AUDI A5 Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used AUDI A5 options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the AUDI A5 has 110 owner complaints and 24 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2020 drew the most complaints; 2022 drew the fewest.
- Make
- AUDI
- Model
- A5
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 110
- Safety recall campaigns
- 24
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2020 (60 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2022 (0 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Below Average
By model year
AUDI A5: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
Below AverageThe AUDI A5 has 110 NHTSA complaints and 24 recalls on record. 2 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 110 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 24 federal recall campaigns
- 2 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
24 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
SEATS
SEATS
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
TIRES
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SUSPENSION:FRONT
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
TIRES
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
TIRES
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 110 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
110 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
In mid May, 2025 I noticed at slow speed, a loud thumping noise was coming right rear of car. I brought it to the dealer on May 19, 2025. I was told to wait for analysis of the problem. After about two hours, the service advisor informed me that the mechanics had found and repaired a malfunction in the All-Wheel Drive mechanism. I was told that the car was safe to drive. Within a few days, I noted that the problem was back. I made a service appointment for June 17, 2025. The dealer kept the car for two days. At the end of that time, the service advisor informed me that the Audi All Wheel Drive system requires fluid at very high temperatures in order to function properly. According to him, I am the cause of the problem because I do not drive distances far enough to "heat up the fluid" enough to make the system function properly. He further said that the AWD system will not function properly unless I drove 20-30 miles. How does one stop if the drive system is out of control???
I have had multiple issues with this vehicle. After having it for a few months while on a road trip the car begin high pitched beeping and several warning lights displayed with messages stating Audi pre sense malfunction: contact customer service/ AES/AEB unavailable. Safety System: malfunction: See Owners Manual. Drive System malfunction. Three warning lamps illuminated as well. I wasn’t sure what was happening and pulled over at the next exit, called my husband. After turning off the vehicle the lights remained illuminated and the warning lamps didn’t change, it also continued to beep but I had not choice but to continue on as we were far from home but it left me rattled and nervous of the safety of the vehicle. After the dealership advised us there was nothing wrong with the vehicle and they weren’t sure why the lights and malfunctions displayed. They turned off the lights and the car was fine for another few weeks until it suddenly slammed on the breaks while driving down the road for no reason at all, all the lights and malfunctions begin again as well as the beeping. Luckily there wasn’t a car behind us but we were quite afraid of this breaking issue happening leading to a car accident or worse. We took the car to the dealership again where they told us there “needed to be an update to the software” but it wouldn’t be out until sometime “hopefully” next year but couldn’t guarantee a date and informed us we just needed to bring the car in if it happened again. We questioned the safety and asked for a loaner vehicle due to our fear but were assured the car is safe however I’ve lost count of the number of times the lights have come back on and the car breaks unexpectedly. We’ve returned to the dealership each time and told the vehicle is ok but the warning lights and safety alerts are on again as of today however it no longer beeps.
The front tires were worn to interior cording. It was an uneven tire wear that resulted in an alignment. After getting the alignment checked, there was no issue with that and it was within correct specifications. The only reason this was found out was due to getting an oil change. My safety and others were put into major risk of the tires almost exploding. The car was listed as unsafe to drive according to professional opinion in documentation. There were no warnings about the tire. Only a letter in the mail from continental months later after the tires were replaced was it made aware the tires were defected.
The contact owns a 2023 Audi A5 equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: ProContact GX AO, Tire Size: 255/35/R19, DOT Number: CP32WMC9. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24T009000 (Tires). The contact called the dealer to schedule an appointment and the dealer stated that the replacement tires were not yet available. The contact had also called a tire dealer, and the dealer stated that the contact needed to contact a dealer for the vehicle manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified and provided the contact a phone number for the contact to call. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I have received notice 24T009 affecting my vehicle. As instructed, I contacted the dealer. They advise that Continental does not have tires to replace tires listed in the recall. The dealer could not provide a time frame for accomplishing replacement.
The contact owns a 2023 Audi A5 equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: Continental Pure Contact GXAO, Front Tires Sizes: 255/35/R19, DOT Number: CP32WMC9, Rear Tires Sizes: 255/35/R19, DOT Number: CP32WMC9, Rear. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24T009000 (Tires); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted who advised the contact to use after-market replacements since the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Read 14 more owner reports
Tire Size 255/35R19. My 2 front tires suffered from belt separation and I replaced the tires on 6/18/24 (new car milage 15238) at Tire Choice Auto Service Center. My low tire pressure light was on and I made an appointment for an evaluation thinking I may have a nail puncture, however the tire shop manager called me onto the shop floor while my car was raised up to show me the warped tire tread and told me I needed new tires due to belt separation. I checked with Audi Naples and the Continental Tire website at that time and there were no tire recalls for my car tires. I received a recall notice from Continental Tire on 10/29/24 regarding coverage of my tires for a factory recall due to belt separation. I called Continental Tire on 10/31/24 and they decline to cover my cost to replace the two defective Continental tires with two new Continental tires as I have returned the Audi A5 to the dealership to lease a larger Audi vehicle. The Continental Tire letter states they will cover my "cost of the comparable replacement tire, including mounting, balancing and taxes." The letter does not state that I must still be the registered owner/lessee.
Over the course of 3 days about 6 weeks ago, my new leased vehicle abruptly slammed on the brakes 3 separate times for NO reason whatsoever. The first time the vehicle was in drive mode and abruptly slammed on the brakes from a speed of 10-15 mph in the middle of a left hand turn. The second time the vehicle was in reverse and slammed on the brakes from a speed of 5-10 mph. In neither case was there any reason for the suddenly abrupt and startling braking to a complete stop. The third time the vehicle was in park and idling in an empty parking lot and AGAIN the pre-sense system abruptly alerted and although braking could not be applied (because the car was in park), the seat belt system abruptly slammed me against the seat. I brought the car into Audi, who evaluated the vehicle and found NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. They said, "maybe a paper bag flew near the sensor or the sensor was dirty." I expressed that I did not feel safe driving the vehicle and they said I have to take the vehicle back. I requested that they disable the pre-sense system and they reported that they were not permitted to. I reported the incident to Audi corporate who agreed with the dealer. I feel the vehicle is unsafe and because of past performance, could suddenly and abruptly slam on the brakes causing a major car accident. Please assist if you can.
SAFETY RECALL 19N4 (NHTSA 18V229) WAS ISSUED IN JUNE 2018. ATTACHED NOTICE INDICATES THAT VEHICLE SHOULD BE PARKED OUTDOORS AS A PRECAUTION, TO AVOID A FIRE CAUSED BY A SHORT CIRCUIT WITHIN THE ELECTRIC COOLANT PUMP. RECALL REPAIRS ARE NOT ANTICIPATED UNTIL LATE 2018. I DO NOT WANT TO WAIT 4 MONTHS TO GET A REPAIR SINCE THIS IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I TALKED TO MY LOCAL SERVICE PERSON AT AUDI DANVERS, MA WHO CONFIRMED THE RECALL REPAIR IS NOT YET AVAILABLE. I ALSO EMAILED AUDI USA BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. WHAT CAN I DO TO GET THIS RECTIFIED?
I PURCHASED THIS VECHILED 10 MONTHS AGO. AT 800 MILES, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CRANKSHAFT, THROTTLE BODY AND CAM ADJUSTER WERE ALL REPORTED TO AUDI USA AND REPAIRED OR REPLACED. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THEY WANTED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. AUDI USA IS SAYING IT WAS ONLY A BRACKET. THE CAR STILL PAUSES AND JERKS WHEN ACCELERATING, AND HAS AN ANNOYINGLY LOUD VIBRATION. I AM NOT CONFIDENT IN THE AUDI BRAND ANYMORE, AND AFTER 10 PREVIOUSLY OWNED AUDI - I AM MOVING ON TO THEIR GERMAN COMPETITOR.
I have Autoimmune disorder and extreme inflammation. Simply Google Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp to truly understand how much i hate my glass or whatever material roof which after Ceramic Tinting limousine tint the roof my condition has worsen since I got this vehicle last November. I've always had Audis and I need help please!
The MMI infotainment head unit reboots spontaneously and repeatedly while the vehicle is in operation. The screen freezes, goes black, and restarts, reliably within 7-8 minutes of completing the previous boot. This repeats continuously for the duration of any drive. I have verified this is not related to a connected phone. I tested with three different phones on three different operating systems, and with no phone connected and powered off entirely. The reboot cycle occurs identically in all cases, whenever the vehicle is running. The critical safety failure: if the vehicle is placed in reverse near the time of a reboot, the crash disables all Parking Assist functions. The rear backup camera becomes fully inoperable while the vehicle is actively backing up, and the side cameras are sometimes lost as well. The Parking Assist system, including the backup camera, remains offline until the vehicle is shut off and left sitting for 15 to 30 minutes. There is no warning before this occurs. This means the federally mandated rear visibility system can and does fail without warning during the exact maneuver it exists to make safe. I have video documenting the backup camera being disabled while reversing. The vehicle has been to the dealer for these concerns. A software update was performed per Audi TSB on 3/27/2026 (RO 356075) and did not resolve the issue. The vehicle was diagnosed again 7/1/2026 through 7/9/2026 (RO 361320) and the dealer was unable to duplicate the concerns at that time. The reboot behavior has since become continuous and reproducible.
The contact owns a 2025 Audi A5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated without warning to approximately 20 MPH. The contact activated the hazard lights and safely maneuvered the vehicle onto the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle remained stopped for approximately five minutes before restarting the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally, and the contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact notified a dealer of the failure, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The dealer found no faults, software issues, or mechanical failures with the vehicle. The contact was unaware if the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that a certified letter regarding the failure was sent to the President of Audi; however, no response was received. The failure mileage was approximately 881.
driving vehicle down the highway with the cruise control on and it will suddenly slam on the brakes. decreasing the speed rapidly almost causing a rear end accident. Has been brought to drealer for repairs 5 times with no results still does it . to;d repair coming in 3rd quater of 2026 vehicle is dangerous to drive appears to be a problem with these cars do not believe ours is a isolated condition. feel vehicle should not be driven on road Does not give any indication that its going to happen or when just does it whenever it wants and occurs quite a bit
Sunroof exploded driving down the road
Audi A5 Quattro Purchased new 06/2025. Dealer = Audi Lakeland 1215 Griffen Road Lakeland, FL 33805 Phone: (863) 284-0880 Contact = Service Manager Gary Downey Tire = Bridgestone Turanza LS100 235/45R18 98H REO (Extra Load) Run Flat Tire Tire also includes “Enliten” - don’t know if that is part of model name Brought vehicle in to Dealer for first oil change at 9,006 miles on odometer. Dealer inspected tires and reported both front tires were Red/32” and 2 rear tires were yellow at 5/32”. At 9,000 miles, this is obviously grossly premature tread/tire wear. For front tires to be unsafe to drive at fewer than 9,000 miles is unexpected and others need to be made aware of the risk of premature tread/tire wear to avoid dangerous blowouts that could result in accidents and injury. Feel lucky to have brought vehicle in 1,000 miles early for oil change and for Dealer to have detected. Dealer replaced all 4 tires at no cost and tires are being shipped to Bridgestone. I have Dealer service technician video showing tire/tread wear but was unable to download here — perhaps due to length. Happy to forward if you want it.
13 Jun 25 2100 hrs - Auto went thru multiple of errors and transmission would not go into gear, electric door locks released all emergency pull handles and car was not able to move. Called Audi Emergency Service. Tried to get out of vehicle and door could not be opened from inside the vehicle. I had friend come and get me out of vehicle by me pushing on the inside and her pulling the emergency pull. DANGEROUS! Emergency Service could not come to tow vehicle for three days because of being on an Air Force base and no tow companies that Audi contracted with had a realID or a clean criminal record. 16 June, Audi finally finds company to tow vehicle, at that point vehicle had completely died and could not be jump started. Car towed to Audi Service. Car in service for three weeks and I was told it was just a bad battery. I took vehicle with doubts of repair and for the next four months car would pop multiple software errors specifically on driver assist, no sound, dash going completely blank while driving, etc. The next major electrical failure was on 17 Nov, once again car would not start nor could it be jump started by tow company. Car once again towed to Audi on the same day. Car in service until 23 Dec and Audi said it was related to TSB 2079690/4 and they have stated that the KD2 should resolve electrical issue with driver door module constantly running and killing car. One day later, already popping driver assist errors. This car is dangerous and Audi knows that this KD2 is a band-aid on a software system that is unreliable and still has no permanent fix. I fear being stranded on a highway and either being stuck in my vehicle and can't get out or not being able to get in car if I get out to try and open hood to check vehicle, I might not be able to get back in because of electric locks.
Audi USA sent me a recall letter/service action for Infotainment System Software. The system reboots and shuts down unexpectedly while driving. Took the car to a local Audi dealership and they informed me that they cannot repair the recall because they now want to change my SOS module in order for both to work. They are asking me to pay them $1,500 for that. Meanwhile they informed me that my SOS system is not working either because of that, and I cannot use.
The Multi-Media Interface (MMI) randomly reboots and poses a safety hazard. Several times while reversing using my backup camera, the MMI has rebooted which causes the camera to go blank. This poses a risk to back up into an object or a person during this time. Also during this time, the Rear Cross Traffic Warning system is disabled until the system reboots. Also, while using navigation, the MMI has rebooted on me several times. It has occurred during critical times such as exiting freeways at high speeds. When this occurs it is terribly distracting and could cause an accident. The problem has been re-produced by my dealer. They said it needed a software upgrade and performed that. It worked better for a couple days but is now back to rebooting spontaneously. There were no warning lamps or messages indicating the fault will be occurring. It just reboots and the MMI goes totally blank for about 20 seconds while the system reboots. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to when it will reboot. I can drive for 20 minutes and it may happen 4 times and then another time drive for an hour and never have it happen. Lately, it has gotten so bad I drive my son's car if it is available due to the safety concerns.
The MMI which controls back up and 360 cameras, parking sensors, collision avoidance system, navigation, bluetooth, radio, etc reboots randomly without warning. There is no predictability and I have not been able to identify a trigger. There is no warning indicator on the dash or MMI before it happens. When it reboots the screen goes black and all associated MMI functions become inoperable for seconds to minutes. It then restarts and often makes me log back in before I am able to use it again. It happens multiple times, sometimes over a dozen in a short drive and often happens just several minutes apart. It has rebooted while I am pulling into my garage, parking, or backing up and actively using the cameras which poses a serious safety issue. It also occurs often when using bluetooth which can be a distraction, pulling my eyes off the road to grab my phone. This seems to be a widespread problem with Audi MMI which has not been addressed and is a safety concern for all models affected. The dealerships know it is happening due to the amount of complaints, but will not update software and want me to pay a diagnostic fee + upgrade + labor.
Showing 20 of 110 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact AUDI A5
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used AUDI A5, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The AUDI A5 has 110 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The AUDI A5 has 24 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 2 of the AUDI A5's 110 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all AUDI A5 vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two AUDI A5 vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The AUDI A5 has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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AUDI A5 reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the AUDI A5 reliable?
Below Average. The AUDI A5 has 110 NHTSA owner complaints and 24 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which AUDI A5 years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2020 (60 complaints), 2019 (12 complaints), 2023 (8 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common AUDI A5 problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (54 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (30 complaints); BACK OVER PREVENTION (18 complaints).
Does the AUDI A5 have recalls?
Yes — 24 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the AUDI A5. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.