AUDI SQ5 · model year

2021 AUDI SQ5

14 NHTSA complaints, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2021AUDISQ5 carries 14 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2021 SQ5 is electrical system with 3 filings, followed by engine (2) and steering (1). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 2021 SQ5. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

14
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

14 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 — Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
ENGINE2
STEERING1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
AIR BAGS1
SEAT BELTS1
BACK OVER PREVENTION1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
POWER TRAIN1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1

Recalls (5)

21V29500026/04/2021

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

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,

22V03400026/01/2022

TIRES

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,

21V94700008/12/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

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, caus

22V74200005/10/2022

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

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

21V60600005/08/2021

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

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, RS

Recent Complaints

20250916ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2021 Audi SQ5. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for routine service at the dealer, and the contact was informed that the coolant pump was starting to fail. The contact was advised that the mechanic found coolant running through the vac lines. The contact was informed that continuing to drive the vehicle with a failing coolant pump could cause engine damage. The contact had the coolant pump replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, neither the VIN nor the model year was included. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

Mileage: 39,000

20250806ENGINE

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). Although my engine (CWGD) is not listed in the bulletin, the failure is identical in nature: the plastic thermostat/water pump housing fails internally, leading to coolant loss and potential engine overheating. This issue is widespread among Audi 3.0T engines, including CWGD, and poses a risk of engine failure and overheating. Audi has extended the warranty for earlier engine variants but refuses to cover mine, even though the defect and consequences are the same. This inconsistent coverage leaves owners like me exposed to high repair co

20250806POWER TRAIN

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). Although my engine (CWGD) is not listed in the bulletin, the failure is identical in nature: the plastic thermostat/water pump housing fails internally, leading to coolant loss and potential engine overheating. This issue is widespread among Audi 3.0T engines, including CWGD, and poses a risk of engine failure and overheating. Audi has extended the warranty for earlier engine variants but refuses to cover mine, even though the defect and consequences are the same. This inconsistent coverage leaves owners like me exposed to high repair co

20250801ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MMI not connecting Control module for emergency call module

20250801UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MMI not connecting Control module for emergency call module

20250430ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Comfort Module J393 failed that is tied to all electronics warnings in car. brake warnings, light warning, security warnings, etc. Car was unable to be started as a result. If these electronics failed during driving, its very dangerous and could force crashing of vehicle. According to Dealership, failed module was submerged (ie water flooeded). This is a self contained electronics module that is not exposed to elements. The car was parked in driveway. it rained lightly over the weekend. Then this occurred. the damage and replacement cost was over $10K in damage. Audi dealership stated replacing rear water drain may be kinked or damaged causing water to leak where module located. Its not normal for self contained electronics modules to have this problem.

20221214BACK OVER PREVENTION

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.

Mileage: 10,715

20210811AIR BAGS

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.

20210811SEAT BELTS

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.

20210805EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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!

20210625FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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 an

20210418ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Mileage: 2,400

20210418ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 2,400

20210418STEERING

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.

Mileage: 2,400

Compare 2021AUDISQ5 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2021 AUDI SQ5 have?
The 2021 AUDI SQ5 has 14 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 AUDI SQ5?
The 2021 AUDI SQ5 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 AUDI SQ5?
Yes, the 2021 AUDI SQ5 has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 AUDI SQ5?
The most-complained component for the 2021 AUDI SQ5 is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 3 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and STEERING.
Is the 2021 AUDI SQ5 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2021 AUDI SQ5 has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.