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Known Faults Database

Audi A5 problems, reliability and years to avoid

If you are considering buying a used Audi A5, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 11 known faults for this model, 8 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.

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Is the Audi A5 reliable?

The Audi A5 has 11 known faults in our database, 8 of them rated high severity. The most serious are gearbox (premature clutch and dual mass flywheel (DMF) failure) and electrics (recall R/2017/334 for auxiliary heater element in air conditioning system). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.

That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.

Which Audi A5 years should you avoid?

No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.

Years and engines with a serious known fault

  • 2008 to 2014, All Manual Gearboxes: premature clutch and dual mass flywheel (DMF) failure
  • 2007 to 2017, All: recall R/2017/334 for auxiliary heater element in air conditioning system
  • 2007 to 2017, EA888 2.0 TFSI: recall issued for the additional coolant pump on EA888 2.0 TFSI engines
  • 2010 to 2017, 7-speed S-Tronic (DL501): mechatronic unit failure in the 7-speed S-Tronic (DL501) gearbox
  • 2008 to 2015, 1.8 TFSI / 2.0 TFSI (EA888 Gen 2): piston ring design flaw leading to extreme oil consumption
  • 2004 to 2012, All Front-Wheel-Drive Autos: multitronic CVT gearbox clutch pack wear and TCM failure causing juddering

Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.

Generation 1 of 111 known faults · 9 owner reports · 10 good notes

Audi A5 B8 / B8.5 (2007 to 2018) problems

Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

Piston ring design flaw leading to extreme oil consumption and eventual engine failure

Rough guide
£2500-4500

Typical symptoms

  • burning 1 litre of oil every 500-1000 miles
  • blue smoke from exhaust under acceleration
  • oil fouled spark plugs causing misfires

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.8 TFSI / 2.0 TFSI (EA888 Gen 2)
Typical mileage:
50000-90000 miles
17 more owner reports back this up
  • February 2018A 2009 or 2010 Audi A5 2.0 TFSI automatic consumed one litre of engine oil every 350 miles.
  • January 2017A 2011 Audi A5 2.0 TFSI quattro, with 33,000 miles, used 1.5 litres of oil over 1,500 miles after purchase.
  • August 2016A 2010 Audi A5 1.8T S-Tronic with 41,000 miles was reported to consume one litre of oil every 1,000 miles.
  • November 2015A 2010 Audi A5 2.0 TFSI quattro with 54,000 miles used excessive oil; after software updates, the engine was stripped and repaired.
  • October 2015A used Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Cabriolet had an oil consumption problem, with Audi agreeing to cover 90% of the repair costs.
  • August 2015A 2011 Audi A5 1.8 TFSI coupe with 55,000 miles was found to be consuming one litre of oil every 380 miles.
  • December 2014A 2009 Audi A5 1.8 FSI Multitronic experienced severe oil consumption within 100 miles of purchase.
  • October 2014A 2010 A5 2.0 TFSI with 65,000 miles suffered excessive oil consumption, needing new pistons and con rods at £4,200.
  • March 2014A 2011 A5 1.8 TSI cabrio with 19,000 miles began consuming one litre of oil every five weeks in December 2013.
  • February 2014A 2010 A5 2.0 TSI with 57,000 miles had an oil consumption problem, requiring new pistons and rings, with Audi covering parts.
  • February 2014A 2010 A5 EA888 2.0 TSI with 57,000 miles had an oil consumption problem, requiring new pistons and rings, with Audi covering parts.
  • January 2014A 2011 A5 cabrio 2.0 TSI with 24,000 miles was tested, showing oil consumption of 0.81 litres over 625 miles.
  • January 2014A 2009 A5 Sportback 2.0 TSI with 66,000 miles had severe oil consumption, dropping to one litre every 326 miles.
  • January 2014A 2011 A5 cabrio EA888 2.0 TSI with 24,000 miles was tested, showing oil consumption of 0.81 litres over 625 miles.
  • May 2013A 2008 A5 2.0 TFSI with 60,000 miles had worsening oil consumption, requiring new pistons and rings, with Audi contributing to the cost.
  • September 2012A June A5 2.0 TFSI experienced heavy oil consumption since new, a problem noted on chain cam 1.8 and 2.0 TFSI engines.
  • May 2011A 6-month-old, 4,000-mile A5 2.0 petrol was taken in for a modification due to excessive oil consumption.
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity📝 Editorial

Multitronic CVT gearbox clutch pack wear and TCM failure causing juddering and total loss of drive

Rough guide
£1500-3500

Typical symptoms

  • juddering or shaking when pulling away from a standstill
  • PRNDS display flashing on the dashboard
  • car refuses to shift out of park or neutral

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All Front-Wheel-Drive Autos
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
  • June 2011The Multitronic transmission of a 2007 2.7 V6 diesel A5 failed after four years of use.
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

Timing chain tensioner failure causing severe rattling; chains are located at the rear of the engine, requiring engine removal to fix. This is wear in the tensioner and chain drive itself, which is a high mileage failure, and is a separate job from the camshaft wear reported on the C7 A6 Allroad at much lower mileage

Rough guide
£2000-4000

Typical symptoms

  • loud metallic slapping/rattling from the back of the engine on cold start
  • rattle persisting for more than 3 seconds
  • engine management light

Affected vehicles

Engines:
3.0 V6 TDI (chain tensioner)
Typical mileage:
80000-140000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Engine/EmissionsMedium severity📝 Editorial

EGR valve failure and DPF blockage frequently occurring after the 'Dieselgate' emissions software update

Rough guide
£400-900

Typical symptoms

  • flashing glow plug light
  • engine management light
  • limp mode (loss of power)
  • excessive DPF regenerations

Affected vehicles

Engines:
2.0 TDI (EA189)
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
  • June 2016The EGR valve on a 2012 Audi A5 2.0 TDI required replacement at 44,000 miles.
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ElectricalHigh severity💬 4 owner reports, 2018

Recall R/2017/334 for auxiliary heater element in air conditioning system. The element may fail due to overheating in the connectors, leading to smoulder damage or potential fire. The fix involves fitting an optimised element and updating AC software.

Rough guide
£0 (free safety recall)

Typical symptoms

  • Smell of burning plastic
  • Overheating in the air conditioning area
  • Auxiliary heater malfunction

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All
Typical mileage:
Any miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 4 owner reports, 2017

Recall issued for the additional coolant pump on EA888 2.0 TFSI engines. Foreign particles in the coolant can block the pump, causing it to overheat. The fix involves a software update to deactivate the pump if a malfunction occurs, and replacement if it has already failed.

Rough guide
£0 (free safety recall)

Typical symptoms

  • Engine overheating
  • Coolant pump malfunction warning
  • Loss of coolant

Affected vehicles

Engines:
EA888 2.0 TFSI
Typical mileage:
Any miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →
Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 4 owner reports, 2016 to 2017

Mechatronic unit failure in the 7-speed S-Tronic (DL501) gearbox, leading to erratic shifting, lurching, and potential loss of drive. Oil leaks from the gearbox have also been reported.

Rough guide
£1500-3000

Typical symptoms

  • Car lurching forward against the brakes when stopping
  • Jerky or erratic gear changes, especially in traffic
  • Rumbling noise like marbles in a drum when revving the engine
  • Vibration in the passenger seat when idling

Affected vehicles

Engines:
7-speed S-Tronic (DL501)
Typical mileage:
40000-80000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
  • September 2018A 2011 Audi S5 with 50,000 miles experienced an unspecified problem with its DL501 S-Tronic transmission.
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 5 owner reports, 2014 to 2018

Premature clutch and dual mass flywheel (DMF) failure, with some S5 owners reporting multiple replacements. There were unsubstantiated reports of a design flaw with a short release pin in early models (up to Feb/March 2008) causing premature wear.

Rough guide
£1500-2500

Typical symptoms

  • Clutch slipping under acceleration
  • Difficulty engaging gears
  • Juddering or vibration when pulling away
  • Loud knocking or rattling noises from the gearbox area (DMF failure)

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All Manual Gearboxes
Typical mileage:
40000-100000 miles
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OtherHigh severity💬 5 owner reports, 2016 to 2018

Water ingress into the cabin, particularly the rear passenger footwell and driver's footwell, due to issues with the soft-top roof seals and drainage capillaries. This can lead to damage to electrical components like the Bluetooth ECU located under the footwell.

Rough guide
£500-1500

Typical symptoms

  • Damp carpets or standing water in footwells (especially rear passenger)
  • Musty smell in the cabin
  • Malfunctioning MMI or Bluetooth system (e.g., "telephone not available")
  • Visible leaks from roof seals during rain or car wash

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All Cabriolet Models
Typical mileage:
30000-80000 miles
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ElectricalMedium severity💬 5 owner reports, 2014 to 2018

Repeated problems with the Multi Media Interface (MMI) system, including freezing, unresponsiveness, and issues with CD playback or Bluetooth phone connection. Satnav software has also been reported to give bizarre routes.

Rough guide
£500-1000

Typical symptoms

  • MMI console locking up or becoming unresponsive
  • CDs not playing or ejecting
  • Bluetooth phone connection issues (e.g., phonebook empty)
  • Satnav providing illogical or excessively long routes

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All Models with MMI System
Typical mileage:
Any miles
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BrakesMedium severity💬 2 owner reports, 2012

Persistent but intermittent faults reported with the electric handbrake, often proving difficult for dealers to fix.

Rough guide
£500-1000

Typical symptoms

  • Handbrake warning light on dashboard
  • Handbrake failing to engage or disengage
  • Intermittent operation of the handbrake

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All Models
Typical mileage:
Any miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

What owners report on the B8 / B8.5

9 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Electrics · March 2019A 2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet 2.0 TFSI Multitronic had a starting problem, possibly due to an internal ECU earthing issue.
  • Engine · May 2017A 3.0 V6 TFSI S5 suffered a major engine failure at 60,000 miles.
  • Bodywork · March 2017A technical service bulletin recommended installing shields in the load area of Audi A5 models to protect the sound system amplifier from water ingress.
  • Fuel system · January 2017An Audi A5 2.0 TDI experienced a 10% increase in fuel consumption after the NOx emissions software update.
  • Suspension and steering · April 2015A 2011 Audi A5 Sportback, four years old with 36,500 miles, needed a new set of four dampers.
  • Suspension and steering · March 2014A technical service bulletin to upgrade the EPAS software on an S5 resulted in the steering becoming excessively light and lacking feel.
  • Electrics · November 2012If a single LED fails in the front daytime running light unit, the entire headlight unit needs replacement at a cost of £400.
  • Electrics · June 2012Replacing a main headlight bulb on an Audi A5, including fitting and VAT, cost £208.42.
  • Bodywork · October 2011The soft-top hood of an A5 Cabriolet started showing signs of wear and abrasion diagonally above the rear window corners.

What owners like about the B8 / B8.5

10 notes
  • May 2019A 2.0 TFSI S-Tronic 'Mild Hybrid' coupe achieved excellent fuel efficiency, recording 49.6mpg when calculated brim to brim.
  • The car is impressively constructed, featuring solid build quality and high-grade materials throughout its interior.
  • The boot offers a generous 455 litres of space, expanding to 829 litres when the rear seats are folded down.
  • The car provides secure handling characteristics, which are particularly notable in quattro models.
  • The Audi A5 Cabriolet is praised for its attractive exterior design and aesthetic appeal.
  • The A5 Cabriolet is larger and more luxurious compared to the previous A4 cabriolet model.
  • The Audi A5 Sportback is highly regarded for its attractive and stylish exterior design.
  • The car offers low emissions and reasonable fuel economy, despite its strong performance capabilities.
  • The vehicle provides a comfortable, quiet, and refined driving experience for occupants.
  • The interior boasts excellent quality and surprisingly practical features for daily use.

Sellers rarely admit these faults outright

We track 33 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Audi A5 advert and we check it in seconds.

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Audi A5 recalls

Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 19 DVSA recalls for the A5, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.

🏛️ August 2025Cars built July 2009 to July 2011

Stop-drive TAKATA PSAN

Urgent Safety Warning - Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Affected vehicles were originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Certain front airbags contain an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.

Put right by: Affected airbags will be be replaced. You can contact Audi's dedicated Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM.

DVSA R/2025/38717 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2025Cars built November 2024 to January 2025

Replacing rear seat backrest

The rear seat backrest may not comply with crash safety requirements due to an inadequate weld joint. This means that there is an increased risk of rear seat passengers being injured in the event of a frontal collision if heavy loads are being transported in the luggage compartment. Until the repair has been performed we request that you do not transport any heavy loads in the luggage compartment.

Put right by: For safety reasons it is necessary to replace the right rear seat backrest.

DVSA R/2025/1109 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2023Cars built July 2009 to November 2011

Replacing TAKATA passenger airbag gas generator

If a front airbag is deployed it is possible that the gas generator housing in which the propellant is generated may burst on vehicles manufactured within a limited period.

Put right by: As a precautionary safety measure it is necessary to replace the airbag unit on the driver side.

DVSA R/2023/0529,930 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2022Cars built November 2019 to February 2021

Following a previous campaign the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without this being noticed

Following a previous campaign the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without this being noticed.

Put right by: The wheel alignment must be checked and if necessary the suspension must be serviced on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2022/0365,327 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2021Cars built November 2019 to February 2021

Rear axle suspension links nuts do not meet specifications

One or more nuts which do not meet the specifications may have been fitted on the rear axle suspension links.

Put right by: The affected nuts on the rear axle will be replaced on affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2021/23610,089 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2021Cars built December 2015 to December 2018

Vehicles may have been fitted with a hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty

Vehicles may have been fitted with a hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.

Put right by: The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and where necessary replaced on the vehicles affected.

DVSA R/2021/204263 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2020Cars built July 2020 to July 2020

Seat frame may not be bolted correctly to the rail on the driver and passenger sides

The seat frame may not have been bolted correctly to the seat rail on the driver and/or front passenger side

Put right by: Check the affected seat frame connection and replace the frame if required.

DVSA R/2020/3028 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2020Cars built June 2017 to March 2020

Moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator

It is possible that moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator.

Put right by: The starter-alternator must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2020/13834,982 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2019Cars built December 2015 to December 2018

The locking mechanism in the hinged towing bracket could be faulty

Hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.

Put right by: The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and replaced if required.

DVSA R/2019/175135 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2019Cars built February 2019 to March 2019

An error in the casting process may affect the rigidity of the shock absorber fork

An error in the casting process may affect the rigidity of the shock absorber fork.

Put right by: The corresponding shock absorber forks must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2019/14985 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2019Cars built February 2014 to September 2016

Fuel may escape from one or both fuel rails

It is possible that fuel may escape from one or both fuel rails (low-pressure side).

Put right by: The fuel rails for the low-pressure side of both cylinder banks must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2019/0992,763 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2018Cars built February 2017 to July 2017

Passenger airbag module bolts securing to the dash panel may be insufficiently tightened

Air bag securing bolts may not be to the correct torque.

Put right by: Check and replace bolts as required.

DVSA R/2018/3658 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2018Cars built May 2011 to May 2017

Risk of overheating and failure of additional coolant pump

On affected vehicles moisture may enter the electronic components and cause overheating and failure of the additional coolant pump. localised smoulder damage cannot be ruled out and in individual cases may cause vehicle to catch fire.

Put right by: The additional coolant pump must be replaced and in addition a software update of the engine control unit must be carried out

DVSA R/2018/152137 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2018Cars built April 2011 to July 2015

Auxilliary heater element in air conditioning may fail and/or overheat

The auxiliary heater element in the air conditioner may fail as the result of overheating in the area of the connectors. This can lead to smoulder damage or potentially a fire.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and change the auxiliary heater element for one with optimised electrical connectors.

DVSA R/2018/051228,574 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2018Cars built April 2011 to July 2015

Auxilliary heater element in air conditioning may fail and/or overheat

The auxilliary heater element in the air conditioner may fail as a result of overheating in the area of the connectors in conjunction with smoulder damage or potential fire.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and fit an auxilliary heater element with opimised electrical connectors. The activation of the electric auxilliary heater must be adjusted by updating the software for the air conditioning control console.

DVSA R/2017/33467,398 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2017Cars built May 2011 to October 2016

Coolant pump may overheat

Foreign particles in the engine coolant can lead to a blockage in the additional coolant pump and cause the pump to overheat.Foreign particles in the coolant can lead to a blockage in the additional coolant pump and cause the pump to overheat.

Put right by: Recall the machines that are likely to be affected and update the software which will deactivate the additional coolant pump in the event of malfunction. If there has been a malfunction of the additional water pump it will be replaced.

DVSA R/2017/1152,844 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2017Cars built May 2016 to October 2016

Airbag/belt tensioners may not trigger in event of an accident

Due to an error in the manufacturing process the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision

Put right by: On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly and seta belt pretensioner where necessary.

DVSA R/2017/0782,622 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2015Cars built April 2011 to April 2012

Fuel may leak

Fuel may leak from the injector rails. Drivers may notice a smell of fuel and or evidence of a leak

Put right by: On affected vehicles replace injector rails and seals.

DVSA R/2015/0311,073 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2014Cars built January 2012 to August 2014

Reduction in braking performance

On affected vehicles engine oil may in isolated instances enter the brake servo via the vacuum feed lie.This may cause the brake servo diaphragm to rupture and loss of brake servo assistance.

Put right by: Replace vacuum line on affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2014/0985,755 vehicles affected in the UK

Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.

Audi A5 cambelt or timing chain, and service intervals

An overdue cambelt is the most expensive thing a seller can fail to mention on a used A5. These are the figures UK specialists work to.

Timing belt (cambelt)Belt
2.0 TDI, EA189, EA288
60,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first

Applies to the EA189/EA288 common-rail 2.0 TDI. VW Group UK dropped the time-based interval in 2023 in favour of mileage-only limits, but independent specialists advise replacing belt and water pump every 5 years or 60,000 miles. The earlier pumpe-duse 2.0 TDI (BLB/BRE/BNA) is a different engine with its own longer interval, listed separately.

DSG Oil and Filter
DQ250, 6-SPEED
40,000 miles or 4 years, whichever comes first

The 6-speed wet-clutch DSG/S-tronic takes a fluid and filter change every 40,000 miles. Some specialists recommend 30,000 miles for tuned or heavily used vehicles. (The underlying VW figure is 60,000 km, which UK garages round to 40,000 miles.)

Timing chainChain
2.0 TSI, 2.0 TFSI, EA888
No fixed replacement interval

EA888 timing chain tensioners fail, giving a cold-start rattle on 2008-2013 cars that escalates to the chain skipping teeth and a full engine rebuild on this interference engine. No official replacement interval; specialists commonly replace before 80,000 miles, and a chain job runs from around GBP 1,500.

Multitronic CVT oil and filter
01J, 0AW
40,000 miles

Audi marketed the multitronic as sealed for life, but the service book specifies an ATF and filter change every 40,000 miles. The job needs the sump off to reach the internal strainer. Neglected units fail expensively through clutch and chain wear, with failures reported anywhere from 30,000 to 120,000 miles and rebuilds often exceeding the car's value; regularly serviced boxes have passed 150,000 miles.

S-tronic gearbox oil and filter
DL501, 0B5, 7-SPEED LONGITUDINAL
40,000 miles

Audi's own maintenance schedule for the 7-speed longitudinal S-tronic: first oil change at 35,000 miles, then every 40,000 miles. The box has two separate oil circuits, clutch/hydraulic ATF plus gear oil, and specialists note the gear-oil side is often skipped. Missed changes are a classic cause of mechatronic faults and harsh shifting.

Automatic gearbox oil
8HP, ZF 8-SPEED, 8HP55, 8HP65
60,000 miles or 8 years, whichever comes first

Audi treats the ZF 8HP tiptronic as filled for life, but ZF, the gearbox maker, publishes official oil-change kits and a change procedure for the Audi 8HP55A/8HP65A/8HP90A/8HP95A units, which contradicts any sealed-for-life reading. UK specialists put the interval at 50,000-60,000 miles or 8 years, sooner for towing, tuned or hard-driven cars.

Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.

Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: September 2026

Audi A5 buying questions

What are the most common Audi A5 problems?

Three stand out. Gearbox: premature clutch and dual mass flywheel (DMF) failure (typically 40000 to 100000 miles). Electrics: recall R/2017/334 for auxiliary heater element in air conditioning system. Engine: recall issued for the additional coolant pump on EA888 2.0 TFSI engines. The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.

Which Audi A5 years should I avoid?

No Audi A5 year is a write-off, but the B8 / B8.5 (2007 to 2018) carries the most serious faults: gearbox, electrics, engine and bodywork and trim. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.

What should I check when viewing a used Audi A5?

Ask the seller about the gearbox, electrics and engine faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for clutch slipping under acceleration, smell of burning plastic and engine overheating. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 11 known faults before you travel. Check a Audi A5 advert →

Are there any recalls on the Audi A5?

The DVSA lists 19 safety recalls for the Audi A5 issued between 2014 and 2025. The most recent, from August 2025, is "Stop-drive TAKATA PSAN". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.

What is the real MPG of an Audi A5?

Owners report 37.1 mpg on average across the Audi A5 engines with data, about 77% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 1,416 owner submissions. Audi A5 Real MPG by engine →

Looking at an Audi A5 right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.

Where this Audi A5 fault data comes from

If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Audi A5 owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.

CarAdCheck is not affiliated with Honest John or Volkswagen Financial Services. What happened to Honest John, and where each feature lives now.

Before you go and see it

Knowing what a Audi A5 goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.

How to haggle for a used car: negotiate the price with what its records show13 min readHPI check vs carVertical: which is better, and our pick for a UK car9 min readMOT advisories explained: how to check them, and which ones should worry you12 min read
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