Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2016 Audi SQ5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints for the 2016 Audi SQ5. Most complaints involve steering (2) and suspension (1). The EPA rates it 19 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Combined MPG
19mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
7
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$4,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Audi SQ5 as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
7 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2016 – Oct 2026
- Steering2
- Suspension1
- Engine1
- Visibility/wiper1
- Other / unknown2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Steering
2 reports
“STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IS A KNOWN DEFECT ON EVERY MLB-PLATFORM AUDI MODEL. MY SQ5, LIKE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS, HAS DEVELOPED A KNOWN DEFECT THAT CAUSES A SQUEAKING/CREAKING THAT CAN BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. IT CAN ALSO BE FAINTLY HEARD. INSTEAD OF INITIATING A RECALL TO FIX THE ISSUE, AUDI HAS RELEASED TONS OF TSBS THAT ONLY COVER IN-WARRANTY CARS, EVEN THOUGH MAY CARS DEVELOP THIS PROBLEM WITH AS LITTLE AS 20,000 MILES. AT 53,000 MILES, MY CAR HAS THIS ISSUE NOW AND I'LL BE FORCED TO PAY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR A REPAIR THAT EITHER INCLUDES REPLACING PARTS OF THE STEERING SHAFT OR DISASSEMBLING PART OF THE STEERING SHAFT AND LUBRICATING IT. IT IS A BIT SHOCKING THAT 10 YEARS LATER AUDI IS STILL NOT RECALLING THESE CARS TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE ONCE AND FOR ALL. AS THIS ISSUE PROGRESSES, THE STEERING CAN PROGRESSIVELY GET HARD AND HARDER FOR THE DRIVER TO TURN POTENTIALLY INCREASING CHANCES OF AN ACCIDENT.”
Suspension
1 report
“My vehicle was in for its mandatory annual State Inspection. It was pointed out that the rear subframe is showing rust which apparently is a common problem with these vehicles, in fact a class action lawsuit is being instituted against Volkswagen USA for this very issue.”
Engine
1 report
“THE ORIGINAL ENGINE WATER PUMP FAILED AT 18,313 MILES ON MAY 12, 2019. THE REPLACED ENGINE WATER PUMP HAS FAILED AGAIN AT 24,700 MILES ON APRIL 25. 2021. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE AND UNSAFE.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged
- 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.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| 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 |
- 19mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5Audi SQ5 SUV AWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 15.1%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 10091
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2016 SQ5 questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Audi SQ5 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2016 Audi SQ5 problems?
Owners filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (2), suspension (1), engine (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2016 Audi SQ5 get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Audi SQ5 at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2016 Audi SQ5?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Audi SQ5 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026