A5 (8T)
Engine Reliability Ratings
Audi A5 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
4.2-V8-Gas
4.2L 8-cyl / 450 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cyl / 333 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Audi
3.2L 6-cyl / 265 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 211 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Audi A5 regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (7)
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 2013-2017 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 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.
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 problems?
The 2008-2016 Audi A5 has accumulated 310 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Engine, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Audi A5 engine is most reliable?
The 2008-2016 Audi A5 was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4.2L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2008-2016 Audi A5 a good used car?
The 2008-2016 Audi A5 can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 310 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008-2016 Audi A5 have?
The 2008-2016 Audi A5 has 310 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2008-2016 Audi A5?
There are 7 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2008-2016 Audi A5 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Audi A5?
Before buying a used Audi A5, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Engine, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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. 310 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.