MotorDeets

Audi S5 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every S5 from 2008 to 2026: 142 owner complaints and 22 recalls across 17 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2018 (26), 2020 (25), 2010 (20). Best fuel economy: 24 mpg combined (2024).

Audi S5
Photo: Matti Blume · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Transmission & drivetrain27
Other / unknown27
Electrical26
Airbags25
Engine24
Forward collision avoidance14
Backup camera12
Lane departure9

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
20080319
201002019
20111819
201211019
201301621
20140621
20150221
20160121
201822624
20194624
202042523
20215123
20222124
20231324
20240224
202521122
20260123

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Audi S5.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Audi S5?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2018 (26), 2020 (25), 2010 (20).

How many recalls has the Audi S5 had?

Across 2008–2026, NHTSA lists 22 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).