Audi A5 reliability: common problems by model year

Across 15 model years, the Audi A5 has 444 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 37 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and air bags. 2020 drew the most complaints (120), 2017 the fewest (2).

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Audi A5 vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $17,438–$49,560.

Which A5 years have the most problems?

Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.

Highest: 2020 (120 complaints). Lowest: 2017 (2).

Where owners report problems

What owners say

Sentiment is sharply divided by generation. For the B9/B9.5 generation (approximately 2017-2024 models), feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Owners praise these models for being "rock solid," offering a superb driving experience ("drives like it's on rails"),

• B9/B9.5 Generation (2017-2024):
• High maintenance and repair costs out of warranty. Frequency: very frequent.
• Known issues with the 2.0T engine (e.g., water pump failure). Frequency: recurrent.
• Dual-clutch (S tronic) transmission problems, including clutch replacement at low mileage. Frequency: recurrent.
• Poor dealership service experiences (careless work, denying responsibility). Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the A5. Individual model years are broken down above.

Generations