Power
0–100 km/h
Top speed
Fuel (combined)
What owners say
Overview
Sentiment is deeply bifurcated by generation and ownership expectations. For modern S5 Cabriolets (B9 generation, ~2018-2024), owner sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by immense driving joy, high levels of comfort, and strong reliability when new or under warran
Known issues
• Convertible Top Mechanism Failures — Includes hydraulic pump failure, motor failure, fraying fabric, warping storage cover hinges, and failure of associated electronics (seatbelt presenters, access covers). Frequency: very frequent., Rear Window Separation — The adhesive bonding the glass rear window to the fabric top degrades over time (typically 8-10+ years), leading to separation. Often necessitates a complete top replacement. Frequency: very frequent.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 1 | 0 | fuel system |
| 1997 | 2 | 1 | vehicle speed control |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices1 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
1997 · air bags:frontalcampaign 97V175000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DISCHARGE OF STATIC ELECTRICITY UNDER LOW HUMIDITY CONDITIONS CAN ACTIVATE THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WHEN THE DRIVER ENTERS OR EXITS THE VEHICLE AND FORMS AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT BY TOUCHING CERTAIN AREAS OF THE STEERING WHEEL.
Specifications
Generation
Version
2.8 V6 E (174 Hp) Automatic
From 1998-2000
Quick facts
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