repaired · 2023 Q4
Electrical system: body control module/bcm
Risk. A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 Audi SQ5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 25 owner complaints about the 2018 Audi SQ5, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-947 the manufacturer reports only 91% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 22, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Audi SQ5 has problems
25 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
8Electrical system
7Engine
4Power train1 crash/fire/injury
4Forward collision avoidance1 crash/fire/injury
3Exterior lighting
2Service brakes
2Visibility/wiper
2Steering
1Wheels
44 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 8 | 0 |
| Engine | 7 | 0 |
| Power train | 4 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 4 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 4 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2018 Audi SQ5 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Structure: body
Risk. The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Wheels: hub
Risk. The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Foundation components: master cylinder
Risk. A short casting can cause a sudden loss of brakes, increasing the risk of crash.
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2019 Q4
Disc: caliper
Do not driveRisk. A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other SQ5 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the SQ5 median. How we score
'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Audi SQ5 safety ratings
2018 Audi SQ5 SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 4 stars (16.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What SQ5 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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.…
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…
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.
Own a 2018 SQ5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.