lighting.
How many crash reports does the 2018 AUDI SQ5 have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2018 AUDI SQ5 out of 22 total complaints (4.5% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 AUDI SQ5 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2018 AUDI SQ5 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 AUDI SQ5?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 AUDI SQ5.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 AUDI SQ5?
2 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 AUDI SQ5. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 AUDI SQ5?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 AUDI SQ5 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 22 complaints, 5 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 AUDI SQ5?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 AUDI SQ5 are: 1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints), 2. STEERING (2 complaints), 3. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints), 4. VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints), 5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints). ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 2 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 AUDI SQ5?
Consider the potential for electrical system and steering issues, and ensure regular maintenance to prevent water damage and other common problems. The 2018 AUDI SQ5 has 22 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2018 AUDI SQ5?
The 2018 AUDI SQ5 receives a reliability score of 87/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 22 owner complaints, 5 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Body Control Module/BCM Failure and Steering Noise.
What are the known issues with the 2018 AUDI SQ5?
Known issues with the 2018 AUDI SQ5 include: Body Control Module/BCM Failure, Steering Noise, Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction, Engine Thermostat Failure. These are based on patterns found across 22 NHTSA complaints. 5 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common electrical system issues with the 2018 Audi SQ5?
Common issues include BCM failures and engine malfunctions due to water damage.
Can the forward collision avoidance system fail, and what are the consequences?
Yes, the system can fail, potentially leading to safety concerns without proper functioning.
What should I do if I hear a squeaking noise from the steering column?
Have the vehicle inspected to address the noise, especially if it occurs in rainy weather.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Consider the potential for electrical system and steering issues, and ensure regular maintenance to prevent water damage and other common problems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Audi Sq5
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Audi Sq5. The data includes 22 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
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