Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (250 km/h)
Fuel, maker's test (9.2 L/100 km)
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation and powertrain.
6 problems reported (1 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 1 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentDynamic Ride Control (DRC) suspension leaks
Very frequent issue reported at mileage thresholds (often above 60k-70k miles), leading to expensive repairs (~$7k-$11k).
- RecurrentEngine ancillary failures
PCV valve leaks and water pump failures are recurrently mentioned as common points of failure for the EA839 engine.
- RecurrentHigh cost of consumables
Brake pads, rotors, and tires are noted as being exceptionally expensive.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentVery high and unpredictable maintenance costs
Owners report bills of $15,000-$20,000 over two years for items including fuel pumps, suspension faults, PCV leaks, and other electrical/mechanical failures.
- RecurrentLack of driver engagement
Described as sterile, numb steering, not encouraging spirited driving.
- IsolatedPotential for major engine repairs
While the 4.2L V8 is generally considered robust, timing chain guide issues (engine-out repair) and other failures are noted as rare but catastrophic risks.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a single "best" version, as preferences are split by generation. Enthusiasts seeking engine character and sound strongly favor the B8/B8.5 generation with the 4.2L FSI V8. Owners prioritizing modern technology, daily comfort, and practicality recommend the B9 generation (2018+) Sportback body style. For the B9, the Competition package is mentioned but not extensively detailed. The Sportback is frequently cited for its superior utility over the Coupe.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW M3, BMW M4, BMW M340i, Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and Cadillac CTS-V.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation and powertrain. The naturally aspirated V8 models (B8/B8.5, 2013-2015) are praised for their thrilling, high-revving engine character, exceptional exhaust sound, and perceived build quality, making them desirable for driving enthusiasts. However, they are associated with very high and unpredictable maintenance costs outside of warranty. The turbocharged V6 models (B9, 2018+) are widely acknowledged as incredibly capable, comfortable, and practical daily drivers with strong performance and a high-quality interior. The primary criticism for this generation is a perceived lack of driver engagement, character, and feedback, often described as feeling sterile, numb, or too competent, which diminishes the fun factor for some owners. Recurrent concerns about the reliability and cost of specific components, particularly the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) suspension and the EA839 engine's ancillary parts, significantly impact ownership satisfaction and cost of ownership.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more comfortable, refined, and practical daily driver compared to its core rivals. Frequently described as superior to the BMW M3/M4 and Cadillac Blackwing in terms of interior quality, ride comfort, long-distance cruising ability, and all-weather usability due to its Quattro all-wheel drive. However, it is consistently criticized for being less engaging, communicative, and fun to drive on twisty roads, with mentions of inherent Audi understeer and numb steering. It is seen as a better "grand tourer" than a "sports car." Compared to the Lexus LC500, it is viewed as more practical but lacking the special character of the Lexus's V8. The consensus is that it trades ultimate driver involvement for everyday polish and usability.
Recommended configurations
Sportback body style for practicality. An extended warranty is very frequently recommended for peace of mind, regardless of generation. For B9 models, aftermarket shift paddle extensions are suggested to improve feel. Paint Protection Film (PPF) for the front end is recommended to preserve appearance. Finding a reputable independent specialist mechanic for maintenance is advised to control costs. For B9 models with DRC, owners recommend budgeting for potential failure and considering aftermarket coilovers as a more reliable and sometimes cheaper alternative to DRC repair.
General recommendations
Suitable for buyers seeking a very fast, comfortable, and practical daily driver with premium interior quality and all-weather capability. Ideal for long-distance highway commuting. NOT recommended for driving enthusiasts who prioritize steering feedback, chassis communication, and an engaging, playful driving experience. NOT recommended for buyers with a limited maintenance budget or low tolerance for unexpected repair bills. Essential to get a thorough pre-purchase inspection (PPI), with specific focus on the DRC suspension for leaks and a full check of the EA839 engine's known failure points (PCV, water pump) for B9 models. Purchase only with a comprehensive service history. Strongly consider an extended warranty. Budget significantly above typical Japanese luxury car costs for routine maintenance and consumables (brakes, tires).
Remarks
The ownership experience is sharply bifurcated by generation. The V8 models are cherished for their emotional appeal but feared for their cost of ownership, making them a potentially expensive hobbyist car. The turbo V6 models are viewed as technologically superior and more livable daily drivers but are plagued by specific, costly mechanical weaknesses (DRC, engine components) that undermine long-term ownership satisfaction. The high cost of dealer repairs for these known issues is a dominant theme. There is no substantive data in the provided material on the newest B10 generation. Analysis based on approximately 30 substantive owner discussions and inquiries across multiple model years.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2015Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 | 5 | unknown or other |
| 2019 | 6 | 4 | electrical system |
| 2018 | 1 | 2 | unknown or other |
| 2015 | 2 | 0 | service brakes |
| 2014 | 10 | 0 | service brakes |
| 2013 | 7 | 0 | power train |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices11 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2021 · seat belts:rear/other:retractorcampaign 21V606000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2021 · tirescampaign 22V034000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
2021 · exterior lighting:tail lightscampaign 20V737000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2020-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The wiring harness for the rear lights could be missing the anti-abrasion protection in the area of the spare wheel well.
2021 · suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assemblycampaign 21V295000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
2021 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 22V742000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2019 · tirescampaign 22V034000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
2019 · electrical system:12v/24v/48v batterycampaign 20V760000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi RS5 Coupe vehicles. An incorrect positive battery terminal cover was installed.
2019 · suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assemblycampaign 21V295000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
2019 · seatscampaign 21V874000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
2018 · electrical system:12v/24v/48v batterycampaign 20V760000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi RS5 Coupe vehicles. An incorrect positive battery terminal cover was installed.
2018 · seatscampaign 21V874000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: F5
2.9 TFSI V6 quattro
2.9L 6-cylinder · 450 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2020–2024