Recall 15V452 affects 5,625 2014-2015 Audi SQ5 vehicles for power steering assist shutdown in cold temperatures. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi recalled 5,625 2014-2015 SQ5 SUVs because the electric power steering assist can shut down in cold temperatures from a steering motor sensor fault. Loss of power steering assist means extra steering effort at lower speeds and a higher crash risk; Audi dealers handle the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The electric power steering assist system on the 2014-2015 Audi SQ5 helps turn the front wheels with an electric motor instead of relying only on the driver's arm strength. At low speeds, parking maneuvers, and tight turns, the assist reduces the effort needed at the steering wheel. The steering still has a mechanical path, but the electric assist carries much of the workload.
On affected SQ5 vehicles with gasoline engines, a fault in the steering motor sensor can cause the power assist to shut down in cold temperatures. When that happens, the steering wheel remains connected to the wheels, but it takes noticeably more force to turn. The defect is tied to the electric assist system, not to a normal wear item the owner maintains.
The warning sign is a power steering indicator light in the instrument panel, followed by loss of power steering assist. If that light comes on and steering assist drops out, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Audi dealer or qualified workshop.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2014 and 2015 model years for the SQ5, with the power steering system listed for both.
| 2014 Audi SQ5 | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Audi SQ5 | power steering system |
| Units affected | 5,625 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the power steering assist stops working, steering takes extra effort at lower speeds and crash risk increases. If the power steering indicator light comes on or steering suddenly feels heavy, pull over where safe and contact an Audi dealer or qualified workshop for inspection. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 Audi SQ5 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free power-steering software update that fixes the cold-temperature sensor fault.
- Bring the recall notice if Audi has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V452 when you call.
- Drive with extra care at low speeds until the software update is complete; loss of power steering assist requires extra steering effort.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician updates the power steering control module software covered by recall 15V452. The update is meant to address the steering motor sensor fault that can shut down electric power steering assist in cold temperatures. The recall repair is free, including the software work and dealer labor. After the update, ask the service desk to confirm that the campaign shows complete for your 2014-2015 SQ5 before you leave.
Timeline
| July 20, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 20, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| July 20, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 28, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 31, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V452?
Recall 15V452 covers 5,625 2014-2015 Audi SQ5 vehicles with electric power steering assist that can shut down in cold temperatures because of a steering motor sensor fault. Audi dealers will update the power steering control module software for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 Audi SQ5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific SQ5 is included in recall 15V452. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the power steering control module software update. Reference recall number 15V452 or Audi recall number 48M1 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. A franchised Audi dealer will update the power steering control module software free of charge, including parts and labor.
Is it safe to drive my Audi SQ5 before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety risk is that loss of power steering assist requires extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free software update with an Audi dealer.
What if I bought my Audi SQ5 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2014-2015 SQ5 is included, then call an Audi dealer and reference recall number 15V452 or 48M1.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V452000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V452 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V452000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →