My 2020 Audi SQ5 (3.0L turbo V6, EA839 engine) experienced premature water pump failure at 64,361 miles. Coolant leaked into the vacuum system, damaging the vacuum unit and related components. Failed parts are available for inspection. Safety Risk: Loss of coolant circulation causes rapid overheating and risk of sudden engine failure at highway speeds, creating a collision hazard. Coolant intrusion into the vacuum system can also impair brake booster function, compromising stopping ability. Confirmed by Dealer: Diagnosed and confirmed by Audi Reno Tahoe (Reno, NV) on April 9, 2026. Written estimate #XXX documents replacement of the water pump, pulley, valve, vacuum unit, hose, and tank — totaling $6,591.37 out of pocket. No recall or manufacturer assistance has been offered even though this is a known issue dating back to 2013. Warnings: On 4/9/2026, dealer reports that after a non related repair test drive the technician observed "Drive system malfunction ON during hard acceleration" as well as visible signs of coolant leakage. Prior to having the non-related service completed, I did not see any warning lights or receive a temperature warning. Known Defect — Recall Warranted: This failure is consistent with a documented defect across 2013–2022 Audi/VW 3.0T engines. A class action — XXX et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America, Case No. XXX— specifically names the 2020 SQ5. Despite known complaints, internal testing data, and dealer reports, no recall has been issued. I urge NHTSA to investigate and mandate a recall of all affected vehicles.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11732057 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

I recently purchased this vehicle 8/5/23 and since then the pre sense function has activated it’s jarring emergency breaking three times. Once it happened to me backing out of my driveway without any obstruction, another with my husband backing out of a parking spot, and then most recently today with me as a driver going about 35 mph where it “sensed” a vehicle next to me about to change into my lane but changed their mind. Even if the vehicle next to me changed lanes to go in front of me, there was plenty of space and having the emergency pre sense braking created a more unsafe situation with the vehicle behind me potentially rear ending me. I contacted the local Audi dealer and they said there is no way to have this feature turn off as a default. Instead, I have to manually turn it off every time I turn on the ignition. I love the car but the pre sense feature has placed me in more unsafe situations than without it. I wish the manufacturer would allow having this system turn off as a default.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11539949 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

WHEN USING THE LANE-DEPARTURE AND 'STEERING CORRECTION' SYSTEM THIS VEHICLE WILL ATTEMPT TO SUDDENLY, SHARPLY, AND DANGEROUSLY CHANGE LANES. THIS MORNING (8/26/20), WHILE TRAVELING ON A FOUR LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY WITH CRUISE CONTROL AND LANE DEPARTURE ACTIVE, THE VEHICLE JERKED LEFT INTO A TURN-ONLY LANE, OVERRIDING MY MANUAL STEERING OF THE CAR IN THE STRAIGHT TRAVEL LANE. HAD ANOTHER CAR BEEN IN THE TURNING LANE WE WOULD HAVE NEARLY CERTAINLY COLLIDED, AS MY CAR WAS AT LEAST 30% INTO THE LANE BEFORE I COULD REACT AND BRING IT BACK INTO THE CENTER LANE.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11351294 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov