Are engine problems common on the 2013 Audi A5?

Yes. Engine-related issues make up 15 of 35 total complaints for the 2013 model year, a 43% share, the highest share of any A5 model year in the data.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Audi A5 engine?

Yes. NHTSA lists two engine-related recalls, campaign 17V002000 (coolant pump software update) and campaign 18V229000 (coolant pump replacement).

At what mileage do these engine problems usually happen?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2013 A5 is 70,500 miles.

Did the engine problems cause any fires or crashes?

NHTSA complaint data shows 2 fires and 0 crashes and 0 injuries linked to engine complaints on the 2013 Audi A5.

How does the 2013 A5 compare to other A5 years for engine complaints?

The 2013 A5 has a 43% share of complaints tied to the engine, matching the 2016 model year's share but higher than most other years listed, such as 2017, 2020, 2022 and 2023, which show 0%.

2013 Audi A5 Engine Problems

Engine complaints account for 15 of 35 total complaints (43%) for the 2013 Audi A5, the highest share of any model year in this range. NHTSA lists two related recalls (18V229000 and 17V002000) covering the coolant pump, and median mileage at failure was 70,500 miles, with 2 fires reported.

Engine complaints: 15; 43% of 35
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 70,500 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report the engine catching fire while parked or shortly after driving, tied to the coolant pump recall (17V002000).
Several owners describe the vehicle smoking and overheating on the highway, later diagnosed as a failed coolant/water pump.
Multiple owners say they received recall notice 18V229000 for the engine cooling system but dealers had no replacement parts available for extended periods.
One owner reports intermittent loss of power with the EPC warning light and shuddering, requiring a coast to a stop before the car would restart.
One owner describes a sticking intake manifold change-over flap causing an intermittent fault.
A later complaint describes hot air and a burning odor from the vents, which the owner linked to the same engine cooling recall.

When 2013 Audi A5 engine complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 24, 2017, latest Jul 28, 2026.

15 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2017 to Jul 2026; peak May 2019 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2013 Audi A5

NHTSA 18V229000Apr 11, 2018Engine342,867 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
Risk: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.
NHTSA 17V002000Jan 3, 2017Engine342,867 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
Risk: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.

Engine complaints by A5 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201011 (33%)
20116 (24%)
20128 (36%)
201315 (43%)
201411 (39%)
20152 (25%)
20163 (43%)
20170 (0%)
20189 (24%)
20194 (33%)
20200 (0%)
20211 (13%)
20220 (0%)
20230 (0%)
20242 (25%)
20252 (25%)

Frequently asked questions

Are engine problems common on the 2013 Audi A5?: Yes. Engine-related issues make up 15 of 35 total complaints for the 2013 model year, a 43% share, the highest share of any A5 model year in the data.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Audi A5 engine?: Yes. NHTSA lists two engine-related recalls, campaign 17V002000 (coolant pump software update) and campaign 18V229000 (coolant pump replacement).
At what mileage do these engine problems usually happen?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2013 A5 is 70,500 miles.
Did the engine problems cause any fires or crashes?: NHTSA complaint data shows 2 fires and 0 crashes and 0 injuries linked to engine complaints on the 2013 Audi A5.
How does the 2013 A5 compare to other A5 years for engine complaints?: The 2013 A5 has a 43% share of complaints tied to the engine, matching the 2016 model year's share but higher than most other years listed, such as 2017, 2020, 2022 and 2023, which show 0%.