Most common 2019 Audi S5 problems
Share of the 6 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Audi S5 complaints by model year
Best S5 years: 2014, 2011, 2019. Years to avoid: 2020, 2018, 2010. Compare all years →
2019 Audi S5 recalls (4)
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.
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022.
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-powered axle assembly
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback,…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Suspension › Front › Shock absorber
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Q7, Q8, S5 Cabriolet, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The front shock absorber forks may develop cracks allowing the shock absorbers to loosen.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the shock absorber forks, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
What 2019 Audi S5 owners say
Engine & cooling
Upon starting the vehicle while parked on 10/18/2025, dashboard displayed warning: "Turn off engine and check coolant level. See owner's manual." Visual inspection revealed coolant residue on mechanical coolant pump switching valve N649 on cylinder head bank 1, indicating water pump internal seal failure allowing coolant to leak into vacuum control system. Component failed: Water pump (EA839 3.0T engine) - vacuum-actuated design with internal seal failure. Component available for inspection. Safety risk: This documented design defect in EA839 engines can cause sudden drivetrain malfunction and loss of power while driving. While discovered parked in this instance, the same failure mode has caused P0299 codes (turbo under-boost) and "Drivetrain Malfunction" warnings in other vehicles, creating dangerous loss of power situations. Dealer confirmation: Not yet inspected by dealer. …
I am writing to file a formal safety defect complaint regarding the EA839 3.0T turbocharged V6 engine installed in various Audi models, including but not limited to the B9/B9.5 S4 and S5, C8 A6 and A7, and 4M/4M.5 Q7 and Q8 (model years approximately 2017 onward). This engine has a well-documented issue with piston skirt wear and failure, which I believe constitutes a significant safety hazard due to the potential for sudden engine failure and loss of vehicle power while driving. As an owner of a 2019 Audi S5, I have experienced symptoms related to this defect, and I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter to prevent potential accidents, injuries, or fatalities.
2019 Audi S5 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 21 / 30 / 24 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Audi S5 a good car?
Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 S5 rates average: 20% fewer complaints than a typical year of the S5 at the same age. It is one of the best S5 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 2019 Audi S5?
The engine & cooling — 3 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the wheels & tires (1) and fuel & propulsion system (1).
How many recalls does the 2019 Audi S5 have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2019 Audi S5, the most recent from January 26, 2022 (tires). 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 S5?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2011 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2020, 2018 and 2010. See the full Audi S5 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2019 Audi S5 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 76,000 miles; 50% 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.