2020 Audi Sq5 problems

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The Audi Q5 is a series of compact luxury crossover SUVs produced by the German luxury car manufacturer Audi from 2008. The original first-generation (Typ 8R) model was the third member of the B8 family to be released after the Audi A5 and fourth-generation A4, all being based on the Audi MLB platform. The second generation Q5 (Typ 80A) debuted in 2016 and shares the Audi MLB Evo platform with the corresponding B9 versions of the A4 and A5.

First generation (Typ 8R; 2008)

Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro concept (2007)

A concept vehicle for the then upcoming Q5, this was a 2-door convertible with a 3.0 TDI engine rated at 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) and 500 N⋅m (369 lbf⋅ft) torque, quattro permanent four wheel drive, 8-speed automatic transmission, Copper Sunset body, LED headlights, 21-inch wheels with 265/35R21 tyres, seats with White Stone leather upholstery, MMI, 505W Bang & Olufsen sound system and internet radio, CDC (continuous damping control) shock absorbers, electric ride height adjustment (40 mm), 380/356 mm front/rear ceramic brake discs with 6-piston monobloc aluminium front, and floating rear callipers, Audi Drive Select. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Initial version

Q5 (2008)

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show, and later at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Early models include the 2.0 TFSI quattro (211PS), 2.0 TDI quattro (170PS), 3.0 TDI quattro.

Initial vehicle models for US, Canada & Brazil include the 3.2 FSI.

The Q5 commenced shipments in October 2008 for Europe, and in the first quarter of 2009 for North America.

The US model went on sale in March 2009 as a 2009 model year vehicle. Early models include 3.2 FSI quattro and the 2.0 TFSI quattro (211PS) was added in 2011 model year.

Indian models went on sale in June 2009, and were initially built by Audi's Ingolstadt facility, but are now being built at its Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India plant. Launch models include 3.0 TDI, 2.0 TFSI (211 PS).

Middle East models went on sale in 2009 Q2. Launch models include 2.0 TFSI (211 PS), 3.2 FSI.

Japanese models include 2.0 TFSI quattro (211 PS), 3.2 FSI quattro.

2020 Audi Sq5

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Common 2020 Audi Sq5 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 2020 Audi Q5, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:

  1. Engine Fire Risk: One significant problem reported by owners is the risk of the engine catching fire unexpectedly due to a turbocharger wastegate malfunction. This issue poses a serious safety concern as it can lead to smoke filling the car and potential fire hazards.
  2. Seat Belt Alarm Malfunction: Another common problem is the seatbelt unbuckle alarm sounding on the dashboard when the owner's iPhone is placed on the passenger seat. Despite attempts to reset the electronics, this issue persists, indicating a potential electrical glitch.
  3. Computer System Shutdown: The most prevalent problem with the 2020 Q5 is related to the SUV's computer system. Owners have reported instances where all systems are instantly disabled, warning lights flash, and the vehicle shuts off by itself. This sudden shutdown poses a safety risk and can lead to unexpected stops while driving.
  4. Recalls: The 2020 Audi Q5 has been subject to multiple recalls, including issues like the wheel arch cover trim detaching, front seat backrest frame not welded properly, rear axle lock nuts breaking, control module shutdown reducing engine power, and the rear axle being misaligned. These recalls highlight various safety concerns that owners should be aware of.
  5. Electrical System Problems: Apart from the computer system shutdown, owners have reported additional electrical system issues, such as bugs in the infotainment system and other small annoyances. While these may not be as critical as some other problems, they can still affect the overall driving experience.

These common problems with the 2020 Audi Q5 highlight a range of issues that owners have faced, from safety concerns like engine fires and seat belt malfunctions to electrical system glitches and multiple recalls affecting various components of the vehicle. Owners should stay informed about these issues and address them promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of their Audi Q5.

2020 Audi Sq5 engine

What is the best year of Audi SQ5?

The Best Model Years to Buy an Audi SQ5

With the 2017, you would only pay, on average, 51% of the price as new, with 58% of the vehicle's useful life remaining. The 2018 and 2020 model years are also attractive years for the SQ5, and provide a relatively good value.

Is SQ5 expensive to maintain?

Audi SQ5 Maintenance

Maintenance and repair costs for an Audi SQ5 will amount to $3,388 after 5 years. Expenses include scheduled maintenance, normal wear and tear items and expected repairs.

Is 2020 a good year for Audi Q5?

Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2020 Q5. Avoid models from 2018, which have widespread electrical issues, while 2019–2022 are more dependable choices. Performance 7/10 – The performance is okay for a small SUV, but the SQ5 offers a sportier driving experience with its stronger engine.

What is the most common problem of Audi Q5?

What are common Audi Q5 problems?

  1. Excessive oil consumption. Turbo Q5 models, specifically the 2011 model, suffer significantly from excessive oil consumption. ...
  2. Defective timing chains. ...
  3. Start-stop system issues. ...
  4. Sunroof concerns. ...
  5. Leaky fuel pump flanges.

Is 2020 a good year for Audi Q5?

Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2020 Q5. Avoid models from 2018, which have widespread electrical issues, while 2019–2022 are more dependable choices. Performance 7/10 – The performance is okay for a small SUV, but the SQ5 offers a sportier driving experience with its stronger engine.

Is SQ5 expensive to maintain?

Audi SQ5 Maintenance

Maintenance and repair costs for an Audi SQ5 will amount to $3,388 after 5 years. Expenses include scheduled maintenance, normal wear and tear items and expected repairs.

What is the most common problem of Audi Q5?

What are common Audi Q5 problems?

  1. Excessive oil consumption. Turbo Q5 models, specifically the 2011 model, suffer significantly from excessive oil consumption. ...
  2. Defective timing chains. ...
  3. Start-stop system issues. ...
  4. Sunroof concerns. ...
  5. Leaky fuel pump flanges.

What is the problem with the Audi SQ5 3.0 TDI?

Problems? Well, some Q5 3.0 TDIs weren't trouble-free, pre-2012 models in particular suffering from excessive oil consumption (a litre every 1,500 miles), leaky fuel pumps, problems with the start-stop system, timing chain and tensioner failure and in one case at least complete transmission blow-up.

2020 Audi Sq5 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi Sq5 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Forward collision avoidance problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Back over prevention problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Audi Sq5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2020 Audi Sq5 complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Audi Sq5.

2023-08-21

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-08-21
  • VIN: WA1B4AFY9L2
  • Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: 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.
2023-03-28

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-02-10
  • VIN: WA1C4AFY1L2
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: 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.
2022-12-19

BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-12-04
  • VIN: WA1B4AFY0L2
  • Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: 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.
2022-04-15

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-06-15
  • VIN: WA1B4AFY3L2
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
  • Summary: 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.
2020-08-26

STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-08-26
  • VIN: WA1C4AFY6L2
  • Components: STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: 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.

2020 Audi Sq5 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2020 Audi Sq5.

2022-01-26
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
  • Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
2021-12-08
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle may allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module, causing it to shutdown.
  • Consequence: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90S9.
2021-04-26
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
  • Consequence: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
2020-08-26
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have been welded properly.
  • Consequence: In the event of a rear-end crash, the backrest adjustment could break, possibly reducing the amount of occupant restraint, thus increasing risk of injury.
  • Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats, and, as necessary, replace the seatback frames, free of charge. The recall began September 11, 2020. Volkswagen owners may contact their customer service at 1-888-241-2289. Audi owners may contact their customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 72L1, 72K8, and 72K9.

Negative 2020 Audi Sq5 car reviews

  1. Jabari Stroman 2024-06-27

    Although my 2018 SQ5 experienced a thermostat failure, it was promptly addressed by the dealer. While this issue has been reported by other owners on audiworld.com, it is important to note that it was resolved within a week and did not cause any further damage. Overall, I am satisfied with the car's performance and features. However, I do hope that Audi will continue to improve their reliability in the future.

Positive 2020 Audi Sq5 car reviews

  1. Kory Douglas 2024-11-17

    You can test drive all the SUVs in this class to find the perfect one for you. I personally test drove the SQ5 and it left a lasting impression on me. Although I initially purchased a fiscally responsible 2019 redesigned ACURA RDX sport package, I found myself constantly thinking about the SQ5. Eventually, I decided to trade in the RDX with only 3K miles on it due to its turbo lag and my regret of not choosing the SQ5 initially. In the end, I purchased the 2018 SQ5 with 5K miles and I couldn't be happier! I absolutely love commuting to work every day, and the red caliper brakes are just the cherry on top.

  2. Stanley Gottlieb 2024-11-09

    Your car is very safe and has enough horsepower to get out of any trouble on the road. It's stylish, roomy, and has no blind spots, while also providing good mileage.

  3. Hollis Yost 2024-10-22

    Still new. It's great to hear that everything seems to be working perfectly! We won't know of any problems until a few years later, but please do give us an update in a year or so.

  4. Trevor Flatley 2024-07-22

    My wife and I have previously owned a Q5 and have taken it on long trips from California to Indiana and back, as well as to the Colorado Rockies. We had no problems with it, even with 80k miles on it, and it handled terrifically on narrow mountain roads, such as the million dollar highway from Ouray to Durango Co. This year, we decided to upgrade for more power and handling, so we bought the SQ5. The car has no blind spots (they improved the rear view mirror's location), is perfect in corners, and is large enough to feel secure on the freeway but not so large as to feel like you are being squeezed between the lanes. We tried and drove a Lexus LX 350 F type, two types of Mercedes (GLE and GLC), the Porsche Macon, Volvo XC60, and BMW X5 and X3. All great SUVs, but in our view, the SQ5 seemed the most stable cornering and had even responsive power when accelerating. (Okay, the Macon was just as good in the corners and acceleration, but it had less interior space). Best of all, because of the abundance of new 2021 cars available, we got a very good deal on the price as well. As of 2/24, we have had no problems and we remain very happy with the SQ5.

  5. Nikolas Smith 2024-07-09

    I recently traded in my Jeep SRT 6.4L V8 for a 2020 SQ5 twin turbo diesel. While the SQ5 is incredibly fast, I do miss the power, sound, and presence of my Jeep. The SQ5's exhaust system doesn't quite match its performance, but I was able to improve the sound by fitting it with a Thor Exhaust sound system. Now, I can choose from a variety of car exhaust sounds and I'm really enjoying my SQ5 overall.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2020 Audi Sq5 problems:

2018-2020 SQ5 how reliable? What problems have you seen ...
2018-2020 SQ5 how reliable? What problems have you seen ...
https://www.audiworld.com/forums/q5-sq5-mkii-discussion-218/2018-2020-sq5-how-reliable-what-problems-have-you-seen-3059457/

Aug 1, 2023 ... Had air suspension failure, leaking thermostat, backup light failure, oil level sensor failure, a battery failure and a gateway module failure ...

Common 2020 Audi Q5 e 55 Premium Problems? : r/Audi
Common 2020 Audi Q5 e 55 Premium Problems? : r/Audi
https://www.reddit.com/r/Audi/comments/16z9zyd/common_2020_audi_q5_e_55_premium_problems/

Oct 4, 2023 ... An old issue of the EA888 is the waterpump. They are still a more common point of failure but not to a concerning level. The oil pump also might ...

2020 Audi SQ5 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2020 Audi SQ5 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/audi/sq5/2020/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2020 Audi SQ5? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

SQ5 - Audi SQ5 Issues 2020 model | Audi-Sport.net
SQ5 - Audi SQ5 Issues 2020 model | Audi-Sport.net
https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/428156/

Aug 4, 2021 ... Moderator · 1. Windows Rattling (now fixed with grease) · 2. Brake Pedal clicks when lifting off - has been determined as Brake Servo - booked ...

Common Problems with SQ5 or 3.0T | VW Vortex - Volkswagen Forum
Common Problems with SQ5 or 3.0T | VW Vortex - Volkswagen Forum
https://www.vwvortex.com/threads/common-problems-with-sq5-or-3-0t.9425297/

Aug 12, 2020 ... The more common issues are with the thermostat and waterpump. They can leak or fail causing overheating issues, so I would recommend replacing ...

Other years of Audi Sq5

audi sq5 2021 photo
Sq5 2021
Audi

5

5

17

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
audi sq5 2022 photo
Sq5 2022
Audi

0

2

15

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
audi sq5 2023 photo
Sq5 2023
Audi

0

0

20

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
audi sq5 2013 photo
Sq5 2013
Audi

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
audi sq5 2014 photo
Sq5 2014
Audi

11

1

3

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
audi sq5 2015 photo
Sq5 2015
Audi

4

1

6

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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2020 Audi Sq5 photo