Audi SQ5 years to avoid and best years
Newer Audi SQ5 years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2018 has the most complaints per year, at 2 (24 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2015 at 0 (from 8 complaints), 2017 at 1 (from 5 complaints), and 2016 at 1 (from 6 complaints). The Audi SQ5 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2018 Audi SQ5, 2 of 24 complaints name Electrical system.
Data as of .
2015
2017
2016
2025–26
Audi SQ5 reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Audi SQ5. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 23 |
| 2025 Too early | 4 | 7 | 1 | Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Fuel and propulsion system | 21.5 |
| 2024 → | 2 | 6 | 0 | Forward collision avoidance | 21 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 21 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 21 |
| 2021 → | 2 | 13 | 5 | Air bags, Seat belts | 20 |
| 2020 → | 1 | 8 | 4 | Back-over prevention, Forward collision avoidance | 20 |
| 2019 → | 2 | 19 | 5 | Engine | 21 |
| 2018 → Most | 2 | 24 | 5 | Electrical system | 21 |
| 2017 → Fewest | 1 | 5 | 0 | Electrical system | 19 |
| 2016 → Fewest | 1 | 6 | 0 | Steering | 19 |
| 2015 → Fewest | 0 | 8 | 1 | Steering | 19 |
| 2014 → | 2 | 12 | 1 | Steering | 19 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, or 5W-40 (engine dependent; confirm on cap)
- Tire size
- 255/45R20 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 15V452000 covers certain 2014-2015 Audi SQ5 models where the electric power steering system may fail as described in NHTSA's campaign text; dealers perform the listed remedy.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (confirm on cap)
- Tire size
- 255/45R20 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 18V369000 covers certain 2018 Audi SQ5 and Q5 vehicles (with several Volkswagen models in the same campaign) where brake caliper pistons may have insufficient coating, which can reduce brake performance. Recall 19V416000 covers certain 2018-2019 SQ5 and Q5 models where wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach while driving. Recall 19V277000 covers certain 2018-2019 SQ5 and Q5 models for a brake master cylinder concern. Recall 19V737000 covers certain 2018-2019 SQ5 and 2018-2020 Q5 models for a rear structure/body issue on that campaign list.
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi SQ5 years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2015 at 0 (from 8 complaints), 2017 at 1 (from 5 complaints), and 2016 at 1 (from 6 complaints).
Which Audi SQ5 year has the most owner complaints?
2018 has the most complaints per year, at 2 (24 complaints). On the 2018 Audi SQ5, 2 of 24 complaints name Electrical system.
How do Audi SQ5 owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Audi SQ5 years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Audi SQ5 years are too early to compare?
The Audi SQ5 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What SQ5 generations does this site track?
8R (2014-2017) and FY (2018-on).
What does recall 18V369000 cover on the FY SQ5?
Certain 2018 Audi SQ5 and Q5 vehicles (with several Volkswagen models): brake caliper pistons may have insufficient coating, which can reduce brake performance.
Is oil specified on this SQ5 record yet?
Not yet with a sourced US fill — confirm Audi/VW oil spec from the filler cap and owner’s manual for your engine.