2014 Audi SQ5
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2014 Audi SQ5 has 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.1x the segment average of 12. The most common issue is steering problems (31% of all complaints), specifically: right after starting the car steering locked, like it's lost power boost, with a message "steering failure". *tr. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.
13
Total Complaints
1
Recalls Issued
4/5
Safety Stars
1.1x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 7)
STEERING
4 complaints- • RIGHT AFTER STARTING THE CAR STEERING LOCKED, LIKE IT'S LOST POWER BOOST, WITH A MESSAGE "STEERING FAILURE". *TR
- • THIS IS MY SECOND FAILURE EVENT LOOSING STEERING ON MY 2014 SQ5. TWO YEARS AGO I POSTED THE 1ST EVENT. THE DEALER ORDERED NEW RACK AND PINION FROM GERMANY WHICH FIXED IT....TEMPORARILY. HERE TWO YEARS LATER NOW JANUARY 2016, THIS 2ND EVENT I WAS NOT DRIVING. UPON STARTING THE CAR THE DISPLAY LIT UP
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDI SQ5. BEFORE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V452000 (STEERING). WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE OUT OF THE PARKING LOT, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUDI BEVERLY HILLS (2340 S
“RIGHT AFTER STARTING THE CAR STEERING LOCKED, LIKE IT'S LOST POWER BOOST, WITH A MESSAGE "STEERING FAILURE". *TR”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2014 Audi SQ5
Based on 10 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 18K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (1)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Audi SQ5 vehicles manufactured May 22, 2013, to April 14, 2015. The affected vehicles have an electric power steering assist system that may shut down in cold temperatures due to a steering motor sensor fault.
Risk: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the power steering control module software, free of charge. The recall began on July 31, 2015. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 48M1.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2014 Audi SQ5
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2014 Audi SQ5
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Audi SQ5 Service Intervals
Long-interval service (LongLife) uses fully-synthetic oil. Some engines have timing belts (check owner's manual).
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Audi New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Corrosion coverage is unlimited miles for 12 years
These are the terms for a new Audi. If you're buying a used 2014 SQ5, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Audi dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 13 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐STEERING: RIGHT AFTER STARTING THE CAR STEERING LOCKED, LIKE IT'S LOST POWER BOOST, WITH A MESSAGE "STEERING FAILURE". *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: WE HAVE A 2014 AUDI SQ-5 THAT SURGES INTERMITTENTLY FROM A FEATHERED THROTTLE. THIS IS A VERY STRONG FORWARD LURCH THAT MAKES THIS CAR DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN TIGHT TRAFFIC CONDITIONS OR IN A PARKING LOT OR ANY TIME YOU DO NOT HAVE A LOT OF ROOM IN FRONT OF THE CAR. THIS HAPPENS LESS THAN 1/100 FEAT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SUSPENSION: I have a 2014 Audi sq5. Had vehicle in for service today and the tech discovered a huge rust hole in the rear subframe on both the left and right sides under the plastic shielding. This is a huge safety issue and this is not normal on a 10 year old vehicle to have this massive rust problem. After do
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE I HEARD A TAPPING / KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND AS I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE THE SOUND BECAME LOUDER AND FASTER THEN SUDDENLY WITHOUT ANY LIGHTS OR NOTIFICATION THE ENGINE PRODUCED A LOUD BOOM, WHITE SMOKE PLUME AND THE ENGINE LOCKED UP. MEANWHILE THE SMELL OF OIL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Audi dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Audi SQ5 — Year Comparison
How does 2014 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 1
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 0
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 12
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2014 Audi SQ5