2016 Audi A5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2016 Audi A5 has a complaint index of 12, the second-lowest among 18 model years, earning a Best verdict. NHTSA lists 7 complaints, 3 recalls, and no crashes, fires, or injuries tied to this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 12/100
- #16 of 18 A5 years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 7
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 21.5 city / 31 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2016 Audi A5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine3 (43%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (29%)
- Electrical System1 (14%)
- Other1 (14%)
- Steering1 (14%)
- Structure & Body1 (14%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report an unavailable parts supply delayed the engine cooling pump recall repair (campaign 18v229000) beyond a reasonable time.
- Some describe the vehicle lurching forward 3 to 5 feet during a three-point turn while shifting into reverse, with the accelerator pedal depressed.
- Others report intermittent power loss and failure to accelerate properly.
- One owner reported the drive chain breaking at 35,000 miles, damaging the engine and requiring full engine replacement.
- Owners describe the electromechanical steering rack failing suddenly while driving, with a dashboard warning to stop driving.
- One owner reported being unable to open the driver's side door after the vehicle was parked.
2016 Audi A5 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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 17V622000Oct 5, 2017Electrical System216,913 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.
Risk: The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The Recall began November 27, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 80C5 and 80C6.
- 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.
2016 Audi A5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21.5 MPG
- Highway
- 31 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,175
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium or E85
- 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.
2016 compared with other A5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Audi A5 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 Audi A5 ranks among the better years for this model, with a complaint index of 12 versus a scale where 100 marks the worst year.
- What problems does the 2016 Audi A5 have?
- NHTSA complaints center on the engine (43% share) and transmission/powertrain (29% share), including reports of coolant pump issues, unintended forward movement, and a broken drive chain that damaged the engine at 35,000 miles.
- Does the 2016 Audi A5 have a recall?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 A5, covering the engine coolant pump, a software update to deactivate coolant pump power, and an electrical connector for the auxiliary heater.
- How does the 2016 Audi A5 compare to other years?
- The 2016 model ranks 16th worst out of 18 model years, with a complaint index of 12, far below high-complaint years like 2020 (index 100) and 2018 (index 94).
- What is the median mileage for engine complaints on the 2016 A5?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 35,000 miles at the time engine-related failures were reported.