2016 Audi A5
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 5 |
| 2009 | 11 |
| 2010 | 34 |
| 2011 | 24 |
| 2012 | 22 |
| 2013 | 33 |
| 2014 | 28 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 35 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 60 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 7 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190702
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180918
2 of 7 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190702
1 of 7 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
On August 3, 2025, my wife and I came home from dinner and I couldnât get out of the driverâs side door. I took it to Naples Audi where I bought the car and delt with its Assistant Service Manager and Service Advisor.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250807
1 of 7 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
Electromechanical steering rack has gone out. Had this completely failed while driving myself and others could be put in serious harm of a collision or crash. There are many online complaints and issues with the audi steering racks.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240319
1 of 7 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Car went into limp mode and check engine light came on.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240905
SAFETY TIMELINE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017.
Campaign 17V002000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The Recall began November 27, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Campaign 17V622000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4.
Campaign 18V229000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Audi A5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V002000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V622000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V229000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2016 Audi A5 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi A5?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Audi A5 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.