2021 Audi A5
Only 8 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 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2021
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2021: 8 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 5 |
| 2009 | 11 |
| 2010 | 34 |
| 2011 | 25 |
| 2012 | 22 |
| 2013 | 35 |
| 2014 | 28 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 38 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 60 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
2 of 8 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2021 Audi A5. The contact stated while the driving 35 MPH, the instrument panel was blinking on and off several times and then went dark. A local dealer was contacted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-06-17
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, after shifting from reverse to drive the vehicle lost all power. The contact stated that various warning lights were illuminated during the failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-11-09
Seats
1 of 8 total reports mentions: seats.
Power train
1 of 8 total reports mentions: power train.
Forward collision avoidance
1 of 8 total reports mentions: forward collision avoidance, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking.
Show complaint excerpts
There was no damage caused. The audi pre sense technology (automatic braking) has come close to causing several accidents by braking extremely hard when there has been no reason to brake.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-10
Engine
1 of 8 total reports mentions: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Car began bucking at low speeds. I parked car and when I turned on ignition next day, dashboard warning indicated "Transmission malfunction" and warned me not to drive car. I had it towed to dealer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-15
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2021-01-21Electrical system, exterior lighting20V737000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2020-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, and S5 Sportback vehicles.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will apply scuff protection, free of charge. The recall began January 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EU.
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2021-06-04Suspension21V295000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
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2021-08-27Seat belts21V606000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021.
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2022-03-03Suspension, tires22V034000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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.
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2022-10-25Back over prevention22V742000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Audi A5 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 1 report on file for this year.
- Power train: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20V737000 · Electrical system, exterior lighting
- Recall 21V295000 · Suspension
- Recall 21V606000 · Seat belts
- Recall 22V034000 · Suspension, tires
- Recall 22V742000 · Back over prevention
FAQ
- Is the 2021 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 2021 Audi A5?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Audi A5 have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.