RoadVitals

2015 Audi A5

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
8
Latest Aug 9, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Apr 11, 2018
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 8 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 Audi A5, most frequently naming the fuel system, driver assistance and engine categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 905 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Fuel system225.0%
  • Driver assistance112.5%
  • Engine112.5%
  • Body & structure112.5%
  • Exterior lighting112.5%
  • Other / unspecified112.5%
  • Visibility112.5%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
18V229000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

Apr 11, 2018
342,867 units potentially affected
The defect: 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. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
The risk: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 19N3/19N4View on NHTSA.gov
17V622000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Oct 5, 2017
216,913 units potentially affected
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.
The risk: The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 80C5 and 80C6.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 80C5/80C6View on NHTSA.gov
17V002000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

Jan 3, 2017
342,867 units potentially affected
The defect: 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. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
The risk: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.Manufacturer number 19M1View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

EngineFuel system
Filed Aug 9, 2025

After purchasing the vehicle on 8/2/25, I discovered it had outstanding safety recalls that were neither addressed nor disclosed by the dealership at the time of sale. I have since taken steps to fix these safety issues, but the dealer’s failure to inform me or resolve the recalls before the sale put me at unnecessary risk. I urge the NHTSA to review the dealership’s records from 8/2/25 to hold them accountable for selling a vehicle with unresolved safety defects that compromised my safety. It is not allowing me to add case card with report, only case card available as of today.

NHTSA ID
11679510
Incident
Aug 2, 2025
Driver assistance
Filed Feb 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Audi A5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was operating as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA ID
11508694
Incident
Feb 23, 2023
Mileage
25,000 mi
Filed Aug 10, 2021

The water pump system is leaking, and also the after water pump is malfunctioning. I was in danger when driving and the "turn off engine and check coolant levels" warning light message turned on. The engine was very hot and I was at risk of a fire. The issue has been confirmed by an auto repair shop for audis, that was close to me. They sent me a detailed diagnostic. I also have a recall letter for the water pump, that I got in the mail a few days ago, so I'm looking to be paid the cost of this repairs. Thank you

NHTSA ID
11428613
Incident
Aug 9, 2021
Fuel system
Filed Oct 1, 2020

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. IT LATER WENT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS. DEALER ADVISED THAT FUEL HOSE NEEDED REPLACEMENT AT COST OF $1,198. DEALER STATED THERE WAS A FLAW IN THE ORIGINAL HOSE AND THAT A REPLACEMENT KIT MUST BE INSTALLED. DEALER ADVISED THAT THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND I SHOULD NOT DRIVE MY CAR HOME. DEALER STATED THAT THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND THERE IS NO RECALL. I CALLED AUDI. THEY TOLD ME THE SAME THING AND SUGGESTED I CONTACT NHTSA. AUDI ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN IN 2017 ADVISING DEALERS OF THIS PROBLEM AND INSTRUCTING THEM ON HOW TO INSTALL THE REDESIGNED REPLACEMENT KIT. INSTRUCTIONS COVER SEVERAL AUDI MODELS BUT DO NOT SPECIFY MODEL YEARS. TO RECAP, THIS SEEMS TO ME TO BE THE VERY DEFINITION OF NEED FOR A RECALL: 1.DEALER ADMITS THERE WAS A FLAW IN THE ORIGINAL DESIGN. 2. AUDI HAS REDESIGNED THE SYSTEM AND ISSUED INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPLACEMENT. 3. DEALER STATES IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THE CAR WITHOUT REPLACEMENT KIT. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION.

NHTSA ID
11362227
Incident
Sep 4, 2020
Mileage
45,000 mi
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Aug 12, 2019

I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN ORLANDO, FL BACK IN APRIL AND DURING THE TEST DRIVE IT WAS DISCUSSED WITH THE SELLER NOISES IN REFERENCE TO THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF. I LIVE IN TAMPA, FL AND WAS INFORMED BY THE AUDI SOUTH/ORLANDO DEALERSHIP I COULD MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A DEALER LOCALLY TO FIX THE ISSUE. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT AND WAS INFORMED THE GLASS WAS REPLACED AND THE SUN SHADE, HOWEVER THE TRACKING FOR THE SUN SHADE WAS NOT. I HAVE CONTACTED GUEST RELATIONS AT THE CORPORATE OFFICE FOR AUTONATION WHO HAS INVOLVED THE GENERAL MANAGERS OF BOTH TAMPA AND ORLANDO, AND I HAVE MADE FOUR TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP AND STILL THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. I HAVE REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR MY INCONVENIENCE FOR UBER EXPENSES AND THIS WAS PROVIDED BY ORLANDO LOCATION. I RECEIVED RENTAL CAR SERVICES ONCE IN WHICH I WAS INFORMED I MUST PROVIDE MY PERSONAL INSURANCE CARD AND CREDIT CARD IN THE INVENT OF ANY ACCIDENTS BASED ON THE RENTAL IN WHICH I KINDLY OBLIGED WITH THE PROCESS. I HAVE BEEN MORE THAN PATIENT AND UNDERSTANDING, HOWEVER I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO ENJOY MY VEHICLE SINCE THE PURCHASE IN APRIL. MY LAST CONTACT WITH AUDI TAMPA I REQUESTED A VIDEO OF THE WORK PERFORMED TO VALIDATE IF ANYTHING HAS BEEN DONE AT ALL. THIS IS TRULY MY DREAM CAR AND THE EXPERIENCE HAS RESULTED IN PURE DISSATISFACTION. THE VEHICLE CAME WITH A ONE YEAR WARRANTY AND I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY NEW REPAIRS CANNOT BE COMPLETED. I CURRENTLY DO NOT HAVE THE DOCUMENTS BASED ON THE TIME OF THIS ENTRY, HOWEVER THIS CAN BE PROVIDED. *TR

NHTSA ID
11243247
Incident
Apr 20, 2019
Filed Jun 14, 2018

NHTSA RECALL # 18V229 - (AUDI RECALL 19N4) NO ACTION AVAILABLE AT THIS POINT NOR CLARIFICATION TO KEEP THE CAR OUTSIDE NOT IN GARAGE - IT'S A CONVERTIBLE, SO OUTSIDE STORAGE CAN DAMAGE TOP..

NHTSA ID
11101827
Incident
Jun 12, 2018
Mileage
25,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Oct 1, 2016

LOW PROFILE TIRES ON AUDI A5 CAB ARE NOT DESIGNED ROBUST ENOUGH TO HANDLE ROAD. IT HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE WITH EXCESSIVE TIRE AND WHEEL DAMAGE. I DO NOT RECOMMEND YOU PURCHASE THIS CAR. AUDI WILL BLAME THE ROADS AND THE DRIVER. THESE ARE NOT NORMAL INCIDENTS. FOUR FLAT TIRES AND THREE DAMAGED WHEELS IN LESS THAN 15 MONTHS. SAFETY BECOMES AN ISSUE WITH EXCESSIVE FAILURE. VIBRATION AND ROAD INSTABILITY WILL OCCUR AS THE EASILY DAMAGED WHEELS CANNOT HANDLE THE ROADS

NHTSA ID
10910938
Incident
Sep 12, 2016
Mileage
9,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Nov 24, 2015

I'D LIKE TO POINT OUT THAT REGULAR LIGHTS ON THIS (AND MANY OTHER LATEST GERMAN VEHICLES) ARE OVERLY BRIGHT, IN EXCESS OF THE REGULAR HIGH BEAMS, AND BLINDING TO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC

NHTSA ID
10806440
Incident
Nov 15, 2015
Mileage
1 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB_2082846_1

This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.

TSB_2073747_4

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides informatoinw hent here are scratches or a coating on the cover of the instrument cluster, or particles inside of the housing.

SM 01-2026

ENGINE

This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.

TSB_2073282_1

STRUCTURE:BODY

This bulletin provides information when there is a film/visible rings on the clear glass cover of the headlight when the dipped beam is switched on.

TSB_2074640_3

ENGINE

This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.

TSB_2074729_3

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of vehicle in dynamic mode.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Audi A5 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026000—
2025720—
2024800—
2023800—
2022620—
2021750—
2020604047.5
2019123046.2
2018366060.0
2017020—
2016730—
2015Viewing830—
2014283044.0
2013353057.8
2012220037.7
2011240032.6
2010340029.6
2009111031.0
2008510—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.