2013 Audi S5: common problems and reliability
· 8TOne of the weaker S5 years.
19 owner complaints, most about power train. No recalls.
Should I buy a 2013 S5?The 2013 Audi S5 has 19 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and steering. Owners most often flag carbon buildup on direct-injected engines requiring periodic cleaning.
Safety record for the 2013 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Audi S5 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other S5 years only. How we score it
Is 2013 a good year for the S5?
Across the 16 S5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2022) to 52 (2018). With 19 complaints, the 2013 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
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 2013 ranks against the rest.
Compare the S5 against its rivals
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