Audi A5 Common Problems

The most common Audi A5 problems, based on 100 NHTSA owner complaints (2017–2025), are electrical system, unknown or other, back over prevention, forward collision avoidance. The 2020 model year has the most complaints (60). Complaints are owner-reported and differ from official recalls — check a specific VIN's recalls and history at vincheck.it.com.

Most-reported Audi A5 problem areas
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	48 reports
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	28 reports
BACK OVER PREVENTION	17 reports
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	8 reports
ENGINE	5 reports
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	5 reports
TIRES	5 reports
AIR BAGS	3 reports
LANE DEPARTURE	3 reports
STEERING	3 reports

Audi A5 best & worst years (by complaint volume)

Ranked by NHTSA owner-complaint count per model year — a leading reliability signal. The highest-complaint years are worth extra scrutiny; the lowest are the safer bets. Always confirm with a specific VIN's history.

Model year	Complaints
2020 Audi A5	60
2019 Audi A5	12
2023 Audi A5	8
2021 Audi A5	7
2018 Audi A5	6
2025 Audi A5	5
2017 Audi A5	2

Worst year: 2020 (60 complaints). Best year: 2017 (2).

Complaints by year: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2023 · 2025

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Audi A5 problems?

Across 100 NHTSA owner complaints (2017–2025), the most-reported Audi A5 problem areas are electrical system, unknown or other, back over prevention, forward collision avoidance.

Is the Audi A5 reliable?

NHTSA owner complaints are one reliability signal. The Audi A5 has 100 on record, most concentrated in the 2020 model year (60). Cross-check recalls and a specific VIN's history before buying.

Which Audi A5 years should you avoid?

By NHTSA complaint volume, the 2020 Audi A5 draws the most owner complaints (60), while the 2017 has the fewest (2). Complaint counts are one signal — always check a specific VIN's history too.

Which is the most reliable Audi A5 year?

Among the years we track, the 2017 Audi A5 has the fewest NHTSA complaints (2), a positive reliability signal. Confirm with recalls and the specific vehicle's history before buying.

Do complaints mean the Audi A5 was recalled?

Not necessarily. Complaints are individual owner reports; recalls are official safety actions. Check open recalls for a specific Audi A5 VIN with our free recall lookup.

Audi A5 recalls · Audi A5 overview · Full Audi A5 VIN history — from $5.12/report