Owners have filed 12 complaints
about the 2020 Audi SQ5 with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 35
Against the median year of the Audi SQ5. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2020 Audi SQ5
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
541.7%
Median failure at 150 miles
Other & Unspecified
325.0%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
216.7%
Median failure at 12,000 miles
Brakes
18.3%
Median failure at 150 miles
Steering
18.3%
Median failure at 12,000 miles
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2020peak 3Apr 2026
Recalls on the 2020 Audi SQ5
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202174048,146 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain vehicles, if you spill liquid on the rear seat, or drive through heavy rain or deep water, the gateway control module could be damaged. If this happens, the vehicle may enter emergency mode and suddenly lose power to the wheels. Note: The power steering and braking systems will continue to work. You may also see warning messages on the instrument panel when this happens. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of power to the wheels may increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Audi will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam, as necessary.
Recall 20212495,396 units in Canada
Suspension
Issue: On certain vehicles, the lock nuts for the rear trailing arm bolts may be defective. If a nut breaks, there could be sudden changes in rear wheel alignment. This can cause a loss of vehicle stability. Safety Risk: Reduced vehicle stability could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Audi will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the rear trailing arm lock nuts. If necessary, the associated bolt(s) will be replaced as well.
Recall 20203923,115 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been properly welded. As a result, the backrest adjustment could break in a rear-end crash and allow to seat to move. Safety Risk: A seatback that fails could cause an increased risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the driver and passenger front seats. The seatback frames will be replaced, as necessary.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Reno, NV
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
My 2020 Audi SQ5 (3.0L turbo V6, EA839 engine) experienced premature water pump failure at 64,361 miles. Coolant leaked into the vacuum system, damaging the vacuum unit and related components. Failed parts are available for inspection. Safety Risk: Loss of coolant circulation causes rapid overheating and risk of sudden engine failure at highway speeds, creating a collision hazard. Coolant intrusion into the vacuum system can also impair brake booster function, compromising stopping ability. Confirmed by Dealer: Diagnosed and confirmed by Audi Reno Tahoe (Reno, NV) on April 9, 2026. Written estimate #XXX documents replacement of the water pump, pulley, valve, vacuum unit, hose, and tank — totaling $6,591.37 out of pocket. No recall or manufacturer assistance has been offered even though this is a known issue dating back to 2013. Warnings: On 4/9/2026, dealer reports that after a non related repair test drive the technician observed "Drive system malfunction ON during hard acceleration" as well as visible signs of coolant leakage. Prior to having the non-related service completed, I did not see any warning lights or receive a temperature warning. Known Defect — Recall Warranted: This failure is consistent with a documented defect across 2013–2022 Audi/VW 3.0T engines. A class action — XXX et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America, Case No. XXX— specifically names the 2020 SQ5. Despite known complaints, internal testing data, and dealer reports, no recall has been issued. I urge NHTSA to investigate and mandate a recall of all affected vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11732057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2020 Audi SQ5 (3.0L turbo V6, EA839 engine) experienced premature water pump failure at 64,361 miles. Coolant leaked into the vacuum system, damaging the vacuum unit and related components. Failed parts are available for inspection. Safety Risk: Loss of coolant circulation causes rapid overheating and risk of sudden engine failure at highway speeds, creating a collision hazard. Coolant intrusion into the vacuum system can also impair brake booster function, compromising stopping ability. Confirmed by Dealer: Diagnosed and confirmed by Audi Reno Tahoe (Reno, NV) on April 9, 2026. Written estimate #XXX documents replacement of the water pump, pulley, valve, vacuum unit, hose, and tank — totaling $6,591.37 out of pocket. No recall or manufacturer assistance has been offered even though this is a known issue dating back to 2013. Warnings: On 4/9/2026, dealer reports that after a non related repair test drive the technician observed "Drive system malfunction ON during hard acceleration" as well as visible signs of coolant leakage. Prior to having the non-related service completed, I did not see any warning lights or receive a temperature warning. Known Defect — Recall Warranted: This failure is consistent with a documented defect across 2013–2022 Audi/VW 3.0T engines. A class action — XXX et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America, Case No. XXX— specifically names the 2020 SQ5. Despite known complaints, internal testing data, and dealer reports, no recall has been issued. I urge NHTSA to investigate and mandate a recall of all affected vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11732057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nashville, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My sunroof spontaneously imploded while driving my vehicle on the highway. I was going to speed limit in the middle lane, very little traffic, no semi-trucks near and did not drive under an overpass.
NHTSA complaint #11634946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I recently purchased this vehicle 8/5/23 and since then the pre sense function has activated it’s jarring emergency breaking three times. Once it happened to me backing out of my driveway without any obstruction, another with my husband backing out of a parking spot, and then most recently today with me as a driver going about 35 mph where it “sensed” a vehicle next to me about to change into my lane but changed their mind. Even if the vehicle next to me changed lanes to go in front of me, there was plenty of space and having the emergency pre sense braking created a more unsafe situation with the vehicle behind me potentially rear ending me. I contacted the local Audi dealer and they said there is no way to have this feature turn off as a default. Instead, I have to manually turn it off every time I turn on the ignition. I love the car but the pre sense feature has placed me in more unsafe situations than without it. I wish the manufacturer would allow having this system turn off as a default.
NHTSA complaint #11539949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Adirondack, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The sos emergency system continues to fail. It alarms that it failed. Warning light on the dashboard continues to be on. The car was brought to the dealer. emergency calling unavailable while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11514158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I have had multiple instances of the emergency breaking applying improperly. On at least two occasions the rear backup/parking sensors detected some sort of object when one didn’t exist and abruptly engaged the breaks despite there being no object behind me. On one occasion I had a passenger who witnessed the behavior. On another instance, and the one that concerned me, the front collision indicator detected something non-existent and abruptly slammed on my breaks while I was driving 70mph on a 3 lane highway. There were no objects or car in viewable distance at all. The abruptness, lack of warning, and breaking power sent my car out of control across all three lanes and nearly into a barrier before I was able to regain control and the breaks released. I was on the phone (hands-free) when this occurred and my fiancé could hear the whole thing. In both instances no sensors or alarms were activated in advance to give warning, and activated only in concert with the breaks being autonomously applied. All instances were reported to Audi who ran diagnostics and electrical/systems tests and found no errors or problems despite multiple occurrences.
NHTSA complaint #11498140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have had multiple instances of the emergency breaking applying improperly. On at least two occasions the rear backup/parking sensors detected some sort of object when one didn’t exist and abruptly engaged the breaks despite there being no object behind me. On one occasion I had a passenger who witnessed the behavior. On another instance, and the one that concerned me, the front collision indicator detected something non-existent and abruptly slammed on my breaks while I was driving 70mph on a 3 lane highway. There were no objects or car in viewable distance at all. The abruptness, lack of warning, and breaking power sent my car out of control across all three lanes and nearly into a barrier before I was able to regain control and the breaks released. I was on the phone (hands-free) when this occurred and my fiancé could hear the whole thing. In both instances no sensors or alarms were activated in advance to give warning, and activated only in concert with the breaks being autonomously applied. All instances were reported to Audi who ran diagnostics and electrical/systems tests and found no errors or problems despite multiple occurrences.
NHTSA complaint #11498140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
I have had multiple instances of the emergency breaking applying improperly. On at least two occasions the rear backup/parking sensors detected some sort of object when one didn’t exist and abruptly engaged the breaks despite there being no object behind me. On one occasion I had a passenger who witnessed the behavior. On another instance, and the one that concerned me, the front collision indicator detected something non-existent and abruptly slammed on my breaks while I was driving 70mph on a 3 lane highway. There were no objects or car in viewable distance at all. The abruptness, lack of warning, and breaking power sent my car out of control across all three lanes and nearly into a barrier before I was able to regain control and the breaks released. I was on the phone (hands-free) when this occurred and my fiancé could hear the whole thing. In both instances no sensors or alarms were activated in advance to give warning, and activated only in concert with the breaks being autonomously applied. All instances were reported to Audi who ran diagnostics and electrical/systems tests and found no errors or problems despite multiple occurrences.
NHTSA complaint #11498140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150 milesWoodland Hills, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2020 Audi SQ5. The contact stated while reversing in her driveway, the automatic braking system activated and the vehicle stopped abruptly. The contact stated that there was a vehicle at a stop sign 500 ft. away from her vehicle when the failure occurred. The contact shifted the vehicle into park. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while reversing and while driving from a complete stop. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal sound while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer approximately 3-4 times however, the mechanic diagnosed that no issues were found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact notified the manufacturer and inquired about buy back. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 150.
NHTSA complaint #11460882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Audi SQ5. The contact stated while reversing in her driveway, the automatic braking system activated and the vehicle stopped abruptly. The contact stated that there was a vehicle at a stop sign 500 ft. away from her vehicle when the failure occurred. The contact shifted the vehicle into park. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while reversing and while driving from a complete stop. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal sound while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer approximately 3-4 times however, the mechanic diagnosed that no issues were found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact notified the manufacturer and inquired about buy back. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 150.
NHTSA complaint #11460882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesAsheville, NC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEN USING THE LANE-DEPARTURE AND 'STEERING CORRECTION' SYSTEM THIS VEHICLE WILL ATTEMPT TO SUDDENLY, SHARPLY, AND DANGEROUSLY CHANGE LANES. THIS MORNING (8/26/20), WHILE TRAVELING ON A FOUR LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL AND LANE DEPARTURE ACTIVE, THE VEHICLE JERKED LEFT INTO A TURN-ONLY LANE, OVERRIDING MY MANUAL STEERING OF THE CAR IN THE STRAIGHT TRAVEL LANE. HAD ANOTHER CAR BEEN IN THE TURNING LANE WE WOULD HAVE NEARLY CERTAINLY COLLIDED, AS MY CAR WAS AT LEAST 30% INTO THE LANE BEFORE I COULD REACT AND BRING IT BACK INTO THE CENTER LANE.
NHTSA complaint #11351294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesAsheville, NC
STEERING
WHEN USING THE LANE-DEPARTURE AND 'STEERING CORRECTION' SYSTEM THIS VEHICLE WILL ATTEMPT TO SUDDENLY, SHARPLY, AND DANGEROUSLY CHANGE LANES. THIS MORNING (8/26/20), WHILE TRAVELING ON A FOUR LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL AND LANE DEPARTURE ACTIVE, THE VEHICLE JERKED LEFT INTO A TURN-ONLY LANE, OVERRIDING MY MANUAL STEERING OF THE CAR IN THE STRAIGHT TRAVEL LANE. HAD ANOTHER CAR BEEN IN THE TURNING LANE WE WOULD HAVE NEARLY CERTAINLY COLLIDED, AS MY CAR WAS AT LEAST 30% INTO THE LANE BEFORE I COULD REACT AND BRING IT BACK INTO THE CENTER LANE.
NHTSA complaint #11351294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.