Generation-specific owner insights from 124+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2007–2016 S5?110
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2007–2016
6
recall campaigns
power train
most-complained area
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 8T S5 are split cleanly along engine lines.
15 problems reported (1 very frequent, 8 recurrent, 6 isolated) · high confidence
The 2013-2016 3.0T supercharged V6 is the consensus pick, repeatedly described as reliable, easy to tune, and better on fuel than the V8. Among V8 cars, owners note the 4.2 in the S5 is the later FSI version with updated timing chain guides, distinct from the earlier 40-valve 4.2 used in other models, and that the V8 was offered in coupes through 2012.
Owners compare it most often with the BMW 435i / 4 Series, Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi B8 S4 and Audi RS5.
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Owners of the 8T S5 are split cleanly along engine lines. The 4.2L V8 (2008-2012) is loved for its sound and character but is consistently described as expensive to own, with carbon buildup, timing chain work, and general maintenance costs dominating the conversation. The supercharged 3.0T V6 (2013-2016) is widely called the more reliable and more tunable choice, with owners reporting fewer major failures and easier power gains. Across both, the dominant warning is that the purchase price is the cheap part: owners repeatedly tell prospective buyers to budget several thousand dollars for repairs and to get a pre-purchase inspection.
Owners describe the S5 as a balance between sport and luxury rather than a pure sports car, placing it against the C43 AMG and 435i rather than the M4 or C63. The BMW is called more sporty, the Mercedes more luxurious and better on interior tech, while the S5 is seen as the best compromise of the two. The B8/B8.5 S4 is treated as a near-equivalent, often recommended over the V8 S5 for reliability and tuning potential. The RS5 is positioned as the aspirational step up within the same family.
Owners favor the 2013+ 3.0T, ideally with a documented service history, and the 6-speed manual is prized for engagement and resale. For the V8 cars, the 6-speed manual or Tiptronic torque-converter automatic is preferred; owners warn that the dual-clutch of this era had mechatronics failures and that the S5 V8 did not use it. Several owners advise budgeting for a dual-clutch fluid service every 30,000-35,000 miles on 3.0T cars so equipped, and for carbon cleaning on both engines.
This generation suits buyers who can absorb ongoing maintenance costs or who do their own work; owners strongly discourage students and first-car buyers on tight budgets. Prefer 2013-2016 3.0T cars for reliability, and if buying a V8, insist on service records and a pre-purchase inspection by someone familiar with these cars. Walk away from cars with obvious signs of hard use, spotty maintenance history, or unresolved overheating. Owners repeatedly suggest setting aside several thousand dollars for repairs regardless of which version is chosen.
Owners consistently note that the V8's soundtrack is the main reason to choose it over the quicker, cheaper-to-run 3.0T, and that the 3.0T responds well to intake, pulley, and tune upgrades. Several mention that the S5's interior tech, especially infotainment and Bluetooth, feels dated and detracts from the luxury experience. Analysis based on approximately 124 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 0 | steering |
| 2015 | 2 | 0 | engine |
| 2014 | 6 | 0 | power train |
| 2013 | 19 | 0 | power train |
| 2012 | 10 | 1 | air bags |
| 2011 | 21 | 3 | air bags |
| 2010 | 48 | 2 | power train |
| 2008 | 3 | 0 | power train |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
2012 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel railcampaign 15V019000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Audi S4, S5, Q7, 2012 Audi A6, Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles. In the affected vehicles the fuel injection system may experience a fuel leak.
2011 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel railcampaign 15V019000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Audi S4, S5, Q7, 2012 Audi A6, Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles. In the affected vehicles the fuel injection system may experience a fuel leak.
2011 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 18V082000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
2011 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 16V078000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
2010 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 18V082000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
2010 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 16V078000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
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.