Audi A5 Engine Problems

Engine complaints by model year

Which parts fail

• Cooling system
  2
• Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
  1
• Engine › Oil/lubrication
  1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  720%
• 25k–50k
  13%
• 50k–75k
  1337%
• 75k–100k
  823%
• 100k–150k
  514%
• 150k+
  13%

What owners report

The contact owns a 2018 Audi A5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the gears unexpectedly shifted. Additionally, on one occasion, the vehicle lost motive power for two full days. The vehicle was later able to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the Engine Control Unit (ECU) was replaced; however, the contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle also experienced a loss of power steering. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to various other unknown dealers; however, the mechanics were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 16,000.

I own a 2018 Audi A5. Many critical cooling system parts - including the thermostat housing, water pump housing, radiator end tanks, breather tubes, and quick-connect hoses - are made of plastic and sit in constant exposure to coolant temperatures over 200 F. Over time, these components become brittle, crack, and fail prematurely. Recently, the plastic breather/return hose between the coolant reservoir and the radiator broke apart during routine service due to brittleness. When these parts fail, coolant leaks quickly, which can cause sudden overheating, engine damage, and potential vehicle disablement while driving. Based on owner reports and my own experience, this appears to be a widespread issue across Audi/VW vehicles of this generation. …

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.

The contact owns a 2014 Audi A5. The contact stated that while driving 30-70 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving for an hour or stopped at a light. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact waited for 10 minutes to restart, but the vehicle shut off again. The ECP warning light was illuminated. After the vehicle cooled off and the battery was disconnected, the vehicle drove as designed. The contact replaced the cam shaft sensor, and fuel pump however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The manufacturer referred the contact to the local dealer for a diagnostic test. …

The contact owns a 2014 Audi A5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder. The check engine and EPS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with piston #3. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who confirmed the failure with piston #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist. The failure mileage was 65,000.

The contact's cousin owns a 2013 Audi A5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to overheat. The warning message "Pull Over and Check Coolant" was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road and upon checking the coolant reservoir, the contact noticed that the coolant was leaking. The contact added coolant and was able to continue driving. However, the failure reoccurred increasingly. The contact stated that the coolant would leak onto the ground while refilling the coolant reservoir. The contact stated that the vehicle was no longer drivable. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. …

The contact owns a 2013 Audi A5. The contact stated that after activating the AC system, there was hot air and a burning odor coming from the passenger's side vents. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V002000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called an independent mechanic and referenced the recall campaign. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 157,653.

While I was driving, my car started to slow down and eventually stopped in the middle of the road. There were no warning sensors or indicators on the car. II then started to see smoke coming from my hood and decided to turn off the car and get out to inspect. On the right front side, I saw a fire under the car. The fire department was called and they put out the fire. They suspected an electrical issue, however it has yet to be confirmed. I contacted the dealership and they said they do not handle repairs of that sort. Insurance sent out an estimator for the damage. The car will be sent to a mechanic to diagnose the issue.

Related recalls (2)