A5 (8T)
Data covers 8 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 211 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cyl / 333 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Audi A5 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
4.2-V8-Gas
4.2L 8-cyl / 450 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
3.2-V6-Gas
3.2L 6-cyl / 265 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Audi A5, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2008-2016 Audi A5
On a used 2008-2016 Audi A5, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (107), the engine (78) and the transmission and drivetrain (44). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 107 owner complaints on the 2008-2016 Audi A5 about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 78 owner complaints on the 2008-2016 Audi A5 about the engine, all engines combined.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 44 owner complaints on the 2008-2016 Audi A5 about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 33 owner complaints on the 2008-2016 Audi A5 about the electrical system.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 28 owner complaints on the 2008-2016 Audi A5 about the steering.
Recalls (7)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
Volkswagen 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.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Audi A4, A5, and Q5 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
Show 2 older recalls
Volkswagen 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.
Volkswagen 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.
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact Coupe
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2008-2016 Audi A5 complaints?
Owners have filed 315 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008-2016 Audi A5. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the engine and the transmission.
Is the 2008-2016 Audi A5 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 315 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008-2016 Audi A5. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008-2016 Audi A5 have?
NHTSA has 315 owner complaints on file for the 2008-2016 Audi A5 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2008-2016 Audi A5?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls covering some 2008-2016 Audi A5 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Audi A5?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the engine and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the A5 have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2008-2016 Audi A5. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 315 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.