BestCarRank
Audi

2015 Audi SQ5

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2015 Audi SQ5 has 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 12. The most common issue is body/structure problems (38% of all complaints), specifically: the contact owns a 2015 audi sq5. the contact stated while driving at approximately 40 mph, there was an abnormal scraping and dragging sound coming from the front of the vehicle. the contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. the contact pulled over and observed that the plastic cover f. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

8

Total Complaints

1

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 5)

BODY/STRUCTURE

3 complaints
38%
  • The contact owns a 2015 Audi SQ5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal scraping and dragging sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and observed that the plastic cover f
  • Rear subframe structure has rusted through in the same location on both sides of the car. Moisture is being trapped between a plastic pieces of molding and the subframe and causing it to rust out completely.
  • Rear subframe has extensive and significant rust affecting the structural integrity of the critical component…. Have been advised by a qualified certified mechanic that the vehicle should NOT be driven as doing so could result in catastrophic collapse of the vehicle suspension with potential loss o
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

The contact owns a 2015 Audi SQ5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal scraping and dragging sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and observed that the plastic cover f

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (1)

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM20/07/2015

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 2015 Audi SQ5

Live EIA prices
Per year
$2,527
Per month
$211
Per mile
21.1¢
MPG
19
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,824/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$2,001/yr

Based 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 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2015 Audi SQ5

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$2,038
Full coverage / month
$170
Liability only / year
$717
vs US avg
+22%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (suv-luxury)1.35x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating0.98x
× vehicle age0.92x
= Full coverage estimate$2038

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Audi SQ5 Service Intervals

Oil change
10K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
10K mi
Brake fluid
24 months
Transmission fluid
40K mi
Engine coolant
100K mi
Spark plugs
60K mi
Cabin air filter
20K mi
Engine air filter
40K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
40K mi

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

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
4 yr / 50K mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
12 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion coverage is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Audi. If you're buying a used 2015 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

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)
$500
STEERING(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
BRAKES(~50K mi)
$500
SUSPENSION(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 8 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • BODY/STRUCTURE: The contact owns a 2015 Audi SQ5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal scraping and dragging sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and observed that the plastic cover f

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • STEERING: POWER STEERING DISABLED WHILE DRIVING. WARNING ON DASH INDICATED THAT POWER STEERING IS DEFECTIVE. LOSS OF ELECTRONIC STEERING ASSIST WAS IMMEDIATE AND STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE. VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO SHOULDER WITHOUT INCIDENT. DEALER INDICATED SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS INS

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • OTHER: ON JANUARY 8, 2018; I TOOK MY VEHICLE (AUDI SQ5, 2015, 21847 MILES, WELL WITHIN WARRANTY) INTO FLOW AUDI SERVICE DEPT. IN WINSTON-SALEM, NC. FOR A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER'S WHEEL HITTING AS IF METAL TO METAL, WITH A LOUD BANG AN A HARD JERK AS IF THE WHEEL IS SEPARATING FROM THE FRON

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • BRAKES: The contact owns a 2015 Audi SQ5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, while the brake pedal was depressed, the brakes failed to engage; the contact had to initiate the emergency brake to bring the vehicle to a halt. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an

    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)

NHTSA Safety Rating

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

At a Glance

Complaints
8
Recalls
1
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
0
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
12

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2015 Audi SQ5