Is the 2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet reliable?

Compared to other A5 Cabriolet years, 2011 ranks second-worst with a complaint index of 91 and an Avoid verdict. Most complaints, 86%, concern the airbags.

What problems does the 2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet have?

NHTSA complaints center on airbags (12 of 14 complaints) tied to two Takata inflator recalls, plus one report of engine compression loss at 59,000 miles.

Does the 2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet have a recall?

Yes, two recalls, both involving the driver's frontal airbag inflator (campaigns 18V082000 and 16V078000), neither marked do-not-drive.

How does the 2011 A5 Cabriolet compare to other years?

Its complaint index of 91 is worse than 2012 (82) and 2013 (73), and only 2010 (100) ranks worse among the years with data.

What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet?

EPA rates it at 24.5 mpg combined (21.5 city / 29.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,250.

2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet has a complaint index of 91, the second-worst of 12 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Owners logged 14 complaints, 86% about airbags, tied to two Takata-related recall campaigns.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index: 91/100; #2 of 12 A5 Cabriolet years
Verdict: Avoid; vs. other years of this model
Complaints: 14; unique NHTSA reports
Recalls: 2; distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes: 0; reported in complaints
Fires: 0
Injuries: 0
Top issue: Airbags
Best nearby year: —; no alternative with data

NHTSA overall rating: Not rated
EPA combined MPG: 24.5; 21.5 city / 29.5 hwy
Injuries / deaths: 0 / 0

2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

NHTSA 18V082000Jan 30, 2018Airbags162,782 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
NHTSA 16V078000Feb 10, 2016Airbags659,493 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet fuel economy and fuel cost

City: 21.5 MPG
Highway: 29.5 MPG
Combined: 24.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA): $3,250; 15,000 mi/yr
Fuel: Premium
Current regular gas: $4.32/gal; national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2011 compared with other A5 Cabriolet years

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2010	Avoid	100	16	2	24.5
2011	Avoid	91	14	2	24.5
2012	Avoid	82	14	2	24.5
2013	No verdict	73	3	1	24

All Audi A5 Cabriolet years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet reliable?: Compared to other A5 Cabriolet years, 2011 ranks second-worst with a complaint index of 91 and an Avoid verdict. Most complaints, 86%, concern the airbags.
What problems does the 2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet have?: NHTSA complaints center on airbags (12 of 14 complaints) tied to two Takata inflator recalls, plus one report of engine compression loss at 59,000 miles.
Does the 2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet have a recall?: Yes, two recalls, both involving the driver's frontal airbag inflator (campaigns 18V082000 and 16V078000), neither marked do-not-drive.
How does the 2011 A5 Cabriolet compare to other years?: Its complaint index of 91 is worse than 2012 (82) and 2013 (73), and only 2010 (100) ranks worse among the years with data.
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet?: EPA rates it at 24.5 mpg combined (21.5 city / 29.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,250.