2018 Audi SQ5: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Audi SQ5: 5 recalls, 24 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #18V369000 · 2018 · 10,225 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen atlas, passat, beetle, beetle convertible, golf, golf sportwagen and gti and Audi q5 and sq5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles May have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
Why it matters: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #19V277000 · 2019 · 12,645 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi q5 and sq5 vehicles. The brake master cylinder casting May be too short.
Why it matters: A short casting can cause a sudden loss of brakes, increasing the risk of crash. The electronic parking brake and its emergency brake function are not affected and will still function.
The fix: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2019.
Wheels Vehicle recall #19V416000 · 2019 · 126,161 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi q5 and sq5 vehicles. The wheel arch cover trim May loosen and detach.
Why it matters: The detached trim May become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will secure the wheel arch trim with an additional screw and nut, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #19V737000 · 2019 · 174,278 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi sq5 and 2018-2020 Audi q5 vehicles. The rear wheel arch cover trim May loosen and detach from the vehicle.
Why it matters: The detached trim May become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four clips securing the forward part of the rear wheel arch trim, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2019.
Body & structure, Electrical Vehicle recall #21V947000 · 2021 · 288,991 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 q5 sportback, sq5 sportback, 2018-2022 q5, and sq5 vehicles. A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle May allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module, causing it to shutdown.
Why it matters: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (8): the most common themes are leaks (3), electrical failure (2).
- Engine (6): the most common themes are leaks (3), stalls / loses power (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (4): the most common themes are warning light on (3), stalls / loses power (2).
- Forward collision avoidance (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2018 Audi SQ5 has 24 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 14 SQ5 model years for complaints (2.8× the average SQ5 year). Complaints peaked in 2024 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 4,250 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (5 complaints, 0 recalls), 2019 (19 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Audi SQ5.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 Audi SQ5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Audi SQ5. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Audi SQ5 problems?
Owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (8), engine (6), transmission & drivetrain (4).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Audi SQ5 get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (AM-S8)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Audi SQ5 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.