NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 9 owner complaints for the 2015 Audi SQ5. Most complaints involve structure (4) and suspension (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.
“Component failed: The vehicle's structural front subframe assembly has suffered severe, catastrophic rust perforation and deterioration. Safety risk: The subframe holds the engine and front suspension. It is structurally compromised and at imminent risk of snapping or collapsing at highway speeds, which would cause a total loss of steering and vehicle control, risking a fatal high-speed crash. Dealer confirmation: An authorized Audi dealership inspected the vehicle on [Insert Date from 2 weeks ago] and explicitly determined that the vehicle is completely unsafe to drive. Availability: The vehicle and the failed component are currently held at the authorized Audi dealership and are fully available for federal inspection upon request. Symptoms: There were zero dashboard warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to this discovery. The failure was only found because the dealership lifted the vehicle for a separate service. This hidden danger is due to factory-installed plastic underbody covers that trap moisture and road salt directly against the steel frame, concealing the severe rust perforation until the vehicle becomes an active hazard.”
“The rear subframe on my 2015 Audi SQ5 rusted through structurally at about 118,900 miles. In May 2026, an independent Audi specialist (Evan's Auto Care) found the rear subframe rusted through on critical parts and quoted $6,031.93 to replace it. In June 2026, an Audi dealer-level shop (The Audi Connection) confirmed the rear subframe was almost rusted through, called it a safety issue, and quoted $5,258.19 plus tax for replacement and alignment. We couldn't afford that, so the subframe was welded as a temporary repair. In October 2026, a shop inspected that weld and called it marginal: the tubing had already thinned from rust and the welds are poor quality, because sound welds can't be made on corroded metal. The car has been regularly serviced its whole life. The subframe holds the rear suspension and differential, and its failure while driving could cause loss of control. Many other 2013–2017 Q5 and SQ5 owners report the same rear subframe perforation in the same location, which appears to be caused by a plastic cover that traps water against the subframe. I am asking NHTSA to investigate this as a safety defect and Audi to issue a recall that includes…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 AUDI SQ5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO THE BLIZZARD LIKE WEATHER IN HIS STATE, THE POWER STEERING FROZE AND A "POWER STEERING ERROR" WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE AND COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INTERNATIONAL AUTOS OF MILWAUKEE (2400 S 108TH ST, MILWAUKEE, WI 53227, (866) 455-8708) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.”
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 | 17 | 24 | 19 | $4,050 | 458 |
| 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 9, 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 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (4), suspension (3), steering (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2015 Audi SQ5 at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2015 Audi SQ5 4 out of 5 stars overall.