2018 Audi SQ5 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 16%of 25 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 Audi SQ5, 16% of the 25 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Two issues: 1. Phantom braking, sudden deceleration, vehicle came to a rapid complete stop on road. Audi assist light came on. Road Conditions: clear, dry, very good visibility for night conditions. 2. While driving at highway speed, i.e. 65 MPH, the transmission disengaged temporarily for several seconds and causing the engine RPM to surge. Transmission re-engaged and operation became normal.”
NHTSA complaint #11452367, filed 2022-02“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 2026-07Related service bulletins
- 11036901Aug 4, 2026This bulletin provides informatin when there is binding or vibrations in tight turns with quattro Ultra.
- 11033465May 27, 2026This bulletin provides informatin when there is binding or vibrations in tight turns with quattro Ultra.
- 11033475May 6, 2026The high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles are subject to various ageing effects which could lead to the energy content (energy density) being reduced. This reduction in the…
- 11030999Mar 24, 2026This bulleitn provides informiaotn when there is a loss of coolant; mechanical coolant pump 2.9L, 3.0L V6 TFSI.
- 11028433Jan 22, 2026This bulletin provides informatin when there is binding or vibrations in tight turns with quattro Ultra.
- 11027358Dec 11, 2025This bulletin provides additoinal information to assist in determining the energy content of lithium-ion high-voltage batteries.
- 11022669Aug 15, 2025This bulletin provides informaoitn when there is droning noises/vibrations in tight corneres, in vehicles that have quattro with ultra technology.
- 11021441Jul 30, 2025This bulletin providesi nformation when various DTCs are stored; high maximum temperature recorded for clutch K1.
- 11021455Jul 15, 2025This bulletin provides informaoitn when there is droning noises/vibrations in tight corneres, in vehicles that have quattro with ultra technology.
- 11018977May 22, 2025This bulletin provides informaoitn when there is droning noises/vibrations in tight corneres, in vehicles that have quattro with ultra technology.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2018 Audi SQ5
8 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsForward collision avoidance
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Audi SQ5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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