2021 Audi SQ5 SportbackRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints for the 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback. Most complaints involve electrical system (5) and engine (5). The EPA rates it 20 mpg combined.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Electrical system5
- Engine5
- Power train3
- Forward collision avoidance2
- Service brakes1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Engine and engine cooling1
- Back over prevention1
- Air bags1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each SQ5 Sportback model year we’ve synced.
Only one model year synced so far.
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Deaths reported
- 0
What owners report most
Electrical system
“Whenever driving around town or long distance whilst getting to a red light without a car in front or anything and coming to a stop the car beeps and the front parking sensors go off whilst there is nothing up front.”
Engine
“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 extended piston skirt warranty for my car. While my car was in the shop they replaced all 6 of my pistons. When they told me my car was ready for pick up I picked up my call, drove it for 20 miles and my car started to make a louder tapping noise from the engine bay. I took it back to the dealership the following day they told me they were going to look into it to figure out the problem. Couple weeks go by and I finally get a phone call saying that they can’t do nothing that my car is making that noise due to “outside influence “ I am frustrated because I just had got the car barley drove it around and they are pointing the finger to as if I had to do something with the noise. They said everything now has to be be paid out of pocket. It has been a frustrating experience. Also when they did the whole brake down one of the techs noticed that the front calibers did…”
Power train
“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 the path of oncoming traffic. This failure created an immediate, severe safety hazard, exposing the occupants to a high risk of a side-impact or rear-end collision due to the inability to clear the intersection under the vehicle's own power. The vehicle had to be flatbedded to an authorized dealer (Audi - Glenwood Springs). The professional diagnostic evaluation confirmed an internal failure of the transmission assembly and Transmission Control Module (TCM) / Mechatronic unit, requiring a total replacement of the powertrain assembly. The failure occurred at 59,000 miles.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S8)
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SQ5 Sportback Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $4,000 | 441 |
- 20mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2021 SQ5 Sportback questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 6, 2026.
What are the most common 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback problems?
Owners filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (5), engine (5), power train (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Audi SQ5 Sportback at 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).