Audi A5 Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
Across 307 complaints and 18 recalls, the Audi A5 years to avoid are 2013, 2018, 2020, and 2025, with 2020 topping the complaint index at 100. The best years by far are 2015, 2016, and 2021, each with a complaint index under 20.
Avoid 2013Avoid 2018Avoid 2020Avoid 2025Best 2015Best 2016Best 2021
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 307
- Recall campaigns
- 18
- Crashes reported
- 8
- Fires reported
- 3
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
A5 Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Audi A5 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Caution | 67 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | 23 | — |
| 2011 | Caution | 73 | 25 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | 24.5 | — |
| 2012 | Good | 47 | 22 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Airbags | 24.5 | — |
| 2013 | Avoid | 87 | 35 | 2 | 2 | 3 | Engine | 24 | — |
| 2014 | Caution | 60 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Engine | 24.5 | — |
| 2015 | Best | 13 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Engine | 25 | — |
| 2016 | Best | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Engine | 25 | — |
| 2017 | No verdict | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 25 | — |
| 2018 | Avoid | 93 | 38 | 2 | 0 | 6 | Engine | 27 | — |
| 2019 | Good | 33 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Engine | 27 | — |
| 2020 | Avoid | 100 | 60 | 1 | 0 | 4 | Electrical System | 27 | — |
| 2021 | Best | 20 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Electrical System | 27 | — |
| 2022 | Good | 27 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 27 | — |
| 2023 | Good | 40 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 27 | — |
| 2024 | Caution | 53 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | 27 | — |
| 2025 | Avoid | 80 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 26 | — |
A5 years to avoid: what went wrong
2020 Audi A5 Index 100 · 60 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2020 A5 ranks worst overall with a complaint index of 100, 60 complaints, and 4 recalls, including one death recorded. Electrical System problems make up 68% of complaints, with owners describing recurring alarm chimes, Bluetooth and CarPlay failures, and window regulators that stopped working. Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues account for another 25%. Recalls that year cover suspension/tire wear, airbags, and lock nuts, and some owners reported that recall repairs were delayed due to parts shortages.
2020 electrical system problems →2020 collision avoidance & cameras problems →
2018 Audi A5 Index 93 · 38 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2018 A5 shows 38 complaints, a complaint index of 93, and 6 recalls, the most of any year covered. Engine issues lead at 24% of complaints with a median mileage of 9,550, including coolant leaks tied to thermostat and water pump failures. Electrical System problems account for 13%, and Brakes for 11% with a median mileage of only 3,500. Two of the recalls concern airbags, and owners also reported a power tailgate that failed to stop closing, causing injury.
2013 Audi A5 Index 87 · 35 complaints · 3 recalls
NHTSA lists 35 complaints for the 2013 A5, with a complaint index of 87 and 3 recalls. Engine problems dominate at 43% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 70,500 miles, including reports of engine fires tied to a cooling pump recall (17V002000). Electrical System issues follow at 26% (median 81,500 miles) and Steering at 23%, where owners described a notchy feeling in the steering wheel appearing as early as 1,500 miles. Two crashes and two fires were recorded for this year.
2025 Audi A5 Index 80 · 8 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2025 A5 has a complaint index of 80 from 8 complaints and 2 recalls, both involving seat belt assemblies. Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues make up half of complaints, and Engine complaints, including a report of sudden deceleration from 45-50 mph to about 20 mph at a median mileage of just 881, make up another 25%. Structure & Body complaints round out the year's issues. Data for this year is still limited given its recency.
Most common Audi A5 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Electrical System78 (25%)
- Engine74 (24%)
- Other57 (19%)
- Airbags47 (15%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras27 (9%)
- Steering26 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires19 (6%)
- Structure & Body17 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain15 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers14 (5%)
Frequently asked questions
- Which Audi A5 years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the years to avoid are 2013, 2018, 2020, and 2025. The 2020 A5 has the highest complaint index at 100, driven mostly by Electrical System problems.
- What are the best Audi A5 model years?
- The 2015, 2016, and 2021 A5 model years are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 13, 7, and 20 respectively, all well below the worst years.
- What is the most common problem with the Audi A5?
- Across all model years, Electrical System issues are the most reported problem area, accounting for 78 of 307 total complaints (25%), followed closely by Engine issues at 74 complaints (24%).
- Does the Audi A5 have recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA has issued 18 recall campaigns across A5 model years from 2010 to 2025, covering areas including engine cooling pumps, airbags, seat belts, and suspension fasteners.
- Is the 2020 Audi A5 reliable?
- The 2020 A5 has the highest complaint index (100) of any A5 model year in NHTSA data, with 60 complaints, 4 recalls, and 68% of complaints tied to the Electrical System, making it a year to avoid relative to other A5 years.