repaired · 2024 Q3
Back over prevention: display function
Risk. A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 Audi SQ5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 14 owner complaints about the 2021 Audi SQ5, most often about the engine. 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 November 2, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York, CC BY 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Audi SQ5 has problems
14 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
5Engine
5Electrical system
3Power train
2Forward collision avoidance1 crash/fire/injury
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Seat belts
1Service brakes
1Steering
1Air bags
33 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 |
| 3 other systems | 3 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2021 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 · 2023 Q4
Axle: non-powered axle assembly
Risk. Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Seat belts
Risk. An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2023 Q1
Axle: non-powered axle assembly
Risk. A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing 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
2021 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
2021 Audi SQ5 safety ratings
2021 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: Standard
In owners' words
What SQ5 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I noticed my car started to lose coolant, I checked my water pump and I saw there was a leak on of the hoses. Once I discovered that I also heard a tapping noise coming from the engine. I took it to my local Audi shop, and they discovered that my pistons were going bad. They told me I qualified for…
The engine water pump on this vehicle is leaking both internally and externally. This vehicle uses the 3.0T (EA839) engine, which uses a vacuum-actuated water pump with a shroud sleeve mechanism. A licensed repair facility diagnosed the failure and estimated repair cost at approximately $5,500. The…
While driving at normal operational speeds, the vehicle suffered a sudden, un-commanded, and catastrophic loss of motive power while navigating a live traffic intersection. The transmission completely disengaged all gears without warning, rendering the vehicle entirely stationary and immobilized in…
Own a 2021 SQ5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.