Model year

2016 Audi SQ5

SUV, gasoline, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Mar 24, 2016 to Apr 29, 2021.

Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints6Below the median 2016 suv
Severity index0.02016 suvs average 6.0
First 24 months2Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2016 Audi SQ5 peaked in 2021, with 2 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

00.511.52201620172018201920202021220222023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

33% of complaints about the 2016 Audi SQ5 name steering

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Steering
2
Engine and cooling
1
Visibility and wipers
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

No recall campaign lists the 2016 Audi SQ5

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2016 Audi SQ5

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

6 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Apr 29, 2021Failure Apr 25, 2021Dallas, TXEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11414535
  2. Filed Apr 24, 2021Failure Apr 2, 202153,000 milesChapel Hill, NCSteering

    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 CARS DEVELOP THIS PROBLEM WITH AS LITTLE AS 20,000 MILES. AT 53,000 MILES, MY CAR HAS THIS ISSUE NOW AND I'LL BE FORCED TO PAY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR A REPAIR THAT EITHER INCLUDES REPLACING PARTS OF THE STEERING SHAFT OR DISASSEMBLING PART OF THE STEERING SHAFT AND LUBRICATING IT. IT IS A BIT SHOCKING THAT 10 YEARS LATER AUDI IS STILL NOT RECALLING THESE CARS TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE ONCE AND FOR ALL. AS THIS ISSUE PROGRESSES, THE STEERING CAN PROGRESSIVELY GET HARD AND HARDER FOR THE DRIVER TO TURN POTENTIALLY INCREASING CHANCES OF AN ACCIDENT.

    NHTSA complaint 11413643
  3. Filed Jun 11, 2019Failure May 31, 201938,000 milesBellaire, TXSteering

    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 LEFT HAND TURN IN A HEAVY RAIN STORM UP THE APRON OF A DRIVEWAY TO A PARKING LOT. I DROVE THE CAR 100-150 FEET TO A SECURE SPOT TO WAIT OUT A HEAVY HOUSTON RAINSTORM . THE DASHBOARD INDICATOR CAME ON SIGNALLING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AS THE CAR SAT IN THE SPOT FOR OVER 1 MINUTE I ASSUME THE WATER I PUSHED UP IN FRONT OF ME AS I WENT UP THE APRON GOT UNDER THE CAR AND INTO THE MECHANISM THE CAR WAS NEVER STATIONARY IN ANY DEEP WATER, AND NEVER IN WATER DEEPER THAN 3 INCHES THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE CAR MAINTAINED FULL PROPLUSION

    NHTSA complaint 11219220
  4. Filed Feb 22, 2018Failure Feb 19, 201825,000 milesAtlanta, GAUnknown or other

    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 THE CAR DOES NOT LOCK ITSELF IF IT DETECTS THE KEY INSIDE, UNLESS IT DETECTS A SECOND KEY OUTSIDE THE CAR. THIS WAS NOT MY CASE.

    NHTSA complaint 11074252
  5. Filed Apr 7, 2017Failure Mar 8, 201715,550 milesAtlanta, GAUnknown or other

    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 BAGS INSIDE, CLOSED THE DOOR. THEN I WENT TO PUT A BUMPER STICKER ON. MUST HAVE TAKEN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES. I HEARD THE CAR LOCK ITSELF- WITH MY KEYS (CAR AND HOME) INSIDE. I MOST DEFINITELY DID NOT TOUCH THE DOOR HANDLE TO LOCK THE CAR! AND THE CAR DOES NOT LOCK ITSELF AFTER SOME TIME- I HAVE FOUND IT UNLOCKED WHEN THE DOOR HANDLE TOUCH SOMETIMES DID NOT WORK. LUCKILY, IN THIS INSTANCE, I WAS ABLE TO GET INTO MY HOUSE AND GET MY SECOND KEY- BUT WHAT IF I WERE ELSEWHERE? I CAN IMAGINE ME LOCKED OUT OF MY CAR (WITH KEYS AND PHONE INSIDE) AND COMPLETELY STRANDED! - WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR, I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT YOU CANNOT LOCK THE CAR FROM THE OUTSIDE WHEN THE KEYS ARE INSIDE- AND THIS IS TYPICALLY WHAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED (UNTIL MARCH 8TH.) - EVEN THOUGH MY DOOR LOCKS ARE SET TO 'UNLOCK ALL DOORS' SOMETIMES, I FIND THE DRIVER'S DOOR NOT UNLOCKED, WHEREIN, I OPEN THE BACK DOOR, BRING MY BAG OUT TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR, AND THEN PUT IT BACK. AUDI CLAIMS THAT THE CAR LOCKS ITSELF AFTER A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF IDLE TIME- WHICH DOES NOT MAKE SENSE IF THE KEYS ARE INSIDE THE CAR. AUTO LOCK AFTER A CERTAIN TIME WHEN THE KEYS ARE OUTSIDE THE CAR MAKES SENSE. NOT THE DESCRIBED BEHAVIOR

    NHTSA complaint 10971202
  6. Filed Mar 24, 2016Failure Mar 22, 20163,000 milesPasadena, CAVisibility/wiper

    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 INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 3,000. UPDATED 05/04/16*LJ *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10851463
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

390 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • TSB_2079732_2 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is a paint issue on alloy wheels.
  • TSB_2076945_2 Aug 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about leather care and seat repair.
  • TSB_2075120_3 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about the general approach for brake vibration concerns.
  • TSB_2074436_3 Aug 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.
  • TSB_20741717_15 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on the GFF test plan required for AC compressor replacements regardless of the concern.
  • TSB_2072304_4 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is an ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal.
  • TSB_2069904_3 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information for all models regarding brake sounds.
  • TSB_2069078_4 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).
  • TSB_2067132_4 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is corrosion on the friction survace of steel brake discs.
  • TSB_2082846_1 Jul 27, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.
  • TSB_2073747_4 Jul 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informatoinw hent here are scratches or a coating on the cover of the instrument cluster, or particles inside of the housing.
  • TSB_2073282_1 Jul 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is a film/visible rings on the clear glass cover of the headlight when the dipped beam is switched on.
  • TSB_2082323_1 Jun 10, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
  • TSB_2074640_3 Jun 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
  • TSB_2059335_7 Jun 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
  • TSB_2052680_6 Jun 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Reporting Obligation requires technicains to contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) in cases where the airbag/seatbelt is deployed/not deployed; general accident information; and fire and overheat damage.
  • TSB_2074729_3 Jun 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of vehicle in dynamic mode.
  • TSB_2080517_4 May 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
  • TSB_2074808_4 May 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles are subject to various ageing effects which could lead to the energy content (energy density) being reduced. This reduction in the energy content, which is due to factors. Revised header. Added Model years
  • AOS-26-25 May 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: The ODIS Audi Brand update 2.41.1 is setting a ODS5003E error code when …
  • TSB_2080517_3 Apr 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
  • TSB_2070568_6 Apr 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
  • TSB_2022032_12 Apr 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides diagnostic information for the vehicle locking system.
  • TSB_2081531_1 Mar 27, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Reporting obligation requests that technicians contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) when the diagnostic tester refers to this reportin gobligation or to TPI 2033392.
  • TSB_2081405_1 Mar 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn about various infortainment system complaints.
  • TSB_2051095_11 Mar 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about where to download the Audi frequency app.
  • TSB_2024323_13 Mar 17, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
  • TSB_2024323_12 Mar 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
  • TSB_2023187_8 Mar 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn regarding squeaking noises when steering or maneuvering.
  • DC_Audi_CF_ Airbag Mar 2, 2026 · Other
    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles.
  • TSB_2080517_2 Feb 17, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
  • TSB_2059335_6 Feb 17, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This TSB provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
  • TSB_2052680_4 Feb 12, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Reporting Obligation requires technicains to contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) in cases where the airbag/seatbelt is deployed/not deployed; general accident information; and fire and overheat damage.
  • TSB_2051095_10 Feb 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on the use of the Audi frequencly analysis app, and where the application can be downloaded.
  • TSB_2021205_10 Feb 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on VIN Plates, Safety Certification labels, and the ordering procedures.
  • TSB_2080681_1 Jan 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information regarding contact checks for event memories, intermittent.
  • TSB_2080329_1 Jan 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when there are noises from the headliner.
  • TSB_2074846_4 Jan 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
  • TSB_2060750_5 Jan 14, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information regarding UV leak additive for finding oil leaks.
  • TSB_2056019_5 Jan 5, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the anti-theft alarm activates for no reason, or does not activate.
  • TSB_2080517_1 Dec 19, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
  • TSB_2061669_3 Dec 19, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides service infrmation for workshop mode with Audi connect vehicles.
  • TSB_2021205_9 Dec 16, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on VIN Plates, Safety Certification labels, and the ordering procedures.
  • TSB_2079652_2 Dec 11, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the Emergency call LED in the roof module is not lit up green.
  • TSB_2074808_3 Dec 11, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides additoinal information to assist in determining the energy content of lithium-ion high-voltage batteries.
  • TSB_2074640_2 Dec 11, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
  • TSB_2028220_13 Dec 11, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides regarding visual damage for all vehicles.
  • TSB_2018187_18 Dec 9, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there are speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference.
  • TSB_2069904_2 Oct 22, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information for all models regarding brake sounds.
  • TSB_2079732_1 Oct 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when tehre is a paint issue on alloy wheels.
  • TSB_2075120_2 Oct 21, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information regarding the general approach for all Audi vehicles regarding brake vibrations.
  • TSB_2074846_3 Oct 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This TSB provides information regarding rotational and other steerihng wheel vibrations.
  • TSB_2072304_3 Oct 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is an ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal.
  • TSB_2069078_3 Oct 21, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).
  • TSB_2067132_3 Oct 21, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is corrosion on the friction survace of steel brake discs.
  • TSB_2056386_11 Oct 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about the steering wheel alignment.
  • TSB_2030471_8 Oct 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton when the license plate mouting bracket threaded inserts are stripped.
  • TSB_2020552_14 Oct 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides guidance for exterior glass cleaning.
  • TSB_2079652_1 Oct 13, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the Emergency call LED in the roof module is not lit up green.
  • TSB_2047812_8 Oct 7, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on how to set up and use the FMC for obtaining vehicle software updates (SD Creator decomissioned).
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.