2021 Audi SQ5 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 23%of 13 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Audi SQ5, 23% of the 13 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.
“Component/System: Engine and Cooling — Water Pump / Coolant System Vehicle: 2021 Audi SQ5 Engine Code: CWGD Mileage at Failure: 71,000 Date of Incident: 8/6/2025 Audi Denver I’m reporting a known defect affecting my 2021 Audi SQ5 with engine code CWGD. The engine experienced an internal coolant leak from the water pump housing, which is a known issue previously acknowledged by Audi in TSB #19Q5 2022 01, covering earlier 3.0T engines (DEWA/DEWC). …”
NHTSA complaint #11678890, filed 2025-08“My car has a known issue with a piston skirt defect that can cause engine failure. Audi of America acknowledged this issue with the EA839 and only warranted an 80k mile warranty. I am outside of that warranty and in risk of catastrophic engine failure that could lead to safety issues on the road. I am worried about my safety in driving this vehicle. Audi of America refuse to cover my car as it is outside of the extended warranty. There are numerous people that have the same issue as several models with the same EA839 engine and are prone to this failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11735402, filed 2026-05“While driving at normal operational speeds, the vehicle suffered a sudden, un-commanded, and catastrophic loss of motive power while navigating a live traffic intersection. The transmission completely disengaged all gears without warning, rendering the vehicle entirely stationary and immobilized in the path of oncoming traffic. This failure created an immediate, severe safety hazard, exposing the occupants to a high risk of a side-impact or rear-end collision due to the inability to clear the intersection under the vehicle's own power. …”
NHTSA complaint #11745096, filed 2026-06Related 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.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2021 Audi SQ5
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Audi SQ5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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