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2016 Audi SQ5 problems

The most common problem on the 2016 Audi SQ5 is steering. Its complaint count is close to a typical SQ5 model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
404
Worst area
Steering
Fuel economy
19mpg

The worst 2016 Audi SQ5 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Steering
    2
  • Engine
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Steering
    2
  • Engine
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2016 Audi SQ5 404

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 404 bulletins for the 2016 Audi SQ5

2016 Audi SQ5 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cylAWD172419

What 2016 Audi SQ5 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Suspension · ME

My vehicle was in for its mandatory annual State Inspection. It was pointed out that the rear subframe is showing rust which apparently is a common problem with these vehicles, in fact a class action lawsuit is being instituted against Volkswagen USA for this very issue.

Filed Apr 29, 2021 · Engine · TX

The original engine water pump failed at 18,313 miles on may 12, 2019. The replaced engine water pump has failed again at 24,700 miles on april 25. 2021. This is completely unacceptable and unsafe.

Filed Apr 24, 2021 · Steering · 53,000 miles · NC

Steering intermediate shaft is a known defect on every mlb-platform audi model. My sq5, like thousands of others, has developed a known defect that causes a squeaking/creaking that can be felt in the steering wheel when turning the wheel. It can also be faintly heard. Instead of initiating a recall to fix the issue, audi has released tons of tsbs that only cover in-warranty cars, even though may cars develop this problem with as little as 20,000 miles. At 53,000 miles, my car has this issue now and I'll be forced to pay hundreds of dollars for a repair that either includes replacing parts of the steering shaft or disassembling part of the steering shaft and lubricating it. It is a bit shocking that 10 years later audi is still not recalling these cars to correct this issue once and for all. As this issue progresses, the steering can progressively get hard and harder for the driver to turn potentially increasing chances of an accident.

Filed Jun 11, 2019 · Steering · 38,000 miles · TX

The audi sq 5 loses power steering if the rack/pinion power steering unit is exposed to water. This does not refer to flooding or submerged car audi considers weather an outside influence and does not honor the warranty the car retains full propulsion but is impossible to steer the electrical mechanism on the power steering is dangerously exposed , and apparently not weather proof I made a left hand turn in a heavy rain storm up the apron of a driveway to a parking lot. I drove the car 100-150 feet to a secure spot to wait out a heavy houston rainstorm . The dashboard indicator came on signalling loss of power steering as the car sat in the spot for over 1 minute I assume the water I pushed up in front of me as I went up the apron got under the car and into the mechanism the car was never stationary in any deep water, and never in water deeper than 3 inches this is a safety issue as the car maintained full proplusion

Filed Feb 22, 2018 · 25,000 miles · GA

I have a repeat of my issue 10971202. While it might not seem like a big deal- that the car locks itself after I place my purse with my keys on the back seat and close the door- it is a safety issue for a woman in a mall. I get locked out of my car, and sometimes my phone is in my purse, leaving me stranded. Audi claims that no one has reported the issue. I have been told by the dealer that the car does not lock itself if it detects the key inside, unless it detects a second key outside the car. This was not my case.

Filed Apr 7, 2017 · 15,550 miles · GA

I am writing to express my extreme anxiety over my recent experience with the sensor-key. I typically keep the keys in my purse, open the rear door (behind the driver door), and leave my purse on the seat or the floor, close that door, then open the driver door and drive. A couple of weeks ago (march 8th, 2017), the car was parked in my driveway. I unlocked the rear door, placed all my bags inside, closed the door. Then I went to put a bumper sticker on. Must have taken less than 5 minutes. I heard the car lock itself- with my keys (car and home) inside. I most definitely did not touch the door handle to lock the car! And the car does not lock itself after some time- I have found it unlocked when the door handle touch sometimes did not work. Luckily, in this instance, I was able to get into my house and get my second key- but what if I were elsewhere? I can imagine me locked out of my car (with keys and phone inside) and completely stranded! - when I bought the car, I have been told that you cannot lock the car from the outside when the keys are inside- and this is typically what I have experienced (until march 8th.) - even though my door locks are set to 'unlock all doors' sometimes, I find the driver's door not unlocked, wherein, I open the back door, bring my bag out to unlock the driver's side door, and then put it back. Audi claims that the car locks itself after a certain amount of idle time- which does not make sense if the keys are inside the car. Auto lock after a certain time when the keys are outside the car makes sense. Not the described behavior

Filed Mar 24, 2016 · Visibility · 3,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 audi sq5. The contact stated that the size and placement of the driver and passenger side mirrors caused a blind spot when making turns. The contact also stated that due to the failure, he nearly crashed into a pedestrian. The contact was concerned that the road was unable to be viewed which could result into a crash due to the failure. The dealer was contacted and informed that the vehicle was functioning as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000. Updated 05/04/16*lj

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Questions about the 2016 Audi SQ5

Is the 2016 Audi SQ5 reliable?

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2016 Audi SQ5, close to a typical SQ5 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Audi SQ5?

Steering, with 2 complaints. Next is engine (1).

How many recalls does the 2016 Audi SQ5 have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2016 Audi SQ5 get?

Official estimates for the 2016 Audi SQ5 range from 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, AWD) gets 17 city and 24 highway.

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