This page covers 8 recalls, 22 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Audi Sq5.
21 mpg combined
11.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
For the 2018 Audi SQ5, the clearest pattern in owner complaints centers on water intrusion tied to clogged sunroof or roof drainage lines. Multiple owners report that during heavy rain, blocked drains allow water to pool inside the cabin, particularly in rear compartments where control modules sit. The result is typically a soaked comfort system control module, unresponsive key fob functions, and a no-start condition, in at least one case the battery itself was submerged. Forward collision avoidance system complaints also show up with notable frequency, though the reported symptoms vary enough that no single failure mode stands out. Steering draws a smaller share of reports. The drainage-related electrical failures are the most consistent thread: owners describe finding standing water in the spare tire well and rear side compartments days after the rain event, with damp insulation that takes time to dry out.
22
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Audi SQ5 has 8 recalls, the most serious being a brake master cylinder that can fail completely, cutting hydraulic braking and leaving only the electronic parking brake to slow the vehicle.
A second brake concern involves the caliper pistons, which may have insufficient coating and can reduce overall braking performance. On the electrical side, water reaching the gateway control module, whether from a spill on the rear seat, heavy rain, or driving through deep water, can cause the module to shut down and suddenly cut power to the wheels. The power steering and brakes remain functional if this happens, but the loss of drive power raises the risk of a crash. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this issue, and a separate filing addresses water entering through a body seam underneath the vehicle that can reach the same module with the same result. The wheel arch cover trim on certain vehicles can loosen and detach while driving, becoming a road hazard for other vehicles.
At a glance
What can fail
Liquid entering the cabin or exposure to heavy rain or deep water can damage the gateway control module, causing the vehicle to enter emergency mode and lose power to the wheels.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as needed.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Liquid from a spilled drink in the rear seat or water seeping through an underbody seam can reach the gateway control module and cause it to shut down.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal the underbody seam to prevent liquid entry.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear wheel arch cover trim can loosen and fall off because the clips holding its front section may fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the four clips that secure the front of the rear wheel arch trim at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The plastic cover trim around the wheel arches can loosen and detach while driving.
What the fix does
A dealer will secure each wheel arch trim with an additional screw and nut.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The plastic trim covering the wheel arch can loosen and fall off the vehicle.
What the fix does
A dealer will secure the wheel arch trim with an additional screw and nut at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake master cylinder casting may be manufactured shorter than designed, potentially affecting brake system function.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder and replace it if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake master cylinder may be too short, causing it to fail and result in complete loss of braking power except for the emergency brake.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder and replace it with the correct part if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake caliper pistons may lack sufficient protective coating, which can reduce braking performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will bleed the brake system to restore proper brake function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
