Avoid: 2020, 2018, 2010 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2016 (few owner reports)
13 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 11 model years, the Audi S5 has 232 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 25 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and air bags. 2018 drew the most complaints (52), 2022 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (1).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Audi S5 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: 2018 (52 complaints). Lowest: 2022 (1).
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation. The B8.5 (supercharged V6) and B9/B9.5 (turbocharged V6) generations receive generally positive feedback from long-term owners, who praise the driving experience, comfort, and timeless styling.
Leading to repeated dealership visits and extended downtime.
Owner insights cover all generations of the S5. Individual model years are broken down above.
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