Skip to content
EnginePart report

2018 Audi SQ5 Engine Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
28%of 25 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Audi SQ5, 28% of the 25 complaints for this model year.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The car windows were down the windshield wipers were running the front lights were on and parking brake light is flashing. I'm not sure how water was sitting where the spare tire was located. As I researched it stated it may be a faulty comfort module.”

NHTSA complaint #11503500, filed 2023-01

“[B9 SQ5 - EA839 3.0T V6 CWGD] - Remove Front Bumper & Activate Radiator Support Service Position - Drain Cooling System - Remove & Replace Water Pump, Thermo- Pneumatic Valve, & Vacuum Line Set w/ Solenoids & All Necessary Hardware - Remove & Replace Thermostat Assembly w/ Seal - Remove & Replace Both Accessory Drive Belts - Fill & Bleed Cooling System - Reverse Service Mode & Reinstall Front Bumper - Road Test Vehicle & Verify Cooling System Is Operating Properly”

NHTSA complaint #11773007, filed 2026-10

“During a rainstorm, water drained from roof drains that are apparently supposed to be cleaned & maintenance done by dealership on a regular basis but were clogged due to them not being any maintenance done. Water shorted out the entire control module for the entire vehicle computer after leaking into the rear inside behind hatch where battery and electrical components are located rendering the vehicle dead and undriveable on the side of the road. …”

NHTSA complaint #11608218, filed 2024-08

“Oil leaking from the engine. Mechanic determined that it was the Filter Housing. They replaced the filter housing and since then, the problem is all good. I spent over $5000 to identify this problem and get it repaired.”

NHTSA complaint #11608039, filed 2024-08

“While driving a 2018 Audi SQ5 with the EA839 3.0T engine, a coolant warning light activated and engine temperatures began rising to 210-215°F. The vehicle was pulled over immediately. Upon inspection the coolant reservoir was found to be nearly empty with dried coolant residue on the exterior indicating an active leak. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Audi dealer who confirmed via multi-point inspection that the water pump, shut off valve, and vacuum system require replacement due to coolant leakage, with a repair estimate of $5,324.87. …”

NHTSA complaint #11748361, filed 2026-07

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025113%
2022233%
2021538%
2020113%
2019525%
2018728%
2016117%
201418%

Other parts of the 2018 Audi SQ5

Electrical system
8 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
4 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
4 complaints
Brakes
3 complaints
Exterior lighting
3 complaints
Other or unknown
3 complaints
Steering
2 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
Air bags
1 complaints
Fuel system
1 complaints
Tires
1 complaints
Wheels
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 Audi SQ5

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology