2018 Audi Sq5 Safety Report

2018 Audi SQ5 faces critical recalls for braking and electrical systems, with reported phantom braking and water ingress issues.

22Complaints
5Recalls
55/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
2Injuries
Most reported components: Electrical System (2)Steering (2)Forward Collision Avoidance (2)Visibility/Wiper (2)Unknown Or Other (2)Electrical System,Exterior Lighting (1)Electrical System,Engine,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Engine (1)Electrical System,Exterior Lighting,Unknown Or Other (1)Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Audi Sq5

The 2018 Audi SQ5 presents a mixed safety picture, with a notable number of recalls addressing critical safety components, yet limited crash test data from NHTSA. While NHTSA has not rated the vehicle for overall, frontal, or side crash performance, it received a 4-star rollover rating. The vehicle has accumulated 22 complaints, including 1 crash and 2 injuries, but no reported fires or deaths. A significant concern is the pattern of electrical system failures, often linked to water ingress, which can lead to a sudden loss of engine power as highlighted by a recall for the Body Control Module. Recall history is extensive, with five recalls impacting the 2018 SQ5. These include serious issues such as a potential sudden loss of brakes due to a short master cylinder casting, and reduced braking performance from faulty brake calipers. Other recalls address less critical but still hazardous issues like detaching wheel arch cover trim. The complaint data corroborates some recall themes, with 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' being a top reported component (2 complaints, plus 3 more combined with other systems), often described as water-related damage leading to system failures. Beyond recalls, common complaints include issues with the 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' system (2 complaints), with owners reporting phantom braking or erroneous activation, increasing crash risk. 'STEERING' issues (2 complaints) and 'ENGINE' problems (1 complaint, plus 2 more combined) are also present. The combination of critical recalls and recurring electrical and braking complaints suggests that while the SQ5 offers performance, potential owners should be aware of these documented safety vulnerabilities and ensure all recall remedies have been performed.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Audi Sq5 receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

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:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Electrical System Failure Due To Water Ingress
Heavy rain or clogged drainage systems lead to water leaking into the cabin, damaging control modules (e.g., BCM, CCM), resulting in loss of key fob functionality, no-start conditions, and other electrical malfunctions. This aligns with a recall for the Body Control Module.		 High Common unknown miles
Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunctions
The system erroneously activates, causing sudden, unexpected braking or deceleration, even when no obstacles are present, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Brake Master Cylinder Casting Shortage
A manufacturing defect in the brake master cylinder casting can be too short, potentially leading to a sudden loss of brakes. This is a recall item.		 High Rare unknown miles
Brake Caliper Malfunction
Defective brake calipers can reduce braking performance, increasing the risk of a crash. This is a recall item.		 High Rare unknown miles
Steering Malfunction
Squeaking noises from the steering column, steering wheel misalignment, and 'steering malfunction' warnings have been reported, sometimes requiring entire steering column replacement.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Detaching Wheel Arch Cover Trim
The rear wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard. This is a recall item.		 Low Rare unknown 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:

Electrical System 23% of complaints

Frequent complaints related to water ingress damaging control modules, leading to various electrical failures including no-start conditions and loss of functions. This is supported by 2 direct complaints and 3 combined complaints.

Forward Collision Avoidance 9% of complaints

Reports of the system erroneously activating, causing phantom braking or sudden stops without an actual obstruction.

Steering 9% of complaints

Issues include squeaking noises from the steering column and steering wheel misalignment, sometimes requiring significant repairs.

Visibility/Wiper 9% of complaints

Complaints related to wipers activating independently or other visibility issues, potentially linked to electrical problems.

Engine 5% of complaints

Reports of oil leaks (e.g., from filter housing) and thermostat issues.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic 0% of complaints

While no direct complaints are listed, two recalls address critical brake components (master cylinder and calipers) indicating potential for severe issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Audi Sq5

Is the 2018 Audi SQ5 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Audi SQ5 has a 4-star rollover rating but lacks overall, frontal, and side crash test ratings. It has 22 complaints, 1 crash, and 2 injuries reported. Critically, there are 5 recalls addressing serious issues like potential sudden loss of brakes and electrical system failures due to water ingress, which can reduce engine power. Owners should ensure all recall remedies have been completed.

What are common problems with the 2018 Audi SQ5?

The most reported issues for the 2018 Audi SQ5 include electrical system failures, often due to water leaks damaging control modules, and malfunctions of the forward collision avoidance system leading to phantom braking. Steering issues and engine problems like oil leaks have also been reported. Additionally, there are recalls for critical braking components and detaching body trim.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 Audi SQ5?

Yes, the 2018 Audi SQ5 has 5 recalls. These include recalls for the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (Body Control Module), STRUCTURE (Body/Wheel Arch Cover), WHEELS (Hub/Wheel Arch Cover), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (Master Cylinder), and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (Disc/Caliper). These address issues ranging from sudden loss of engine power to a sudden loss of brakes.

How does the 2018 Audi SQ5 perform in crash tests?

The 2018 Audi SQ5 received a 4-star rollover rating from NHTSA. However, NHTSA has not provided specific ratings for overall, frontal, or side crash performance for this model year.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2018 Audi SQ5?

When considering a used 2018 Audi SQ5, prioritize verifying that all 5 open recalls, especially those concerning the braking system and electrical module, have been addressed. Inspect for any signs of water intrusion in the cabin or trunk, and test the forward collision avoidance system for erratic behavior. A pre-purchase inspection by an Audi specialist is highly recommended.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the critical safety recalls for braking and electrical systems, and recurring complaints about phantom braking and water ingress, ensure all recalls are completed and consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on these known vulnerabilities.

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.