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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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the AUDI A5 has 109 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
- 109
- 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 109 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.
- 109 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
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
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
TIRES
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
TIRES
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT
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 109 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
109 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.
The MMI ( main screen) system randomly reboots every 5 minutes, even when using CarPlay, which is unsafe. Please check it out. Thank you!
I turned on my car and several malfunctions came on the dash,and would not start and went in limp mode. A local mechanic stated it's the electrical component of the coolant pump causing malfunction. He also stated that could lead the car catching fire if overheats since the 5V is dipping below due to the faulty coolant /water pump. Ultimately forcing the car in limp mode for safety precautions. The problem is I purchase my car at 87,000 miles from the Audi dealership, and the extended warranty that covers the car is 80,000 miles
I own a 2018 Audi A5. Many critical cooling system parts — including the thermostat housing, water pump housing, radiator end tanks, breather tubes, and quick-connect hoses — are made of plastic and sit in constant exposure to coolant temperatures over 200°F. Over time, these components become brittle, crack, and fail prematurely. Recently, the plastic breather/return hose between the coolant reservoir and the radiator broke apart during routine service due to brittleness. When these parts fail, coolant leaks quickly, which can cause sudden overheating, engine damage, and potential vehicle disablement while driving. Based on owner reports and my own experience, this appears to be a widespread issue across Audi/VW vehicles of this generation. I request that NHTSA investigate whether the use of plastic in these high-heat, high-pressure components represents a design defect that creates a safety hazard.
The water pump failed on my vehicle. Initially reported 2/2025 at Authorized Audi Service Center. They claimed it was normal for coolant to dip. Audi USA Confirmed I have a settlement class vehicle in 03/2025. Mentioned an 80K Mileage limit. (Car only had 69K miles at the time) When the issue persisted I reached out for repair in accordance to Water Pump Settlement. McKenna Audi Service center initially stated the extended warranty expired 05/2025, and mentioned an 8 Year Limit (8/80K whichever comes first) 9/3 Reached out to Audi USA again and they initially provided an approval. Instructed to take to authorized service center for official diagnosis. 9/5 Audi USA recanted approval 2 days later. Instructed to Call Settlement Administrator. SA stated this is fully Audi responsibly warranty does not expire until 9/2025 unable to assist. Spoke to supervisor at Audi USA who stated extended warranty did not expire until 09/26/2025 09/08 Audi Beverly Hills confirmed water pump malfunction. Sent invoice to supervisor at Audi USA. $2338.25 Supervisor informed me later that warranty is expired after all. Stated a regional manager would look at it but no guarantees. At this point I have spent $350 for a diagnosis I did not need to satisfy the demands of the Audi warranty that is now being denied.
The vehicle has 36000 miles on it and the oil cooler has failed. The car is meticulously maintained. This failure compromises the ability for the engine to cool properly. Because of the failure, coolant is then forced into the engine oil potentially destroying the engine. Engine replacements are 10,000 for these types of cars. Audi is aware of this issue and should repair all vehicles with this known issue
Engine shuts off occasionally whilst cornering at very low speed. No warning. Been happening for several years.
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
Showing 20 of 109 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 109 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 109 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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By state
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Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used AUDI A5.
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AUDI A5 reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the AUDI A5 reliable?
Below Average. The AUDI A5 has 109 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 (29 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.