Audi A5 owners have reported 16 power train related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common power train problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's power train (16 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Power Train problems |
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? transmission - gear shift how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the car stopped shifting gears and we when the car instructed us to pull over immediately it wasn't a safe place to stop the car. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? so far Audi nor the dealership have been able to rectify the problem. Only that they see pieces of metal in the transmission line. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? the dealership and manufacturer have inspected the vehicle. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? the transmission malfunction warning came on twice and take your car to the nearest repair facility warning came on once.
The water pump failed on my vehicle. Initially reported 2/2025 at authorized Audi service center. They claimed it was normal for coolant to dip. Audi USA confirmed I have a settlement class vehicle in 03/2025. Mentioned an 80k mileage limit. (car only had 69k miles at the time) when the issue persisted I reached out for repair in accordance to water pump settlement. Mckenna Audi service center initially stated the extended warranty expired 05/2025, and mentioned an 8 year limit (8/80k whichever comes first) 9/3 reached out to Audi USA again and they initially provided an approval. Instructed to take to authorized service center for official diagnosis. 9/5 Audi USA recanted approval 2 days later. Instructed to call settlement administrator. Sa stated this is fully Audi responsibly warranty does not expire until 9/2025 unable to assist. Spoke to supervisor at Audi USA who stated extended warranty did not expire until 09/26/2025 09/08 Audi beverly hills confirmed water pump malfunction. Sent invoice to supervisor at Audi USA. $2338. 25 supervisor informed me later that warranty is expired after all. Stated a regional manager would look at it but no guarantees. At this point I have spent $350 for a diagnosis I did not need to satisfy the demands of the Audi warranty that is now being denied.
I was having an issue with my 2013 Audi A5 starting. A call to roadside assistance was able to jump my battery and the car would start and run. However, the same issue kept happening. The epc warning light would come on and it took a few weeks to get scheduled with a mechanic. I purchased a mobile jump starter myself because I never knew when the car would or wouldn't start. After taking the car to Audi, they found the "transmission coolant valve failing internally causing coolant to migrate up connector - this is causing a short which is draining the battery. If not fixed it will continue to deplete the batter. Recommend replacing valve and and connector". [2023 Audi inspection report. Pdf] this was verified by another mechanic who did the work and shared the faulty, corroded transmission pump connector and leaking valve. [photo: 2023 corroded connector transmission coolant valve. Jpg; 2023 transmission coolant valuve and connector. Jpg] I won't speculate about the potential outcomes of such a failure, but I was told by my mechanic before I brought it in that I should no longer jump the car, because if what Audi found was correct, I could at minimum cause a full failure of the car's electrical system or a fire could start and recommended that I tow the car in for repair, which is what I did. An internet search shows this isn't a unique or isolated issue. Audi owners over the past 7+ years have been experiencing the same issue with the transmission coolant seeping into electrical components, causing shorts and electrical problems like mine. [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] this pump and its proximity to electrical components is a dangerous risk to drivers not aware that what appears as a simple dead battery, could in fact be one jump start away from disaster. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
The contact owns a 2014 Audi A5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost significant motive power, prompting her to pull to the shoulder of the road. The check engine and eps warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with piston 3 in the engine. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who confirmed the failure with piston 3, requiring an engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist. The failure mileage was 65,000.
The drive chain broke, causing permanent damage to the engine which requires a complete engine replacement. The car was 5 + years old with 38,000 miles on it and well maintained.
Tl the contact stated that his son owns a 2013 Audi A5. The contact stated while vehicle was parked and not running, it crashed into a fence without warning on private property. There were no fire, reported injuries or police report filed. The contact was concerned that there was a failure with the transmission. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted in regards to the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
I am writing to formally bring to your attention a potential violation of federal vehicle safety reporting requirements by Audi regarding an electronic control unit (ecu)/comfort control module failure in my 2018 Audi A5. As the original owner of this vehicle, I experienced a critical ecu failure approximately 2yrs after purchase (sept 2017), which I believe qualifies as a major safety defect under 49 cfr 573. 6-577. 7. According to federal regulations, manufacturers are required to report such safety defects to the NHTSA within five (5) days of discovery. Furthermore, a root cause analysis should have been conducted & its findings reported w/in sixty (60) days. However, I have strong reason to believe that Audi failed to meet these reporting obligations, as I have never been provided with any findings from the investigation, nor have I seen any publicly available reporting on this defect. Key concerns: • unexplained ecu failure: my vehicle’s ecu/comfort control module failed inexplicably despite being only 2yrs old at the time. • failure to report to NHTSA: I haven't found record of Audi disclosing this issue to the NHTSA, despite clear requirement to do so. • root cause analysis not provided: Audi informed me that analysis was conducted in germany, but I was repeatedly told that the results were “not yet available. ” this raises concerns that the findings may have revealed a broader defect affecting multiple vehicles of the same model/yr. • potential safety risk: if this is not an isolated case, other Audi A5 owners may unknowingly be at risk of ecu failures, which could lead to critical vehicle malfunctions, including loss of control, electrical failures, or immobilization while driving. Given the seriousness of this issue, I urge the NHTSA to investigate Audi’s compliance with 49 cfr 573. 6-577. 7 & determine if this defect affects a broader range of vehicles. If Audi has indeed failed to report this defect properly, appropriate action be taken for consumer safety.
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. The contact also indicated that the vehicle lost power and would not properly accelerate on several occasions. The cause of the failures was not determined. Audi of eatontown (95 NJ-36, eatontown, NJ) was notified of the failures. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 35,000.
Tl- the contact owns a 2012 Audi A5. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to accelerate, especially on an incline and when taken off from a stop. There was no warning. The vehicle was taken to the rusnak/pasadena Audi dealer (626-714-3159, located at 267 w colorado blvd, pasadena, CA 91105) where it was diagnosed that the mass air flow sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer and the NHTSA. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The vehicle was not repaired. Fe.
Inferior piston rings burning oil inside the engine.
I was moving from a stationary position and saw an error for tpms and then an error came up as no reverse gear available - you can cotnue to drive. I can move forward not reverse and the gears move in odd number from 1 -3-5 etc. I bought this certfied preowned car over a week ago and this issue came up. The mileage on the car is 37k m so I dont know whats the issue.
The timing chain failed during normal operation at 70,000m. The car was maintained by the dealer according to manuf. Specs. All records are available. The Audi A5 2. 0t engine is known to have a manuf defect causing high oil consumption (class action suit and settlement). The manuf. Denies any linkage to low oil and denies responsibility for the power train failure. These internal parts are designed for long-life and are not maintained on a regular basis. Failure is acused by a design defect or a manuf defect. The massive failure of the internal parts of the engine due to the failure of a part often requires wholesale replacement of the engine. Audi has refused to accept full responsibility. This failure when the car is in potion will result in loss of all power assistance to brakes and steering - subjecting the driver and passengers to potential serious injury or death.
March 21 my low oil light came on, as it has every couple of months from the day I bought my car. Audi always told me this was normal. I would go to the dealer every couple of months when the light came on and get a quart poured in. I've never had another issue with the car and I have serviced it perfectly at the dealership. About a month ago I got notice of the class action lawsuit for my car and it's overconsumption of oil. On March 21st when I had more oil added, we made an appointment for the oil oversconsumption problem to be fixed. That night at midnight. I started my car. Drove about a block to an intersection. Stopped at the light. And the car stopped. The timing chain broke and the engine is destroyed. A timing chain should never break. I am lucky I was not driving on the freeway when the engine failed. The oil overconsumption could definitely lead to the timing chain breaking. Audi refuses to admit this even though it is documented. There is a documented manufacturer defect in my engine for the 2011 A5s, but they refuse to cover the engine replacement. It is their fault. I was sitting on a time bomb and Audi was fully aware that this could happen and they never checked and never mentioned it to me. Now they expect me to cover the cost of a new engine when it was a manufacturer problem. It clearly states in the class action suit that the defect can lead to complete engine failure. I am over my warranty, but that should not matter. This defect existed from day one. They need to be held responsible.
This vehicle when I start in the morning feels like something is rubbing on the wheels. It maybe the wheel bearings. Also just like the other Audi owners have said this car consumes at least a quart of oil every 800 to a 1000 miles or so. I decided on this vehicle based on reputation, I've had it a year and I'm not happy. I thought this was normal. But I see its not. Please help.
Audi A5 3. 0l diesel quattro experienced total loss of power. Luckily had just come to a halt. Engine will not restart. Turns out the failure of main the main diesel pump destroyed entire fuel line system! Audi quoted 13,000k replacement cost to change all 3 pumps, all 6 injectors and clean fuel tank! I am shocked. Audi dealer said quite a few cases have occurred with the exact same problem! very disappointed that nothing has been done about this known issue.
After letting my car sit for 8+ hours, every time I start my car and put it into either drive or reverse, it pulls hard as if I'm pressing on the accelerator, when I'm not. In order to not let it accelerate, I have to press down on the brake quite hard. This finally goes away after driving it for a few miles.