2021 Audi Sq5 problems
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.
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Common 2021 Audi Sq5 problems
The 2021 Audi Q5 has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to electrical issues.
Another issue related to the infotainment system is the inconsistent connection to Apple CarPlay. Some users have reported experiencing a blank screen, which can be particularly problematic when driving. This issue was reported to have persisted for the first 1.5 years of ownership, but was eventually resolved after a major software update.
Additionally, some users have reported issues with the voice recognition system, which is supposed to allow users to access the infotainment system using voice commands. However, many users have found the system to be unreliable, with poor voice recognition and a tendency to activate unintentionally.
In terms of mechanical issues, some 2021 Audi Q5 owners have reported problems with the transmission. One user reported experiencing transmission errors, start-stop system issues, and a variety of other warning messages that prevented the car from being put in park or turned on after being switched off.
There have also been reports of premature or uneven tire wear, which may be caused by rear axle misalignment. This issue affects certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles, as well as RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge.
Despite these issues, the 2021 Audi Q5 has not had any safety recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, it is important for owners to stay up-to-date on any recalls or issues that may affect their vehicle.
What is the engine problem with the 2021 Audi Q5?
(Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
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.
What is the most common problem of Audi Q5?
What are common Audi Q5 problems?
- Excessive oil consumption. Turbo Q5 models, specifically the 2011 model, suffer significantly from excessive oil consumption. ...
- Defective timing chains. ...
- Start-stop system issues. ...
- Sunroof concerns. ...
- Leaky fuel pump flanges.
Is 2021 Q5 reliable?
The 2021 Q5 has a predicted reliability score of 63 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What is the engine problem with the 2021 Audi Q5?
(Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
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 2021 Q5 reliable?
The 2021 Q5 has a predicted reliability score of 63 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What is the most common problem of Audi Q5?
What are common Audi Q5 problems?
- Excessive oil consumption. Turbo Q5 models, specifically the 2011 model, suffer significantly from excessive oil consumption. ...
- Defective timing chains. ...
- Start-stop system issues. ...
- Sunroof concerns. ...
- Leaky fuel pump flanges.
2021 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:
- Back over prevention problems
- Air bags problems
- Seat belts problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Forward collision avoidance problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Audi Sq5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Audi Sq5 complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Audi Sq5.
BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-07
- VIN: WA1B4AFY1M2
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Audi SQ5. The contact stated that while the gear shifter was shifted into reverse, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. As a result, the contact stated that he bumped into another vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Back Over Prevention system failed, and the infotainment unit software needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact then stated that he then received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V742000 (Back Over Prevention). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the recall was previously repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,715.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-30
- VIN: WA1B4AFY4M2
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I’ve had a Safety System Malfunction light on for sometime now. Dealership replaced a seat belt part, air bag control module, and still the light won’t go away. The car is currently with the dealership.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-05
- VIN: WA1C4BFY2M2
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The Lighting system is SUB-PAR because You NHTSA has been dragging your feet on approving the ADB Matrix Headlights and allowing AUDI to update the software and enable the system. This is a Safety issue as we cannot realize the full capability of visibility when driving on the highway! NHTSA, please get your ACT together and approve the ADB Headlights!
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WA1C4AFY8M2
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The pre-sense and/or automatic emergency braking function comes on unnecessarily at least once a week. It will occur when I am driving on the highway and the car thinks there is something in front of me and then the seatbelt will tighten out of nowhere. This is a significant safety risk as it is terrifying and is not being triggered for any legitimate reason. It is so abrupt when it happens that it makes me jump while driving. The worst thing that has happened is yesterday I was going down a ramp toward a parking garage. Out of no where for no legitimate reason while on the beginning of the decline of the ramp, the car automatically applied the e-brake very violently. I was whiplashed forward, felt my neck crack, and then hit my head on the visor quite hard. Today, I have a bruise on my forehead and am not sure whether I had a mild concussion from the incident. It was more violent than when I have been rear-ended in the past. There were no walls, cars, people, ceiling, or objects anywhere near the car to cause this to happen. The pre-sense is a defect and a significant safety risk that can and has caused injury to me.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-05
- VIN: WA1B4AFY6M2
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING KID SPILLED WATER ON REAR SEAT, WITHIN 5 MIN ALL SENSORS STARTED BEEPING, DISPLAY STARTED TURNING OFF AND ON, STEERING WHEEL VERY HARD TO MANEUVER, WINDOWS OPENING AND CLOSING SPONTANEOUSLY, CAR WOULDN'T GO INTO PARK MODE, ENGINE WOULDN'T TURN OFF (FINALLY DID AFTER PRESSING AND HOLDING IGNITION MULTIPLE TIMES FOR SEVERAL SECONDS). AUDI DEALER STATES MODULE UNDERNEATH THE REAR SEAT IS CORRODED. IT'S A BRAND NEW CAR (LEASED < 3 MONTHS AGO). TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT AGAIN AS IT APPEARS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND IS HAZARDOUS FOR MY FAMILY.
2021 Audi Sq5 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2021 Audi Sq5.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
- 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
- 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.
Negative 2021 Audi Sq5 car reviews
Positive 2021 Audi Sq5 car reviews
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Update at 25k miles: Still love the handling and all the things that made us originally get this vehicle, but maintenance has been less than ideal. At 22k miles, we had a slight oil leak which turned out to be the head gasket, a major issue, and the timing chain housing assembly, also a major issue. The car spent 5 weeks in the shop, all covered by warranty, but having this level of engine work at 22k miles is less than ideal. Our only other gripe about the car since the original review is the tires - it loves to chew through P-zero sport tires, which cost $350+ per tire. That is annoying. However, snow handling is great with all seasons. Original Review: My wife and I needed an SUV because my BMW was looking at maintenance bills >60% of the value of the car and was well past warranty. We built a detailed spreadsheet that incorporated different weightings based on what we both liked across several vehicles we drove. We looked at Lexus and other brands as well, but they didn't meet our mission as we ran through our objectives and desires. The categories were the following: price, safety rating, estimated reliability, performance, fun factor, road trip comfort, technology/audio, road noise, storage/capacity, and fuel efficiency. It ultimately came down to the SQ5 and the Macan S, with the SQ5 being the most practical in the class in our view. The SQ5 with the sport air suspension allows the car to turn into a spirited driving machine, but also allows the comfort for a long road trip without feeling every bump, which sets it apart from the Macan in that class. Inversely, the Macan might be the best cornering SUV or 4-door vehicle I've driven... the builders clearly thought out the suspension as though they were thinking about a 911. The other category in which the SQ5 truly stood out was the MMI technology package that was significantly more intuitive, user-friendly, with sharp displays, and just all-around better than the Porsche or Mercedes. While the Porsche and Mercedes both 0-60 slightly faster than the Audi, in reality...How often is that really the deciding factor? We recently completed trips to CO as part of our mission in the SQ5. Despite having sport tires, with the quattro system and rear limited slip dif, it tackled 4-5We really appreciate the subtlety of the Audi brand, especially when compared to the sometimes negative driver stereotypes associated with other brands we've tested. We hope you enjoy your driving experience!
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Excellent
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It's a lot of vehicle for a city vehicle. It's great for highway and toll road driving.
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I purchased this CPO Audi about 6 months ago as a replacement for my 2010 MDX with over 200k miles. It serves as an extra vehicle to support my 196k mile BMW daily driver and as our four-wheel drive transportation for winter driving. I must say, it is an amazing vehicle all around! It offers great performance, comfort, style, and impressive gas mileage - between 25 and 28 on trips. The only issue I have encountered is the overly intrusive safety system that automatically breaks the car when taking a left turn at a busy intersection. Although it can be turned off (must go into the menu on each start up) it's not the most convenient. I also swapped out the 21
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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, we got a very good deal on the price because of the abundance of new 2021 cars available. As of 2/24, we have had no problems and we remain very happy with the SQ5.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Audi Sq5 problems:
Owning A 2021 Audi SQ5 Prestige! Pros and Cons! Has Anyone ...
Dec 28, 2022 ... Have You Had Issues With Audi Not Wanting To Fix Your Audi Issues?! I own an SQ5 Prestige 2021. Not a bad vehicle but could be better for the ...
SQ5 reliability - AudiWorld Forums
Nov 29, 2022 ... Purchased July 2021. Warranty items were slight rattle in center console, hard brake pedal (which was fixed via Audi SB), and two recall notices ...
Advice for my 2021 Q5 with issues : r/Audi
Aug 18, 2023 ... Beginning in April of this year, I've taken the car in 5 times for the same issue..transmission errors, start stop system, issues and a bunch of ...
Common Problems with SQ5 or 3.0T | VW Vortex - Volkswagen Forum
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 ...
2021 Audi Q5 Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · In-car Electronics · Electrical Accessories · Steering And Suspension · Body Hardware · Noises And Leaks · Drive System · Climate ...
Other years of Audi Sq5
Are you having problems with your 2021 Audi Sq5?
Newell Monahan 2024-09-10
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, but I do hope for better reliability from a reputable European auto maker.