17 Best & Worst Audi A5 Years (Stats & Examples)

Discover the highs and lows of the Audi A4’s storied history in our comprehensive guide.

We delve into the best and worst years of this iconic luxury sedan, helping you make an informed decision for your next automotive investment.

Let’s start!

Best Years for Audi A5

The Audi A5 is a luxury car that has been in production since 2007. Over the years, there have been some great and not-so-great model years for the A5.

Here are the best years for the Audi A5:

2018-2020

The 2018-2020 Audi A5 model years are considered the best years for the A5.

U.S. News rated it 9.3/10 for both critics’ rating and performance. The 2019 A5 also received an outstanding projected dependability rating of 3.5 out of 5 from J.D. Power.

The 2020 A5 has been praised for its smooth ride, powerful engine, and luxurious interior.

2012-2014

Another great set of years for the Audi A5 is 2012-2014.

TrueDelta reports average dependability for the 2012-2017 A5/S5 vehicles. The 2012 A5 received high marks for its refined ride, strong acceleration, and comfortable interior.

The 2013 A5 was praised for its fuel efficiency and smooth handling. The 2014 A5 was noted for its sleek design and advanced technology features.

Overall, the 2018-2020 and 2012-2014 Audi A5 model years are the best years to consider if you are in the market for a reliable and luxurious car.

Worst Years for Audi A5

While the Audi A5 is generally a reliable car, there have been a few model years that have had some issues.

Here are the worst and problematic years for the Audi A5:

2008-2011

The first-generation Audi A5 (2008-2011) had some reliability issues, particularly with the engine and transmission. The engine had problems with the timing chain tensioner, which could cause engine failure if not addressed.

The transmission had issues with the mechatronic unit, which could cause shifting problems and even transmission failure.

Additionally, some owners reported problems with the electronic parking brake.

According to CarComplaints.com, the 2008 Audi A5 has the most reported problems, with engine and transmission issues being the most common. The 2009 and 2010 models also had some reported problems, but not as many as the 2008 model.

2015-2017

The second-generation Audi A5 (2015-2017) had some issues with the engine and transmission as well. The engine had problems with the oil consumption, which could cause engine damage if not addressed.

The transmission had issues with the dual-clutch system, which could cause rough shifting and even transmission failure.

Additionally, some owners reported problems with the infotainment system.

According to CarComplaints.com, the 2015 Audi A5 has the most reported problems, with engine and transmission issues being the most common.

The 2016 and 2017 models also had some reported problems, but not as many as the 2015 model.

What Audi A5 models had the most recalls?

According to Cars.com, the Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) recalled certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and Q5 vehicles due to contact corrosion.

This recall affected a significant number of Audi A5 models and is one of the most notable recalls in recent years.

It is worth noting that the number of recalls for the Audi A5 varies by model year. For example, the 2019 Audi A5 only had one reported recall, while the 2013 Audi A5 had six reported recalls.

The table below shows the number of recalls for each Audi A5 model year:

It is important to note that recalls do not necessarily indicate a lack of reliability in a vehicle. Recalls are issued to address safety concerns or other issues that may affect the performance of the vehicle.

However, a high number of recalls for a particular model year may indicate that there were more issues with that model year than others.

What Are Some Typical Problems With the Audi A5 Models?

The Audi A5 is a luxury car that has gained popularity over the years due to its sleek design and impressive performance.

However, like any other car, the Audi A5 is not without its flaws.

Here are some common problems that owners of the Audi A5 have reported:

• Electrical glitches and failures are the single biggest problem.
• The car’s entertainment control system can malfunction, causing frustration for the driver.
• Excessive oil consumption is another issue that owners of the Audi A5 have reported.
• Timing belt failure can occur, which can result in costly repairs.
• Engine problems are also a common issue, with some owners reporting grinding noises on startup and heavy oil consumption.

While these problems are not exclusive to the Audi A5, they are issues that owners should be aware of and prepared to address if they arise.

Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help minimize the impact of these issues and keep the Audi A5 running smoothly.

It is worth noting that the severity and frequency of these problems can vary depending on the year and model of the Audi A5. Some years may be more prone to certain issues than others.

Therefore, it is important to do your research and consult with a trusted mechanic before purchasing an Audi A5.

Go Back to the overview of best and worst year per Audi model.

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ⓘ  The information in this article is based on data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall reports, consumer complaints submitted to the NHTSA, reliability ratings from J.D. Power, auto review and rating sites such as Edmunds, specialist forums, etc. We analyzed this data to provide insights into the best and worst years for these vehicle models.