2018 Audi SQ5 Electrical Problems

I purchased my 2018 Audi SQ5 on September 12, 2025, from Audi Denver (McDonald Automotive Group). On XXX, at 114,145 miles, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic engine failure while driving on the highway near [XXX], caused by defective rocker arm needle bearings in the 3.0T EA839 V6 engine. ​The early-design needle bearings disintegrated within the cylinder head, scattering loose metal roller bearings into the valvetrain and oiling system. This caused an immediate, complete loss of engine power and sudden engine lockup on a remote stretch of highway. ​This mechanical failure created a severe driving emergency. The sudden engine seizure stranded us on the shoulder, resulting in a total loss of propulsion, loss of vacuum assist for power braking, and potential loss of power steering—posing a severe risk to vehicle occupants and surrounding highway traffic. The vehicle required an initial tow off the highway in [XXX], followed by a second tow of nearly 200 miles back to [XXX]. ​Professional diagnostics confirmed complete engine destruction due to valvetrain failure, with repair estimates exceeding $20,000 for an engine replacement. Because the repair cost far exceeded the vehicle’s market value, I was forced to sell the vehicle for scrap/junk at a severe loss. ​Audi is aware of this EA839 rocker arm needle bearing defect and updated the part design in later production runs, yet has failed to issue a safety recall or warranty extension for this active driving hazard. I strongly urge NHTSA to open an investigation into early 2018 EA839 3.0T rocker arm failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11755729

Incident

May 27, 2026

Heavy rain leaked into the cabin of my SUV,and damaged the module, no controls worked through the key fob, no start . I keep my SUV under cover 90% of the time. A recent wind storm damaged my car port that I usually keep it under, so lately it’s been outside more often, especially if wind is in the forecast. I still use it if no wind is forecasted, because of the damage I don’t trust the carport until I can repair the damage.

NHTSA ID

11632982

Incident

Dec 25, 2024

Car's electrical system fried overnight during a rainstorm. All systems unresponsive to keys or key faub. Car was towed to used dealership and they told me due to drainage system blockage a pool of water collected in rear battery compartment and submerged the battery.

NHTSA ID

11626821

Incident

Apr 26, 2024

During a rainstorm, water drained from roof drains that are apparently supposed to be cleaned & maintenance done by dealership on a regular basis but were clogged due to them not being any maintenance done. Water shorted out the entire control module for the entire vehicle computer after leaking into the rear inside behind hatch where battery and electrical components are located rendering the vehicle dead and undriveable on the side of the road. By the vehicles complete electrical system being rendered dead, this puts those in risk of accidents and is not covered as a warranty item for an issue that is well known according to dealership on their entire line of SUV products for the last decade. They wanted more than the SUV was worth to replace the computer control module, body wiring harness, and drain tubes that were clogged, but stated it happens all the time and is well documented by all Audi dealerships.

NHTSA ID

11608218

Incident

Jul 10, 2024

After a hard rainstorm the Comfort System Control Module (CCM) errored apparently from getting wet from a clogged sun roof drainage line, causing water to enter the rear left side compartment in which the CCM is housed (behind the insulation). The entire area is still damp 3 days later, and water is also located in the tire well and the rear right side compartment. The CCM error in turn caused a cascade of other errors, including causing the rear lights to stop working, an obvious safety hazard. As is evident from online discussion boards this is a frequent issue with this model and a clear design flaw. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11588963

Incident

May 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Audi SQ 5. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH in rainy weather, several unknown warning lights started blinking and the rear windshield wiper independently activated, and contact was unable to turn off the rear windshield wiper. The contact pulled over on the side on the road and turned off the vehicle. Once the contact restarted the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that there was a water leaking from the sunroof causing corrosion to the air bags connector, module, and the headliner had mold and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 73,949.

NHTSA ID

11531458

Incident

Feb 10, 2023

Mileage

73,949 mi

The car windows were down the windshield wipers were running the front lights were on and parking brake light is flashing. I'm not sure how water was sitting where the spare tire was located. As I researched it stated it may be a faulty comfort module.

NHTSA ID

11503500

Incident

Jan 24, 2023

BACKUP CAMERA DEFAULTS TO A BLACK GRAPHIC VIEW IN STEAD OF CAMERA. ALMOST IN MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS AS I HAD TO SWITCH TO CAMERA AFTER EVERY START WHILE BACKING UP IN PARKING LOTS.

NHTSA ID

11119449

Incident

Dec 27, 2017

Mileage

10 mi