Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2017 Audi SQ5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints for the 2017 Audi SQ5. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (1) and steering (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
5
Top: engine and engine cooling
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 2017 Audi SQ5 as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
5 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2016 – Sep 2021
- Engine and engine cooling1
- Steering1
- Vehicle speed control1
- Electrical system1
- Visibility/wiper1
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
Engine and engine cooling
1 report
“The contact owns a 2017 Audi SQ5. The contact stated there was excessive heat coming from the engine. Additionally, there was moisture on the water pump. A message stating “Pull Over Immediately” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the water pump failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.”
Steering
1 report
“THE STEERING SYSTEM FROZE DURING OPERATION. SENSORS INDICATED CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THERE WAS HEAVY RAIN STORM PRIOR TO THE FAILURE WHICH ALLOWED WATER INTO STEERING RACK MODULE. THIS IS A REOCCURRING PROBLEM WITH AUDI SQ5 BASED ON MY RESEARCH AFTER INCIDENT. MY CONCERN THIS SYSTEM FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT IF FAILURE OCCURRED DURING HIGH SPEEDS AND HIGH TRAFFIC. ALSO, THE CAR HAD ITS REGULAR MAINTENANCE A FEW WEEK PRIOR TO INCIDENT.”
Vehicle speed control
1 report1 crash
“TL THE CONTACT'S WIFE OWNS A 2017 AUDI SQ5. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE STRUCK THE CONCRETE HOLDING THE STREET LIGHT IN FRONT OF THE PARKING SPACE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.”
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 11050
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.
2017 SQ5 questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Audi SQ5 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2017 Audi SQ5 problems?
Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (1), steering (1), vehicle speed control (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2017 Audi SQ5 get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Audi SQ5 at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2017 Audi SQ5?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Audi SQ5 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026