Audi SQ5 Brake Pedal Issues: Spongy Feel Alert

Had a similar issue with my S4 (2016, gasoline) last year. Have some experience with basic maintenance, but brake system issues always warrant professional attention due to safety concerns. The symptoms you describe, spongy brake pedal and inconsistent pressure, match what I experienced. After a thorough brake inspection, the workshop found significantly worn brake pads and rotors. The low brake fluid level was actually a symptom, not the cause, as the system compensates for worn components by using more fluid. The complete repair included: Brake fluid replacement, New brake pads and rotors, Full system bleeding, Safety check of brake lines Total cost was 480 Euro and the car brakes now work perfectly again. The workshop explained that regular brake inspections could have caught this earlier, before the rotors needed replacement. To provide more specific advice, could you share: Current mileage? When was your last brake service? Are you hearing any squealing or grinding sounds? Does the brake pedal behavior change after the car has been sitting overnight? This information would help determine if your issue is similar and whether you might need immediate attention.

My SQ5 has 9279 KM and I just noticed the warning light on the dashboard coming on recently. Thanks for sharing your experience with the brake pedal issues. No grinding sounds, but the spongy feeling is definitely more noticeable after the car sits overnight. Will get the brake fluid checked asap since the symptoms seem quite similar to what you described. The brake pedal behavior really matches your description, sometimes needs extra pressure to engage properly. Thinking its best to get a professional brake inspection done rather than wait for it to get worse. Good point about catching these issues early through regular maintenance.

Thanks for the additional details about your SQ5. Given the low mileage, your situation might be different from what I encountered with my S4. While my issue was mainly wear-related, your symptoms combined with the warning light and relatively low mileage point more toward a potential brake fluid issue. The overnight behavior change particularly suggests air might have entered the brake system, or there could be a small leak causing the brake fluid level to drop. This explains both the warning light and the spongy brake pedal feel. For my S4, the repair was extensive because I waited too long. In your case, a basic brake fluid replacement and system bleeding might be sufficient, which would cost significantly less than my full brake service, possibly around 150 Euro. Still recommend getting it checked soon since: Warning lights should never be ignored, Brake fluid issues can worsen quickly, Air in brake lines compromises braking efficiency, A professional inspection can spot potential leaks Let us know what the workshop finds. The repair might be simpler than my case given your car is still quite new.

Given the low mileage on my SQ5 and the warning light that recently appeared, I made an appointment for a brake inspection tomorrow. Really appreciate the detailed feedback about the potential brake fluid and air in the system issues, makes total sense why the brake pedal feels different after sitting overnight. The hydraulic brakes definitely need checking since the symptoms match what you described, especially the spongy pedal feel and inconsistent pressure. Hoping its just a brake fluid issue that can be resolved with a system bleed rather than the more extensive repairs your S4 needed. Just replaced the brake fluid and had the system bled, cost was 140 Euro. The warning light is now off and the brake pedal feels firm again. The technician found a small leak in one of the brake lines which was causing air to enter the system. Good thing I didn't wait longer as it could have become a bigger safety issue. Regular brake inspections are now firmly in my maintenance schedule.