2016 Audi A5 Problems & Complaints

Better than average65% fewer complaints than a typical year of the A5 at the same age

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2016 Audi A5 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 65% fewer than a typical A5 model year at the same age, making the 2016 one of the better A5 years. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (3 complaints, typically around 35,000 miles). 3 recalls cover this model year.

7complaints
3recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2016 Audi A5 problems

  • Engine & cooling~35,000 miles
    343%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~35,000 miles
    229%
  • Steering
    114%
  • Electrical system
    114%
  • Body & structure
    114%
  • Other / not specified
    114%

Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Audi A5 complaints by model year

’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’2551134252235288738126087888
Owner complaints per model year, Audi A5. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best A5 years: 2017, 2016, 2015. Years to avoid: 2020, 2010, 2013, 2018, 2014. Compare all years →

2016 Audi A5 recalls (3)

Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system

NHTSA recall 18V-229 · Apr 11, 2018 · 342,867 vehicles

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.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4.

Electrical system › Wiring

NHTSA recall 17V-622 · Oct 5, 2017 · 216,913 vehicles

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.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The Recall began November 27, 2017.

Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system

NHTSA recall 17V-002 · Jan 3, 2017 · 342,867 vehicles

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.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge.

What 2016 Audi A5 owners say

Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Audi A5. While the contact was making a three point turn with the shifter in the reverse position, the vehicle abruptly accelerated forward and moved approximately 3 to 5 feet when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact also indicated that the vehicle lost power and would not properly accelerate on several occasions. The cause of the failures was not determined. Audi of eatontown (95 nj-36, eatontown, nj) was notified of the failures. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 35,000.

35,000 miles · May 2019

The drive chain broke, causing permanent damage to the engine which requires a complete engine replacement. The car was 5 + years old with 38,000 miles on it and well maintained.

Jul 2021

2016 Audi A5 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.0L 4-cyl turbo6-speed manualAWD22 / 32 / 26
2.0L 4-cyl turbo8-speed automaticAWD21 / 30 / 24

EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Audi A5 a good car?

Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 A5 rates better than average: 65% fewer complaints than a typical year of the A5 at the same age. It is one of the best A5 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Audi A5?

The engine & cooling — 3 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (2) and steering (1).

How many recalls does the 2016 Audi A5 have?

There are 3 recalls for the 2016 Audi A5, the most recent from April 11, 2018 (cooling system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Audi A5?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2016 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2020, 2010, 2013, 2018 and 2014. See the full Audi A5 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2016 Audi A5 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 35,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.