2018 Audi SQ5

24 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Aug 9, 2026Failure May 27, 2026Colorado Springs, COElectrical system, Engine, Power train

   I purchased my 2018 Audi SQ5 on September 12, 2025, from Audi Denver (McDonald Automotive Group). On XXX, at 114,145 miles, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic engine failure while driving on the highway near [XXX], caused by defective rocker arm needle bearings in the 3.0T EA839 V6 engine. ​The early-design needle bearings disintegrated within the cylinder head, scattering loose metal roller bearings into the valvetrain and oiling system. This caused an immediate, complete loss of engine power and sudden engine lockup on a remote stretch of highway. ​This mechanical failure created a severe driving emergency. The sudden engine seizure stranded us on the shoulder, resulting in a total loss of propulsion, loss of vacuum assist for power braking, and potential loss of power steering—posing a severe risk to vehicle occupants and surrounding highway traffic. The vehicle required an initial tow off the highway in [XXX], followed by a second tow of nearly 200 miles back to [XXX]. ​Professional diagnostics confirmed complete engine destruction due to valvetrain failure, with repair estimates exceeding $20,000 for an engine replacement. Because the repair cost far exceeded the vehicle’s market value, I was forced to sell the vehicle for scrap/junk at a severe loss. ​Audi is aware of this EA839 rocker arm needle bearing defect and updated the part design in later production runs, yet has failed to issue a safety recall or warranty extension for this active driving hazard. I strongly urge NHTSA to open an investigation into early 2018 EA839 3.0T rocker arm failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11755729
2. Filed Jul 5, 2026Failure Jul 2, 2026okc, OKEngine, Power train

   While driving a 2018 Audi SQ5 with the EA839 3.0T engine, a coolant warning light activated and engine temperatures began rising to 210-215°F. The vehicle was pulled over immediately. Upon inspection the coolant reservoir was found to be nearly empty with dried coolant residue on the exterior indicating an active leak. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Audi dealer who confirmed via multi-point inspection that the water pump, shut off valve, and vacuum system require replacement due to coolant leakage, with a repair estimate of $5,324.87. This is a known defect in the EA839 engine platform. Audi has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins on this issue and is currently named in active federal class action lawsuit Larr et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America, Case No. 2:26-cv-05678. The vehicle was confirmed by the authorized dealer and the component is available for inspection.

   NHTSA complaint 11748361
3. Filed Dec 29, 2024Failure Dec 25, 2024Kent, WAElectrical system

   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 until I can repair the damage.

   NHTSA complaint 11632982
4. Filed Nov 22, 2024Failure Apr 26, 2024Bellingham, WAElectrical system, Exterior lighting

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11626821
5. Filed Aug 13, 2024Failure Jul 10, 2024Tampa, FLElectrical system, Engine, Automatic emergency braking

   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 vehicle dead and undriveable on the side of the road. By the vehicles complete electrical system being rendered dead, this puts those in risk of accidents and is not covered as a warranty item for an issue that is well known according to dealership on their entire line of SUV products for the last decade. They wanted more than the SUV was worth to replace the computer control module, body wiring harness, and drain tubes that were clogged, but stated it happens all the time and is well documented by all Audi dealerships.

   NHTSA complaint 11608218
6. Filed Aug 12, 2024Failure Jan 1, 2023Austin, TXEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11608039
7. Filed May 15, 2024Failure May 12, 2024Bethesda, MDElectrical system, Exterior lighting, Unknown or other

   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 cascade of other errors, including causing the rear lights to stop working, an obvious safety hazard. As is evident from online discussion boards this is a frequent issue with this model and a clear design flaw. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11588963
8. Filed Mar 14, 2024Failure Feb 2, 2024Garfield, NJEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

   Engine Thermostat broke

   NHTSA complaint 11577306
9. Filed Jul 10, 2023Failure Feb 10, 202373,949 milesSan Bernardino, CAAir bags, Electrical system

   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 normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that there was a water leaking from the sunroof causing corrosion to the air bags connector, module, and the headliner had mold and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 73,949.

   NHTSA complaint 11531458
10. Filed Jul 7, 2023Failure Jul 3, 2023Brambleton, VASteering

    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 wheel. It’s kind of creaking noise rubbing off against something and heard from inside the cabin.

    NHTSA complaint 11530940
11. Filed Jun 12, 2023Failure Jun 3, 2023Stone Mountain, GAWarnings, Automatic emergency braking2 injured

    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 because, in each instance, the vehicle was being driven on multi-lane highways with no other vehicles, barriers, or any other frontal hazard within a quarter-mile of my vehicle. In four of the five instances, the vehicle was traveling at speed at or around 65 mph and, when the Forward Collision Warning system was activated without warning, the vehicle rapidly its speed to below 10 mph, which caused me and my passengers to be thrown forward and our seatbelts burned our shoulders and laps. In the other instance, the same occurred while traveling 45 mph. There is no warning or indication of malfunction prior to or following these instances. I''ve run multiple OBD2 scans on the vehicle, none of which have shown any problems with the Frontal Warning Collision system, or any other vehicle system.

    NHTSA complaint 11526568
12. Filed Apr 21, 2023Failure Apr 20, 2023Phoenix, AZVisibility/wiper

    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 covered in glass. While we can't say with 100% certainty, we don't believe that any objects/debris hit the glass. The broken pane was on the back, downslope of the roof; if debris had hit it it would not have been a direct impact, but at most a glancing blow. We took the car to the dealer for repair. They immediately stated that it was due to rock/debris impact. The shattering does appear to originate from a single point in the glass, but there is not clear impact damage at that point. The origination point is smaller than a pencil eraser and is a square missing piece, of which there were many throughout the glass. I don't see the rough, crushing type damage I would relate to an object impact.

    NHTSA complaint 11518259
13. Filed Jan 24, 2023Failure Jan 24, 2023Houston, TXElectrical system, Engine, Exterior lighting

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11503500
14. Filed Feb 17, 2022Failure Sep 3, 2021Exeter, RIWarnings, Power train, Service brakes

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11452367
15. Filed Nov 8, 2021Failure Nov 2, 2021Austin, TXUnknown or other

    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. The first time I took my car to Audi they said there were no faults and it should be fine. The most recent time they said they found a fault with the brake pressure sensor and replaced that. I now have to wait and see if it happens again and hope I am not in an accident because of it. The vehicle has been inspected by the same Audi dealership service center two times. There have been no warning lights or error messages in my car prior to this happening either time. I'm aware there is a class action lawsuit against Audi's parent company for this malfunction and I told the service center this as well. Audi needs to make this a recall and fix the issue before someone is hurt or worse.

    NHTSA complaint 11439766
16. Filed Jul 12, 2021Failure Jul 8, 2021Pearland, TXSidewall

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11424330
17. Filed Mar 22, 2021Failure Mar 1, 2021Falmouth, MAUnknown or other

    MY CAR KEEPS SAYING PLEASE REDUCE OIL LEVEL

    NHTSA complaint 11404184
18. Filed Sep 8, 2020Failure Sep 5, 202028,000 milesPasadena, CASteering

    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 BACK WITH THE DEALER AS IF 9/8/20.

    NHTSA complaint 11353852
19. Filed Oct 18, 2019Failure Oct 17, 201912,700 milesBoulder, COService brakes

    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 WOULD HAVE BEEN THROWN INTO THE WINDSHIELD. I'VE BEEN DRIVING FOR 50 YEARS, MY WIFE, FOR 48 AND HAVE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. IT IS MY OPINION THAT THIS SYSTEM IS UNSAFE AND THERE SHOULD BE A WAY TO HAVE IT PERMANENTLY DISABLED.

    NHTSA complaint 11269311
20. Filed Oct 4, 2019Failure Mar 23, 20197,000 milesRiverside, CAWheels

    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 THIS TO YOU INCASE YOU HAVE NOT HEARD ABOUT THE DEFECT IN THESE TIRES YET. THEY ARE UNSAFE TIRES TO HAVE ON THE ROAD. THE DOT NUMBER ON THESE PZ4 TIRES: UN RM V376 4517. I HAD TO REPLACE THESE TIRES AT MY EXPENSE. I FEEL THESE TIRES ARE HORRIBLY UNSAFE AND NEED TO BE RECALLED. HTTPS://VIDMAILS.COM/V/WYATDA44DT

    NHTSA complaint 11266202