2018 Audi SQ5

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)

While driving a 2018 Audi SQ5 with the EA839 3.0T engine, a coolant warning light activated and engine temperatures began rising to 210-215°F. The vehicle was pulled over immediately. Upon inspection the coolant reservoir was found to be nearly empty with dried coolant residue on the exterior indicating an active leak. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Audi dealer who confirmed via multi-point inspection that the water pump, shut off valve, and vacuum system require replacement due to coolant leakage, with a repair estimate of $5,324.87. This is a known defect in the EA839 engine platform. Audi has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins on this issue and is currently named in active federal class action lawsuit Larr et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America, Case No. 2:26-cv-05678. The vehicle was confirmed by the authorized dealer and the component is available for inspection.

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.