Audi A5 Best and Worst Years (2008–2025)

2020 Audi A5 Index 100 · 60 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2020 A5 has the highest complaint index of all years, 100, with one crash and one death reported. Electrical System complaints dominate at 68% of the total, and Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues make up another 25%. NHTSA has issued four recall campaigns for this year, covering rear axle alignment/tire wear, seat heating cable corrosion, and wheel lock nuts. Owners described a loud SOS alarm sounding repeatedly while driving, lost Bluetooth and CarPlay connectivity tied to an unresolved recall, and driver's side window regulators failing to hold the window up.

2020 electrical system problems →2020 collision avoidance & cameras problems →

2018 Audi A5 Index 94 · 38 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2018 A5 has the second-highest complaint index at 94, with two crashes and two injuries reported. Engine complaints lead at 24%, with an early median failure mileage of 9,550 miles. NHTSA has issued six recall campaigns for this year, including airbag seat-heating cable and connecting cable issues and front suspension fasteners that may not have been sufficiently tightened. Owners also described an electronic trunk hatch that failed to stop closing and caused a head injury, plus passenger airbag status displays that switched erratically while driving.

2013 Audi A5 Index 88 · 35 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2013 A5 posts a complaint index of 88, the third-worst year, with two crashes, two fires, and two injuries reported. Engine problems account for 43% of complaints, failing at a median of 70,500 miles, and include coolant pump failures that led to parked-car fires. NHTSA has issued three recall campaigns for this year covering coolant pump software, auxiliary heater corrosion, and coolant pump replacement. Electrical System complaints make up 26%, failing at a median of 81,500 miles, and steering complaints describe notchy, hard-to-control steering wheels.

2013 engine problems →

2010 Audi A5 Index 82 · 34 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2010 A5 carries a complaint index of 82, the fourth-worst of all years covered. Airbags make up 41% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 67,000 miles, and engine problems account for another 32%, failing at a median of 76,336 miles. Owners describe violent steering wheel shaking tied to control arm and bushing issues, unreliable windshield wipers in wet weather, and plastic water pump failures that leaked coolant and triggered shut-engine warnings. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year despite the complaint volume.

2011 Audi A5 Index 76 · 25 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2011 A5 has a complaint index of 76 and is linked to two crashes and one injury. Airbags dominate complaints at 56%, with a median failure mileage of 52,000 miles; owners reported airbags failing to deploy in low-speed crashes. Engine complaints, at 24%, describe high oil consumption in the 2.0T engine, with owners burning a quart every short interval. Transmission and powertrain complaints, at 16%, describe timing chain failures and gear-selection errors, with median mileage at failure of 70,000 miles. No recall campaigns are listed for this year.