Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 11 | 5.5× | 2 | Collision Avoidance | Average |
| 2022 | 1 | typical | 2 | Electrical | Few |
| 2021 | 1 | −14% | 5 | Suspension | Few |
| 2020 | 25 | 3.0× | 4 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2019 | 6 | −20% | 4 | Engine | Average |
| 2018 | 26 | 2.8× | 2 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2014 | 6 | −52% | — | Fuel System | Good |
| 2013 | 16 | 1.3× | — | Transmission | Average |
| 2012 | 10 | typical | 1 | Airbag | Average |
| 2011 | 8 | −20% | 1 | Airbag | Average |
| 2010 | 20 | 2.0× | — | Transmission | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median S5 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Audi S5 problems
Latest Audi S5 recalls
Seat belts › Rear/other › Retractor
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 SQ6 E-Tron, SQ6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 Sportback E-Tron, A6, A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 E-Tron, S5, and S6 Sportback E-Tron vehicles. The automatic locking retractor may fail to engage when a child seat is installed using the seat belt.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the right and left rear seat belt assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2026.
Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 GTI, Golf R, Audi A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, S5, S6 Sportback E-Tron, 2026 Q4 Sportback E-Tron, and Q4 E-Tron vehicles. The torsion bar in one or both front seat belt retractors may have been damaged during production.
Remedy: Dealers will replace one or both front seat belts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 30, 2025, and October 31, 2025.
Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Video (touch)screen/monitor/unit
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.
Back over prevention › Display function
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5,…
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Tires
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8,…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Audi S5 should you avoid?
2020, 2018 and 2010 — these years have the most complaints relative to other S5 years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2020.
What is the best year for the Audi S5?
2014 has the fewest complaints compared with other S5 years at the same age, followed by 2011 and 2019. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Audi S5 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (26), electrical system (25) and engine & cooling (24). Transmission complaints peak in the 2010 model year.
How many recalls has the Audi S5 had?
13 recalls across 2010–2025. The model year with the most is 2021. See all Audi S5 recalls by year.
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.