2018 Audi SQ5: known problems and what to check
Too few Audi SQ5 cars first registered in 2018 had an MOT during 2025 for reliable MOT figures. Here’s what we do know about the 2018 Audi SQ5, and what to check before you buy one.
Known faults on the 2018 Audi SQ5
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Built 2018 to 2020
Brake recalls (built 2018 to 2020)
Recalls covered brake master cylinders (built Aug to Nov 2018), brake piston coating that could lengthen stopping distances (built Mar to May 2018) and a part causing extra pedal travel (built Jan 2020).
At the viewing: Ask an Audi dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
- Built 2017 to 2020
Passenger airbag and mild-hybrid recalls
Passenger airbags on cars built June to July 2017 might not deploy properly (the fix is a new dashboard), and moisture could get into the starter-alternator on mild hybrids built June 2017 to March 2020.
At the viewing: Ask for proof the recalls were done.
- Diesel
Faults on diesels
In What Car?'s survey 35% of diesels had a fault, mostly brakes, electrics and trim, and some repairs cost over £1,500.
At the viewing: Test the electrics and look for warning lights.
- All engines
Infotainment freezing and electrical glitches
Owners report infotainment freezes and connection problems, faulty lights and sensors, and a few turbo and gearbox repairs.
At the viewing: Use the screen, connect your phone, and check every light.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Audi SQ5
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have the brake recalls been done? Can an Audi dealer confirm from the VIN?
- Have the airbag and starter-alternator recalls been done?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
What to check on a 2018 car
- MOT history
Check the reg below: its MOT history shows what has been failed or advised, and whether the mileage adds up.
- Service history
Look for regular servicing and receipts for big jobs like a cambelt or clutch.
- Finance and write-offs
MOT records don’t show outstanding finance or insurance write-offs. A history check does.
- Test drive
Listen for knocks over bumps, check every warning light goes out, and make sure the gears and brakes feel right.
Looking at an Audi SQ5?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Audi SQ5 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 497 | Tyres 18% |
| 2021 | 1,030 | Tyres 17% |
| 2020 | 1,290 | Tyres 18% |
| 2019 | 295 | Tyres 14% |
| 2017 | – | Too few tests |
| 2016 | – | Too few tests |
| 2015 | 113 | Suspension 23% |
| 2014 | 1,077 | Tyres 20% |
| 2013 | 292 | Suspension 24% |
Where this comes from: how many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics (DVLA records), counted by the year each car was first registered. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score