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Audi · Mid-Size SUV · 2017–2024

Audi SQ5 FY

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.2 / 5.0 · Based on 10 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

340–349 PS

3.0L TDI V6 Diesel

Petrol replaces diesel — faster, but diesel fans are mourning

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

230–265 PS

2.0L TFSI Benzin

7 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations


Engine Overview

The Audi SQ5 FY is available with 6 engine variants — from 150 to 354 hp.

3.0L TDI V6 · Diesel· 341–347 PS
2019 2024
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
SQ5 · Diesel· 341 PS
2019 2024
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
3.0L TFSI V6 · Benziner· 354 PS
2017 2020
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
SQ5 · Benziner· 354 PS
2017 2020
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
3.0L TDI V6 · Diesel Mild-Hybrid· 341–347 PS
2020 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
SQ5 · Diesel Mild-Hybrid· 341–347 PS
2020 2024
Be Careful 5 weaknesses

The Audi 3.0L TDI V6 (Diesel, 341–347 PS) has the DTNS (3.0L TDI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Audi SQ5 (Diesel, 341 PS) has the DTNS (3.0L TDI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Audi 3.0L TFSI V6 (Benziner, 354 PS) has the CWGD (3.0L TFSI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Audi SQ5 (Benziner, 354 PS) has the CWGD (3.0L TFSI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Audi 3.0L TDI V6 (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 341–347 PS) has the DTPA (3.0L TDI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The Audi SQ5 (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 341–347 PS) has the DTPA (3.0L TDI V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Control Arm Stress Corrosion Cracking (Recall)

KBA recall: stress corrosion cracking can cause elevated play between the control arm and wheel carrier. Affects build years 2019–2021. Free replacement at dealer.

Symptoms: Changed handling, imprecise steering response; usually no direct driver-noticeable symptom until inspection
Low
Brake Master Cylinder Failure (Recall)

Recall for Q5 FY (production July 2018 to March 2019): faulty brake master cylinders increase stopping distance. Free replacement programme through Audi.

Symptoms: Increased pedal travel, soft brake pedal feel, longer stopping distance; often no driver-noticeable symptom
Low
Recall: rear axle stress corrosion

Salt water penetrates the rear control arm bushings. Stress corrosion can cause the bushings to come loose, resulting in increased steering play and changed handling dynamics.

Symptoms: Changed handling dynamics, uneven rear tyre wear, wayward rear end.
Low
Recall: fuel rail leaking

Fuel rail seals can leak, with fuel escape and fire risk. Affects early FY model years 2017–2018. Recall code 24DP.

Symptoms: Fuel smell in the engine bay, visible fuel traces on the rail, possible engine fault warning light.
Low
Recall: belt-driven starter-generator fire risk

Moisture enters through cracks in the inverter housing of the belt-driven starter-generator — short circuit, overheating, fire risk. Recall code 27H2, approximately 530,000 vehicles worldwide.

Symptoms: No warning symptoms before ignition. Audi recommended parking affected vehicles outdoors until repaired.
Low
Recall: seat adjustment mechanism impairs airbag

A manufacturing defect in the front seat adjustment mechanism can impair the restraint function in a collision. Approximately 2,918 Q5/SQ5 vehicles affected worldwide.

Symptoms: No symptoms in normal driving; safety-critical only in a collision.
Low
!Haldex Differential Oil Contamination

The Haldex rear differential suffers from oil contamination by clutch debris when maintenance is neglected. A differential oil change clears the symptoms. Neglect risks differential damage.

Symptoms: Vibrations and judder during cornering at full lock, clicking noises when turning
from 80,000 km
High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
394 complaints · 2017–2024
Electrical
114 ⚠ 3
Engine
78 ⚠ 2
Other
66 ⚠ 6
Collision Avoidance
49 ⚠ 6
Brakes
39 ⚠ 8

Top Reported Issues

Electrical (114 complaints)
Engine (78 complaints)
Other (66 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
64 complaints · 2017–2024
Electrical
14
Collision Avoidance
11
Engine
9
Other
8
Lighting
7

Top Reported Issues

Electrical (14 complaints)
Collision Avoidance (11 complaints)
Engine (9 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 85 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi SQ5 FY (2017–2024) — 66 engine-related and 19 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Brakes, Electronics, Suspension. Considered reliable: DMTA (2.0L TFSI).

SQ5 (DTNS, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Timing chain wear and tensioner failure, Camshaft fracture due to material defect, Coolant loss from defective control valves. Power: 341–347 PS.

SQ5 (CWGD, 2017–2020) — Be Careful: Rocker Arm Roller Failure (GP0 Production), Water Pump Internal Failure with Coolant in Vacuum System, 48V Mild Hybrid System Fault (from 2019 Facelift). Power: 354 PS.

SQ5 (DTPA, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: Low oil pressure from variable oil pump, Camshaft breakage (material defect), Timing chain drive worn (4-chain system). Power: 341–347 PS.

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 FY have? +
The Audi SQ5 FY has 66 known engine weaknesses and 19 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi SQ5 FY? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: DMTA (2.0L TFSI). The most reliable engine is the DMTA (2.0L TFSI) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the DTPA (3.0L TDI V6).
Which Audi SQ5 FY engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Audi SQ5 FY. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 7 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Audi SQ5 FY engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi SQ5 FY — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 354 hp TFSI instead of BiTurbo TDI. Quicker in a sprint, but the brutal diesel torque is gone. Consumption notably higher, range shorter, character more generic. Competitive against Macan S and X3 M40i on paper, but the SQ5 community misses the diesel.
Is the Audi SQ5 FY worth buying used? +
The Audi SQ5 FY is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 10 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi SQ5 FY? +
The Audi SQ5 FY is available with engine variants from 150 to 354 hp. Petrol: DMTA (2.0L TFSI), DAXB (2.0L TFSI), CWGD (3.0L TFSI V6), DLGA (2.0L TFSI e), DRYA (2.0L TFSI e). Diesel: DETA (2.0L TDI), DTNA (2.0L TDI), DTHA (3.0L TDI V6), DTPA (3.0L TDI V6), DTNS (3.0L TDI V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee