AI DamageAudi S5: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Audi S5 across 12 model years: 59 owner complaints and 2,050 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 31% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 20% of all complaints
- 3 Backover prevention 19% of all complaints
- 4 Forward collision avoidance 12% of all complaints
- 5 Visibility 5% of all complaints
- 6 Air bags 5% of all complaints
- 7 Lane departure 5% of all complaints
- 8 Steering 3% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 18 complaints (31% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 2,434.
- Engine: 12 complaints (20% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 381.
- Backover prevention: 11 complaints (19% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 59.
- Forward collision avoidance: 7 complaints (12% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 20.
- Visibility: 3 complaints (5% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 343.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3 L · petrol · turbo · 6 cyl 2010–2027
- 4.2 L · petrol · 8 cyl 2008–2012
- automatic, 6-speed 2008–2012
- automatic, 7-speed 2010–2012
- automatic, 8-speed 2019–2025
- dual-clutch (DCT), 7-speed 2013–2027
- dual-clutch (DCT), 8-speed 2018
- manual, 6-speed 2008–2017named in 1 complaints
Drive: AWD, 4WD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 59 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 18 | 0 | 2,434 |
| Engine | 12 | 0 | 381 |
| Backover prevention | 11 | 0 | 59 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 7 | 0 | 20 |
| Visibility | 3 | 0 | 343 |
| Air bags | 3 | 0 | 65 |
| Lane departure | 3 | 0 | 27 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 383 |
| Powertrain | 2 | 1 | 319 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 307 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 | 103 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 | 36 |
| Parking brake | 2 | 1 | 7 |
| Electronic stability control | 2 | 0 | 5 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The contact stated that the gearbox and parking brake released while the vehicle was in park. As a result, the vehicle rolled away and crashed into a concrete barrier. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained.
Forward collision warning and mitigation system (pre sense city) did not work to prevent an accident where I rear ended a car that was stationary. No warning or action was taken by the car. Police report attached.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2019 Audi S5. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 47,796 at the time of registration. The Carfax report, bill of sale and title showed the mileage as 47, 796.
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.
I had requested the diagnostic due to small coolant leaks on the engine and loss of coolant in the expansion tank. No warning lights and no overheating yet. Not yet aware of any loss of performance. I have been advised it is unsafe to continue driving the car. Dealer has quoted me $7800 estimate to repair the car.
The warning message “Passenger Airbag Off” appears with a chime. This is an active safety recall that was issued before I purchased the vehicle, but the recall was not disclosed at the time of sale.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Backover prevention. Rear camera and parking sensors after a rear impact.
- Forward collision avoidance. Radar and camera: calibration after bumper or windshield replacement.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- This bulletin states that technicians are required to report to the manufacturer when a vehicle has…
- This bulletin provides information regarding setup in the Audi Connect app for digital key
- This bulletin is a help guide for Audi connect remote start
- This bulletin provides information when one or more delctric exterior door handles cannot be reached after…
- This bulletin provides information when one or more electric extrerior door handles cannot be reached af…
- This Pending Service Solution (PSS) requests that technicians create a record in the PSS database when…
- This Pending Service Solution (PSS) requests that technicians create a record in the PSS database when…
- This Pending Service Solution (PSS) requests that technicians create a record in the PSS database when…
- This Pending Service Solution (PSS) requests that technicians enter a record in the PSS databse in…
- This bulletin provides information when there is a driver system fault, or an MIL - DTC P060C00 symptom…
- This bulletin is an aid supportin gthe combined softare update 03.11.00/C (28.14.01) KD2*
- This bulletin provides information regarding software update KD2* 03.11.00/C (28.14.01)
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.