2011 Audi S5: common problems and reliability
· 8TOne of the weaker S5 years.
21 owner complaints, most about air bags. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2011 S5?The 2011 Audi S5 has 21 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and power train. Owners most often flag carbon buildup on direct-injected engines requiring periodic cleaning.
Safety record for the 2011 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2011 Audi S5 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other S5 years only. How we score it
Is 2011 a good year for the S5?
Across the 16 S5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2022) to 52 (2018). With 21 complaints, the 2011 S5 sits above the model's median of 10.
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 2011 S5
fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel rail
Campaign 15V019000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Audi S4, S5, Q7, 2012 Audi A6, Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid, and 2012-2013 Audi A7 vehicles. In the affected vehicles the fuel injection system may experience a fuel leak.
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 18V082000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 16V078000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
What owners report on the 8T S5
Owners of the 8T S5 are split cleanly along engine lines.
- Very frequentCarbon buildup on direct-injected engines requiring periodic cleaning
- RecurrentTiming chain and tensioner wear requiring engine-out service
- RecurrentWater pump and thermostat failure
- RecurrentPCV valve failure, sometimes leaking coolant into oil
- RecurrentControl arm and suspension bushing wear
Owner insights for the 8T S5. Read the full 8T owner report.
Other S5 model years
Compare every S5 year side by side to see how 2011 ranks against the rest.
Compare the S5 against its rivals
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