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Audi · Mid-Size SUV · 2013–2017

Audi SQ5 8R

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.0 / 5.0 · Based on 8 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

326 PS

3.0L TDI V6 BiTurbo Diesel

First performance diesel SUV — pioneer with BiTurbo punch

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

163–177 PS

2.0L TDI Diesel

7 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations

Engine Overview

The Audi SQ5 8R is available with one engine variant at 163 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

SQ5 · Diesel· 313–326 PS Engine Change
2013 2017
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2014 2017
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Audi SQ5 (Diesel, 313–326 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CGQB (2013–2017, Stay Away!) und CVUB (2014–2017, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the SQ5!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Control Arms and Coil Springs Wear

From about six years of age, control arms and coil springs show elevated wear that is flagged at MOT. Heavy bodywork and all-wheel drive accelerate bush wear.

Symptoms: Vehicle pulls under braking, nervous handling, knocking from suspension over bumps
from 90,000 km
Ad control arm Q5 8R frontcontrol arm Q5 8R rearAchsfeder Q5 8R
 Medium
!Ball joints wear from vehicle weight

The high vehicle weight of the SQ5 places above-average stress on the wheel suspension ball joints. Premature failures occur particularly with frequent motorway driving and spirited use.

Symptoms: Knocking over bumps, poor cornering behaviour, imprecise steering
from 100,000 km
Ad Kugelgelenk Audi SQ5 8R frontcontrol arm Q5 8R complete
 Medium
!Sport differential: seals leaking

The optional sport differential on the SQ5 8R is occasionally prone to leaks and system faults. Solenoid valves can jam sporadically and need replacing.

Symptoms: 'Sport differential system fault' message, oil drips under the car, inconsistent cornering behaviour
from 80,000 km
Ad Sportdifferenzial Audi SQ5 8R gasketSportdiff Magnetventil Q5 8R
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
673 complaints · 2008–2017
Engine
200 ⚠ 1
Airbags
147 ⚠ 14
Fuel System
100 ⚠ 1
Steering
69 ⚠ 4
Other
58 ⚠ 1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Engine (200 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (147 complaints)
⚠ Fuel System (100 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
31 complaints · 2013–2017
Steering
9
Body Structure
4
Engine
3
Suspension
3
Fuel System
3

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Steering (9 complaints)
⚠ Body Structure (4 complaints)
⚠ Engine (3 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 59 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi SQ5 8R (2013–2017) — 48 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. 4 problem engines: CAEB (2.0L TFSI), CAHA (2.0L TDI), CGQB (3.0L TDI V6 BiTurbo), CCWA (3.0L TDI V6). Typical issues affect Suspension, Gearbox, Other, Electronics.

What to watch out for with the Audi SQ5? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi SQ5 8R have? +
The Audi SQ5 8R has 48 known engine weaknesses and 11 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi SQ5 8R? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: CRTE (3.0L TDI V6), CVUB (3.0L TDI V6 BiTurbo), CRTE-190 (3.0L TDI V6), CDUC-184 (3.0L TDI V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the CVUB (3.0L TDI V6 BiTurbo). Problem engine: CAHA (2.0L TDI) — stay away!
Which Audi SQ5 8R engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi SQ5 8R — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 313 hp BiTurbo TDI in an SUV — this didn't exist before the SQ5. Torque monster that shoves from 1,450 rpm like a freight train. Sounds unremarkable, but every overtaking maneuver feels like dominance. The diesel SQ5 has a loyal following that rejects the petrol successor.
Is the Audi SQ5 8R worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Audi SQ5 8R — 4 of 8 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi SQ5 8R? +
The Audi SQ5 8R is available with engine variants from 163 to 326 hp. Petrol: CAEB (2.0L TFSI). Diesel: CAHA (2.0L TDI), CRTE (3.0L TDI V6), CGQB (3.0L TDI V6 BiTurbo), CCWA (3.0L TDI V6), CVUB (3.0L TDI V6 BiTurbo), CRTE-190 (3.0L TDI V6), CDUC-184 (3.0L TDI V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee