Audi A5 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 325 owner complaints and 19 safety recalls on file for the Audi A5, across 19 model years (2008–2026). The 2020 model year has the most complaints (60). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.
Audi A5 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical A5 year: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2020. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Audi A5 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 80 | 13 | 0 |
| Engine | 59 | 12 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 50 | 11 | 3 |
| Steering | 27 | 8 | 2 |
| Back Over Prevention | 18 | 4 | 0 |
| Power Train | 17 | 9 | 1 |
| Structure | 17 | 9 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 13 | 9 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 12 | 6 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 12 | 8 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 11 | 5 | 1 |
| Tires | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 9 | 5 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 | 5 | 0 |
| Wheels | 8 | 7 | 3 |
| Visibility | 6 | 5 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Suspension | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Lane Departure | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Audi A5 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 A5 | 1 | 0 | — | Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| 2025 A5 | 8 | 2 | — | Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| 2024 A5 | 8 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2023 A5 | 8 | 0 | — | Tires | |
| 2022 A5 | 7 | 2 | — | Tires | |
| 2021 A5 | 8 | 5 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2020 A5 | 60 | 4 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2019 A5 | 12 | 3 | — | Vehicle Speed Control | More complaints than other years |
| 2018 A5 | 38 | 6 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2017 A5 | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2016 A5 | 7 | 3 | — | Engine | |
| 2015 A5 | 8 | 3 | — | Unknown or Other | |
| 2014 A5 | 28 | 3 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2013 A5 | 35 | 3 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2012 A5 | 22 | 0 | — | Air Bags | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2011 A5 | 25 | 0 | — | Air Bags | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2010 A5 | 34 | 0 | — | Air Bags | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2009 A5 | 11 | 1 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | More complaints than other years |
| 2008 A5 | 5 | 1 | — | Air Bags |
More from Audi: all Audi models · Audi VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi A5 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2010 (34), 2011 (25), 2012 (22), 2013 (35), 2014 (28), 2018 (38), 2020 (60) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical A5 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Audi A5?
Electrical System, with 80 complaints across 13 model years.
How many recalls does the Audi A5 have?
19 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.