2021 AUDI SQ5 Complaints and Recall Information
The 2021 AUDI SQ5 has 5 complaints and 48 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report electronics failures tied to the comfort module causing multiple warning lights and inability to start the vehicle. There are also reports of MMI connection issues with the emergency call module. Additionally, the engine has an internal coolant leak from the water pump housing, causing overheating risks.
Common Issues- Comfort module failure. The Comfort Module J393 failed, triggering numerous electronic warnings including brakes, lights, and security systems. The vehicle became inoperable and required a costly replacement exceeding $10,000 after water intrusion was blamed by the dealership despite the module being sealed.
- MMI emergency call malfunction. The MMI system repeatedly failed to connect with the emergency call control module, impairing emergency communication capabilities.
- Coolant leak in engine. An internal coolant leak occurred from the water pump housing in the engine (CWGD code), causing coolant loss and overheating. Although similar issues on related engines received warranty coverage, this engine variant was excluded, leaving owners with high repair costs.
There are 48 recalls affecting the 2021 Audi SQ5 covering multiple systems such as rear visibility, tires, suspension, body structure, electrical control modules, and seat belts. These recalls address risks including sudden loss of engine power, improper child restraint securing, rear axle misalignment, and reduced rearview camera functionality.
Recalls- Rearview camera display (22V742000). A software defect causes a blank or black rearview camera screen when reversing, reducing rear visibility and increasing crash risk. The fix updates infotainment software free of charge. 170,296 vehicles affected.
- Tire rear axle alignment (22V034000). Rear axle alignment may have been missed after prior repairs, potentially causing premature or uneven tire wear and increasing crash risk. Dealers inspect and adjust alignment, replacing worn tires if needed. 31,058 vehicles affected.
- Rear axle non-powered assembly (22V034000 and 21V295000). Lock nuts on the trailing arm may break from stress corrosion, causing rear axle misalignment and loss of control. Dealers replace lock nuts and associated bolts at no cost. 40,993 to 31,058 vehicles affected depending on recall number.
- Gateway control module water intrusion (21V947000). Liquid spills or water ingress may cause the control module to shut down, reducing engine power suddenly and increasing crash risk. Dealers add protective covers and seal seams. 288,991 vehicles affected.
- Rear seat belt retractors (21V606000). Automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, preventing proper securing of child restraint systems and increasing injury risk during a crash. Dealers inspect and replace rear middle seat belt assemblies as needed. 45,496 vehicles affected.
Owners facing repeated repairs, unresolved recall issues, or safety defects with this vehicle may have rights under their state’s lemon law. Consulting a qualified consumer protection attorney experienced in lemon law claims could clarify options available under applicable laws.
2021 AUDI SQ5 Summary
2021
Model Year
5
Total Complaints
5
Total Recalls
576834
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2021 AUDI SQ5
31058 vehicles affected
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 AUDI SQ5
170296 vehicles affected
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 AUDI SQ5
288991 vehicles affected
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle may allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module, causing it to shutdown.
Risk: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 AUDI SQ5
40993 vehicles affected
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 AUDI SQ5
45496 vehicles affected
SEAT BELTS
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Complaints
2021 AUDI SQ5
ID: 2117400POWER TRAIN
Component/System: Engine and Cooling — Water Pump / Coolant System Vehicle: 2021 Audi SQ5 Engine Code: CWGD Mileage at Failure: 71,000 Date of Incident: 8/6/2025 Audi Denver I’m reporting a known defect affecting my 2021 Audi SQ5 with engine code CWGD. The engine experienced an internal coolant leak from the water pump housing, which is a known issue previously acknowledged by Audi in TSB #19Q5 2022 01, covering earlier 3.0T engines (DEWA/DEWC). Although my engine (CWGD) is not listed in the bulletin, the failure is identical in nature: the plastic thermostat/water pump housing fails internally, leading to coolant loss and potential engine overheating. This issue is widespread among Audi 3.0T engines, including CWGD, and poses a risk of engine failure and overheating. Audi has extended the warranty for earlier engine variants but refuses to cover mine, even though the defect and consequences are the same. This inconsistent coverage leaves owners like me exposed to high repair costs for a clearly known design flaw. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether Audi’s CWGD engines should also fall under the scope of the extended warranty or safety defect coverage already applied to DEWA/DEWC engine variants. Audi’s selective VIN or engine code exclusions appear arbitrary and may allow known safety-related failures to go unaddressed. Documentation available: dealer inspection report confirming internal water pump leak, warranty denial letter, and TSB copy.
2021 AUDI SQ5
ID: 2117399ENGINE
Component/System: Engine and Cooling — Water Pump / Coolant System Vehicle: 2021 Audi SQ5 Engine Code: CWGD Mileage at Failure: 71,000 Date of Incident: 8/6/2025 Audi Denver I’m reporting a known defect affecting my 2021 Audi SQ5 with engine code CWGD. The engine experienced an internal coolant leak from the water pump housing, which is a known issue previously acknowledged by Audi in TSB #19Q5 2022 01, covering earlier 3.0T engines (DEWA/DEWC). Although my engine (CWGD) is not listed in the bulletin, the failure is identical in nature: the plastic thermostat/water pump housing fails internally, leading to coolant loss and potential engine overheating. This issue is widespread among Audi 3.0T engines, including CWGD, and poses a risk of engine failure and overheating. Audi has extended the warranty for earlier engine variants but refuses to cover mine, even though the defect and consequences are the same. This inconsistent coverage leaves owners like me exposed to high repair costs for a clearly known design flaw. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether Audi’s CWGD engines should also fall under the scope of the extended warranty or safety defect coverage already applied to DEWA/DEWC engine variants. Audi’s selective VIN or engine code exclusions appear arbitrary and may allow known safety-related failures to go unaddressed. Documentation available: dealer inspection report confirming internal water pump leak, warranty denial letter, and TSB copy.
2021 AUDI SQ5
ID: 2115671UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MMI not connecting Control module for emergency call module
2021 AUDI SQ5
ID: 2115670ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MMI not connecting Control module for emergency call module
2021 AUDI SQ5
ID: 2086895ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Comfort Module J393 failed that is tied to all electronics warnings in car. brake warnings, light warning, security warnings, etc. Car was unable to be started as a result. If these electronics failed during driving, its very dangerous and could force crashing of vehicle. According to Dealership, failed module was submerged (ie water flooeded). This is a self contained electronics module that is not exposed to elements. The car was parked in driveway. it rained lightly over the weekend. Then this occurred. the damage and replacement cost was over $10K in damage. Audi dealership stated replacing rear water drain may be kinked or damaged causing water to leak where module located. Its not normal for self contained electronics modules to have this problem.