Generation-specific owner insights from 42+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2009–2016 A5?276
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2009–2016
19
recall campaigns
air bags
most-complained area
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2009-2016 8TA A5 generally enjoy the car’s styling, comfort, and driving experience, calling it a beautiful and fun daily driver.
12 problems reported (2 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 6 isolated) · high confidence
A well-known issue requiring engine rebuild or piston ring replacement; covered by a class-action settlement for some model years.
Can cause catastrophic engine damage; tensioner was redesigned around 2013. Monitoring chain stretch via diagnostic tools is recommended.
Plastic components crack and leak; often replaced preventatively alongside the thermostat.
A common failure point on the 2.0T; relatively inexpensive to replace.
Requires walnut blasting every 40,000-75,000 miles to maintain performance.
Front suspension components wear out, causing clunking noises; replacement kits are available.
The fabric headliner can detach from the convertible top frame.
Owners strongly advise avoiding this transmission due to high repair costs and poor reliability.
Plastic coolant pipes and reservoir can crack and leak.
A labor-intensive repair.
Reported on a 2012 cabriolet.
Reported on a 2012 model.
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Owners frequently recommend the 3.0 TDI diesel (in markets where available) and the 3.0T V6 (S5) for superior reliability and smoothness, but no single trim or engine is universally declared the best. The 2013+ B8.5 models are preferred over earlier years.
Owners compare it most often with the Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe and Toyota Corolla.
Is a 2009–2016 A5 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Owners of the 2009-2016 8TA A5 generally enjoy the car’s styling, comfort, and driving experience, calling it a beautiful and fun daily driver. However, sentiment is heavily tempered by concerns over reliability, particularly with the 2.0T TFSI engine, which is known for oil consumption, timing chain issues, and expensive repairs. The 2013-2016 facelift (B8.5) models are viewed more favorably than the earlier 2009-2012 cars, with owners noting that some major issues were addressed, though not eliminated. Many advise that the car is only a good buy if it has a full service history and you have a budget for maintenance.
One owner suggested a 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe as a faster alternative at a similar price point. Another owner, in a discussion about high-mileage examples, recommended a Toyota Corolla as a more practical and reliable choice, implying the A5 is less sensible for budget-conscious buyers.
Owners strongly advise avoiding the 2009-2012 2.0T TFSI due to severe oil consumption and timing chain problems. For the 2013-2016 B8.5 generation, the 2.0 TDI diesel is praised for reliability and fuel economy, while the 3.0 TDI and 3.0T V6 are also recommended. The S-Tronic and manual transmissions are considered acceptable, but the Multitronic CVT should be avoided. Quattro is a major selling point.
This generation is best suited for an enthusiast who can perform their own maintenance or has a dedicated budget for repairs. Buyers should insist on a full service history and a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with German cars. The 2013-2016 B8.5 models are strongly preferred over the 2009-2012 B8. The 2.0T TFSI engine should be checked for oil consumption, timing chain stretch (via OBD11 or VCDS), and whether the piston rings have been replaced under the class-action settlement. A warranty, such as CarMax’s MaxCare, is highly recommended to mitigate repair costs.
Owners frequently mention the importance of using high-quality oil (e.g., LiquiMoly) and performing oil changes at shorter intervals (5,000 miles) to mitigate carbon buildup and oil consumption. The OBD11 or VCDS diagnostic tool is considered essential for monitoring timing chain stretch and other faults. The AMI (Audi Music Interface) in the glovebox may not provide power to aftermarket Bluetooth adapters, requiring a specific adapter like the Bovee Tune2air. Analysis based on approximately 42 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 7 | 3 | engine |
| 2015 | 9 | 3 | unknown or other |
| 2014 | 29 | 3 | engine |
| 2013 | 38 | 3 | engine |
| 2012 | 36 | 2 | air bags |
| 2011 | 62 | 2 | air bags |
| 2010 | 84 | 2 | air bags |
| 2009 | 11 | 1 | structure |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
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 cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
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 blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
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 blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
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 cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
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 cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
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 blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
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.
2013 · 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 cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
2013 · 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 blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
3 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
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.