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2020 Audi A5: common problems and reliability
· F5One of the worst A5 years.
One of the Audi A5 years to avoid. All A5 years
120 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2020 A5?The 2020 Audi A5 has 120 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and back over prevention. Owners most often flag water pump failure (plastic housing cracking).
Safety record for the 2020 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2020 Audi A5 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other A5 years only. How we score it
Is 2020 a good year for the A5?
Across the 18 A5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2017) to 120 (2020). With 120 complaints, the 2020 A5 sits above the 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
Recalls affecting the 2020 A5
tires
Campaign 22V034000Volkswagen 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.
exterior lighting:tail lights
Campaign 20V737000Volkswagen 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.
suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assembly
Campaign 21V295000Volkswagen 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.
seats
Campaign 21V874000Volkswagen 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.
What owners report on the F5 A5
Owners generally view the F5 A5 as a reliable, enjoyable daily driver when properly maintained, with the EA888 2.0T engine and DSG transmission frequently praised as proven and durable.
- RecurrentWater pump failure (plastic housing cracking)
- RecurrentEngine mounts failing (around 45k-65k miles)
- RecurrentWater accumulation in side sills (plugged drain ports, sloshing water sound)
- IsolatedDSG transmission issues (two full repairs on one 2021 example; rough idle/first gear behavior on 2018)
- IsolatedSunroof getting stuck or not opening fully (resolved with reset procedure)
Owner insights for the F5 A5. Read the full F5 owner report.
Typical used price
Used A5 listings typically run $13,405–$37,676.
Other A5 model years
Compare every A5 year side by side to see how 2020 ranks against the rest.
Compare the A5 against its rivals
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