NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 12 owner complaints for the 2014 Audi SQ5. Most complaints involve steering (4) and fuel/propulsion system (3). The EPA rates it 19 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Audi SQ5 vehicles manufactured May 22, 2013, to April 14, 2015. The affected vehicles have an electric power steering assist system that may shut down in cold temperatures due to a steering motor sensor fault.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDI SQ5. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING RANDOMLY MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V452000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.”
“FUEL PUMP STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING. HAPPENED TWICE IN ONE TRIP AND FORTUNATELY WAS ON ROADS WITH LOW TRAFFIC.”
“After seeing the rear subframe of a 2014 Audi Q5 nearly split in half due to rust, causing vehicle handling and steering issues, I inspected the rear subframe of my 2014 Audi SQ5 and found similar rust, though not quite as bad. The plastic gravel guards that use plastic rivets to attach to the rear subframe trap water, salt, and brine inside the hollow steel tubing of the subframe causing it to rust rapidly from the inside out in two locations, weakening the subframe and greatly increasing the chances of serious injury or death due to losing control of the vehicle. Photos of the damage were sent to one local dealer who claimed not to seen this type of damage before and refused to cover repair under Audi's 12 year corrosion perforation warranty. This is a serious defect that appears to affect quite a few 2008-2017 Audi Q5 and SQ5 models.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SQ5 Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $4,050 | 475 |
| 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 |
1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (4), fuel/propulsion system (3), suspension (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2014 Audi SQ5 at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2014 Audi SQ5 4 out of 5 stars overall.