Avoid: No year grades F. Weakest: 2019
Best: 2015 (few owner reports) · Best recent: 2018
6 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 5 model years, the Audi RS5 has 28 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and service brakes. 2014 drew the most complaints (10), 2018 the fewest (1).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Audi RS5 vehicles (US, public record).
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: 2014 (10 complaints). Lowest: 2018 (1).
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation and powertrain.
Very frequent issue reported at mileage thresholds (often above 60k-70k miles), leading to expensive repairs (~$7k-$11k).
PCV valve leaks and water pump failures are recurrently mentioned as common points of failure for the EA839 engine.
Brake pads, rotors, and tires are noted as being exceptionally expensive.
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.
Described as sterile, numb steering, not encouraging spirited driving.
Owner insights cover all generations of the RS5. Individual model years are broken down above.
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