2021 Audi SQ5 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
11 owner complaints analyzed
5 distinct recall campaigns
10,715 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 11 complaints (36.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 18.2% |
| Braking behavior | 2 | 18.2% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 9.1% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 4 |
| Engine | 3 |
| Power Train | 3 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 1 |
Electrical System: 4; Engine: 3; Power Train: 3; Air Bags: 1; Back Over Prevention: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1; Exterior Lighting: 1; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 8 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 2 |
2021: 4; 2022: 1; 2025: 4; 2026: 2
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11497391 · 2022-12-14 (December 14, 2022)
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…
Owner-reported narrative. 10,715 miles reported. Look up ODI 11497391 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11745096 · 2026-06-18 (June 18, 2026)
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. The vehi…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11745096 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11422338 · 2021-06-25 (June 25, 2021)
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 …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11422338 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11657723 · 2025-04-30 (April 30, 2025)
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 …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11657723 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11408669 · 2021-04-18 (April 18, 2021)
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 FAMIL…
Owner-reported narrative. 2,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 11408669 at NHTSA ↗