2016 Audi A5: common problems and reliability

The 2016 Audi A5 has 7 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. Owners most often flag 2.0t tfsi oil consumption (piston rings): frequency: very frequent. a well-known issue requiring engine rebuild or piston ring replacement; covered by a class-action settlement for some model years.

Safety record for the 2016 model year

7
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Audi A5 vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2016 a good year for the A5?

Across the 15 A5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2017) to 120 (2020). With 7 complaints, the 2016 A5 sits belowthe model's median of 11.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

engine
3
power train
2
structure
1
electrical system
1
steering
1

Recalls affecting the 2016 A5

electrical system:wiring

Campaign 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 …

engine and engine cooling:cooling system

Campaign 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 wi…

engine and engine cooling:cooling system

Campaign 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 vehicl…

What owners report on the 8TA A5

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 i

  • 2.0T TFSI oil consumption (piston rings): Frequency: very frequent. A well-known issue requiring engine rebuild or piston ring replacement; covered by a class-action settlement for some model years.
  • Timing chain stretch/failure (2.0T TFSI): Frequency: very frequent. Can cause catastrophic engine damage; tensioner was redesigned around 2013. Monitoring chain stretch via diagnostic tools is recommended.
  • Water pump failure: Frequency: recurrent. Plastic components crack and leak; often replaced preventatively alongside the thermostat.
  • PCV valve failure: Frequency: recurrent. A common failure point on the 2.0T; relatively inexpensive to replace.
  • Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection engines): Frequency: recurrent. Requires walnut blasting every 40,000-75,000 miles to maintain performance.

Owner insights for the 8TA A5. Read the full 8TA owner report.

Typical used price

Used A5 listings typically run $17,438–$49,560 across 2013 to 2026 model years.

Other A5 model years

Compare every A5 year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.

2025 A52024 A52020 A52019 A52018 A52017 A52015 A52014 A52013 A52012 A52011 A52010 A52009 A52008 A5

Compare the A5 against its rivals

A5 vs BMW 2 SeriesA5 vs BMW 3 SeriesA5 vs BMW 5 SeriesA5 vs Genesis G70
Full Audi A5 owner reportCompare against another car