Audi A5 8T3 (2007–2017)
Generation-specific owner insights from 28+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
281
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2007–2017
22
recall campaigns
air bags
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Overview
Audi A5 (8T3, 2007-2017)
Overall Sentiment
Owners generally praise the 8T3 A5 as a desirable, good-looking car with strong performance and refinement, especially in 2.0T Quattro form. However, the generation is heavily criticized for serious mechanical issues, particularly oil consumption, timing chain problems, and water pump failures. The 2012 facelift (B8.5) models are viewed as significantly more reliable than the earlier B8 cars, with owners advising to avoid pre-2012 examples if possible. Enthusiasts note that the 1.8 TFSI FWD version suffers from torque steer and underwhelming handling compared to the Quattro models.
Sentiment Confidence Level
High
Frequently Mentioned Competitors
Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang
Positioning vs Competitors
Owners who cross-shopped the A5 against the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang strongly preferred the Audi’s interior refinement and build quality. They advised that only the V8 versions of those American cars were worth considering over the A5, as the V6 Camaro was described as "wheezy" and not a worthwhile trade for the loss of luxury. One owner suggested chipping the A5’s engine for more power rather than switching to a Camaro.
Best Version According to Owners
The 2.0 TFSI Quattro with S-Tronic transmission, preferably a 2013 or later B8.5 model, is the most recommended configuration. Owners consistently advise against the 1.8 TFSI FWD with CVT, citing torque steer, poor handling, and the Multitronic gearbox’s poor reputation.
Recommended Configurations
Owners recommend the 2.0 TFSI Quattro with the S-Tronic (DSG) gearbox over the 1.8 TFSI FWD with Multitronic CVT. The 2012 facelift (B8.5) models are strongly preferred over pre-facelift B8 cars due to fewer oil consumption and timing chain issues, faster MMI, and updated interior. A manual transmission is also suggested as a reliable option.
General Recommendations
This generation is best suited for buyers who value style, performance, and interior quality and are prepared for higher maintenance costs. Owners strongly advise avoiding pre-2012 B8 models due to widespread oil consumption and timing chain problems. The 2012 facelift (B8.5) is the safest choice within this generation. Before purchase, owners recommend checking for timing chain replacement, water pump and steering module warranty work, oil consumption history, and listening for timing chain slap on cold start. A full service history is considered essential.
Reported Issues
Remarks
The 2012 model year is a transitional point: early 2012 cars may still be B8 (pre-facelift), while later 2012 cars are B8.5 (facelift). Owners emphasize verifying the specific generation and engine code of any 2012 example. The 1.8 TFSI FWD version is considered underpowered and dynamically compromised compared to the 2.0 Quattro, but one owner reported achieving 42-50 MPG (UK) with it. Analysis based on approximately 28 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 2 | engine |
| 2016 | 7 | 3 | engine |
| 2015 | 9 | 3 | unknown or other |
| 2014 | 29 | 3 | engine |
| 2013 | 36 | 3 | engine |
| 2012 | 36 | 2 | air bags |
| 2011 | 62 | 2 | air bags |
| 2010 | 84 | 2 | air bags |
| 2009 | 11 | 1 | structure |
| 2008 | 5 | 1 | electrical system |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2017 · engine and engine cooling:cooling systemcampaign 17V002000
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 c
2017 · engine and engine cooling:cooling systemcampaign 18V229000
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 block
2016 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 17V622000
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.
2016 · engine and engine cooling:cooling systemcampaign 17V002000
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 c
2016 · engine and engine cooling:cooling systemcampaign 18V229000
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 block
2015 · engine and engine cooling:cooling systemcampaign 18V229000
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 block
2015 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 17V622000
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.
2015 · engine and engine cooling:cooling systemcampaign 17V002000
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 c
2014 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 17V622000
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.
2014 · engine and engine cooling:cooling systemcampaign 17V002000
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 c
2014 · engine and engine cooling:cooling systemcampaign 18V229000
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 block
2013 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 17V622000
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.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.