Audi A5 problems
The Audi A5 is a series of compact executive coupé cars produced by the German automobile manufacturer Audi since June 2007. The A5 range additionally comprises the coupe, cabriolet, and "Sportback" (a five-door liftback with a fastback roofline) version of the Audi A4 saloon and estate models.
Under Audi's internal platform numbering convention, the A5 is a member of the B-platform series of vehicles, sharing its platform designation with the A4 saloon and Avant. The first generation A5 (Type 8T) is therefore a member of the B8 family, whilst the second generation model (Type 8W6) is based on the B9. Both are derived from the Volkswagen MLB (Modular Longitudinal Matrix) architecture.
First generation (2007)
Initial release
When presented at the March 2007 Geneva Motor Show, the A5 marked Audi's return to the compact executive coupé market since the (B3/B4) Audi 80 based coupé model ended production in 1996. On May 10, 2006, Audi confirmed that the A5 would go into production. The B6/B7 A4 spawned a convertible variant but not a coupé. For the fourth-generation A4 (B8), Audi decided to spin off the cabriolet, along with a new coupé and 4-door fastback sedan, into a nameplate of its own as the A5.
The A5 was the first of the B8 family of vehicles to be released (the others being the A4 and the Q5 crossover SUV), all based on the Audi MLP platform (Modular Longitudinal Platform) which underpin the next generation A6 and A8.
The A5 is the third coupé in Audi's line up, following the second generation TT and the R8. The A5 adopted design elements of the Nuvolari quattro concept car. The A5 debuted with the 3.2 litre FSI V6 engine delivering 195 kW (265 PS; 261 hp).
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Audi A5 model years
Common Audi A5 problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Audi A5, several common problems have been reported. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Timing Chain and Cylinder Compression (2014 Model Year):
- Owners have reported issues with the timing chain and cylinder zero compression, costing an average of $6,000 to fix at approximately 69,000 miles.
- Engine Failure Due to Oil Consumption (2016 Model Year):
- Some Audi A5 owners have experienced engine failure due to oil consumption, requiring an average repair cost of $11,000 at about 42,000 miles.
- Infotainment System Problems:
- Complaints about the infotainment system include issues with phones not connecting properly and flickering screens, which can be resolved with the latest software updates from Audi.
- Rattling Parcel Shelves and Interior Trims Buzzing:
- Owners have reported problems with rattling parcel shelves and buzzing from interior trims, affecting the overall interior quality of the Audi A5.
- Airbag and Seatbelt Tensioner Recalls:
- Two recalls related to airbags have been issued, one due to a manufacturing error affecting airbags and seatbelt tensioners, and the other due to loose passenger airbags in specific models.
- Shock Absorber Fork Issues:
- Some Audi A5s manufactured within a specific period experienced problems with the shock absorber forks, which could fail due to a casting process issue, necessitating replacement forks to prevent future failures.
These common problems reported by Audi A5 owners highlight various issues ranging from engine-related concerns to interior and safety system issues. It's essential for Audi A5 owners to be aware of these issues to ensure timely maintenance and repairs to maintain the car's performance and safety standards.
Is the Audi A5 reliable?
Quality and Reliability 76.0/100
The 2024 Audi A5 has a predicted reliability score of 76 out of 100.
Is Audi A5 cheap to maintain?
An Audi A5 will cost about $8,687 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for luxury hatchback models by $2,668. There is also a 25.29% chance that an A5 will require a major repair during that time. This is 14.27% better than similar vehicles in this segment.
Is the Audi A5 a good car to buy?
Is the Audi A5 a good car? If you want a coupe that looks chic, classy and feels like a real cut above, the Audi A5 is a good place to start. You'll find it's slightly roomier than the likes of the Mercedes C-Class Coupe inside, but you'll have to pay extra if you want all its high-tech bells and whistles.
How long does Audi A5 engine last?
Audis can typically go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained. They're fairly reliable cars, and Consumer Reports ranks them within the top 10 new car brands when it comes to reliability.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Audi A5 years
We have researched Audi problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Audi A5 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Audi A5 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Audi A5 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Audi A5 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Audi A5 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Audi A5 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Steering problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Audi A5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by A5 model years
A total of 5 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by A5 model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by A5 model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by A5 model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 166 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Audi A5 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Audi A5 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Audi A5 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-11
- VIN: WAULFAFH0EN
- Components: SEATS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Audi A5. The contact stated that a burn spot was discovered on the seat section of the front driver's seat. The contact indicated that days later the burn mark had developed into a tennis ball sized burn hole in the seat cushion. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000.
Audi A5 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-05
- VIN: WAUD2AFR9GA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Car went into limp mode and check engine light came on.
Audi A5 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-19
- VIN: WAU2NGF50LN
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: See attached document for complaint
Audi A5 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-01
- VIN: WAUANCF55LA
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Audi A5. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, it was noticed that the driver's side window had failed to remain up as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective window regulator. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact related the failure with an unknown recall; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Audi A5 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-26
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WAUANCF50LA
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,WHEELS
- Summary: My brother lost control from the tires being worn unevenly wich caused him to lose traction. The airbags in the car on the passenger side where the steel pole made contact, failed to deploy. The seatbelt was defective because he was seatbelted and the belt broke.
Audi A5 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-06
- VIN: WAURFAFR1DA
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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)
Audi A5 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-08
- VIN: WAUYNGF50KN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Audi A5. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and shifting into reverse(R), the message "SOS System Deactivated" was displayed, and the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact shifted to park(P) and shifted back to reverse(R); however, the failure persisted. The contact stated upon restarting the vehicle and shifting to reverse(R), the rearview camera became operable, but the message "SOS System Deactivated" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that while his wife was at a complete stop two weeks later, the Audi pre-sense warning light illuminated, and an alarm sounded. The windows rolled up independently, and the front driver's side seat belt tightened around the waist of the contact's wife. The contact stated that the seat belt untightened, and his wife was able to drive to the residence. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Audi A5 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-03-19
- VIN: WAUM2AFR9GA
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Electromechanical steering rack has gone out. Had this completely failed while driving myself and others could be put in serious harm of a collision or crash. There are many online complaints and issues with the audi steering racks. No other warnings then it just went out at the same time it tells you stop driving.
Audi A5 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-02-10
- VIN: WAUFACF54MA
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: There was no damage caused. The audi pre sense technology (automatic braking) has come close to causing several accidents by braking extremely hard when there has been no reason to brake.
Audi A5 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-09
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-20
- VIN: WAUANCF53LA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Audi issued a service bulletin 90T2 in regards to the telematics control module failure. With this failure the Bluetooth feature in this car no longer works. Most if not all states have adopted laws in regards to hands free devices. This is a know issue with Audi and this has lapeciric year car however there is no recourse in getting it repaired except to pay out of pocket. The is a $2200 dollar repair and insane for a consumer to have to pay when the company knows this part is faulty.
Audi A5 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-11
- Date Complaint: 2023-09-16
- VIN: WAUANCF57LA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The blue tooth , gos, CarPlay and emergency sos not working. I looked online and there was a recall, but Audi is no longer honoring the recall to fix this issue.
Audi A5 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-29
- Date Complaint: 2023-08-08
- VIN: WAURFAFR0EA
- Components: ENGINE,STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Audi A5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder. The check engine and EPS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with piston #3. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who confirmed the failure with piston #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Audi A5 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-29
- Date Complaint: 2023-08-08
- VIN: WAURFAFR0EA
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Piston 3 imploded causing damage to the long block. Complete engine failure at 65K miles conformed by Audi dealership. You may view the car if you wish. The warning lights appeared the same day the car started malfunctioning. No advanced warning. There are several class action suits in the U.S. with the same issue of complete engine failure on low miles for several Audi models from 2012 - 2017. These cars are meant to run for 150k-200k miles, not completely fail at 65k miles. Cost to repair is $10k - $17k. I would like this to be reviewed for recall. My car is a 2014 Audi A5 2.0 Turbo VIN# WAURFAFR0EA054821
Audi A5 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-31
- Date Complaint: 2023-08-04
- VIN: WAULFAFH8DN
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Couple years ago my engine failed, it was recalled and company refused to pay for it. I payed for it and afterwards my radio modul failed, camera failed, the check engine light is on since I bought the car and recently my car stopped on the highway fast lane without warning. It was no shoulder and I stopped on the highway. I was lucky I didn’t get rear ended n killed
Audi A5 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-03
- Date Complaint: 2023-06-11
- VIN: WAUWAGF50MN
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My vehicle was repaired pursuant to rearview/backup camera recall (22V742000). Unfortunately, the issue has again arisen and the backup camera alternates between a white screen, a black screen and a frozen screen.
Latest 5 recalls Audi A5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 32 recalls for different components of the Audi A5.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Audi A5 2021
- Report Received Date: 2022-10-05
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
- Model: Audi A5 2020
- Report Received Date: 2022-01-26
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
- Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
- Model: Audi A5 2019
- Report Received Date: 2022-01-26
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
- Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
- Model: Audi A5 2021
- Report Received Date: 2022-01-26
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
- Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
- Model: Audi A5 2018
- Report Received Date: 2021-11-10
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
- Consequence: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 74E3. This recall is an expansion of Recall 19V-547 (74D9). Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-547 will need to return for the new remedy.
Latest negative Audi A5 car reviews
Latest positive Audi A5 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2013
The best convertible on the market! This car is very solid and so much fun to drive.
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Vehicle year: 2016
Great news! You haven't had any problems in five years!
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Vehicle year: 2010
I treated myself to this car as a birthday/midlife crisis gift after my 99 Olds Alero blew a head gasket. I am thoroughly enjoying it. Unlike the Alero, driving this car is a pleasure. At 6'2
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Vehicle year: 2020
Purchase 3 weeks ago and so far it’s been great. Got a phenomenal deal on the car and loving it so far!
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Vehicle year: 2015
Great news! You haven't had any problems in five years!
Are you having problems with your Audi A5?
Bernie Abbott 2024-11-14
Vehicle year: 2013
I regret my purchase of the Audi due to poor design, quality, and driving experience. The car's only redeeming quality is its stylish appearance. The turbo lag and engagement make driving in stop-and-go traffic miserable, and the brakes lack the confidence of a BMW. The interior feels cheap and is overloaded with plastic. The iPod cable is inconveniently located in the passenger glove box and the sound system's bass rattles every plastic piece. Wind noise is high on the freeway and the seats are uncomfortable. As someone who has owned BMW, Lexus, Jaguar, and Cadillac, I can confidently say that this will be my last Audi. After 8 months of ownership, I was fortunate enough to trade it in for a Cadillac Escalade, which I am much happier with. Although the Audi has a sharp exterior, it is an overall awful car.
Gideon Lesch 2024-11-07
Vehicle year: 2018
This car is a blast to drive in the summer! The acceleration is phenomenal and the ride is incredibly comfortable. You might even find yourself going 100 without even realizing it! The aerodynamic styling is also very sharp and eye-catching. On the downside, the cup holders in front are in a bit of a bad location as they block some of the controls. Additionally, the glove box has lost some space from previous years and can no longer fit the owner's manual. The small storage box to the left of the steering wheel is also too small for the manual. Lastly, the pockets on the door can be a bit awkward to get items in and out of. Overall, though, this car is a joy to drive in the summer (I have yet to own it during a winter season).
Jessie Hettinger 2024-10-17
Vehicle year: 2011
The car has unfortunately been in the shop a dozen times over the past 12 months, including this most recent visit which lasted 10 days. Despite these setbacks, the car is a beauty with a great design and a full trunk. While it drives well, there have been some issues with the shifting at slow speeds which can be a safety concern. Although Audi claims there is no issue, the Bluetooth and iPod hook up can be unreliable. While I appreciate the car, I have decided not to purchase another Audi due to the build quality and my negative experience with Audi corporate. However, I must say that my service advisor is a good guy and we always share a laugh whenever I call.
Boris Collier 2024-10-13
Vehicle year: 2014
I regret my purchase of the Audi due to poor design, quality, and driving experience. The car's only redeeming quality is its stylish appearance. The turbo lag and engagement make driving in stop-and-go traffic miserable, and the brakes lack the confidence of a BMW. The interior feels cheap and is overloaded with plastic. The iPod cable is inconveniently located in the passenger glove box and the sound system's bass rattles every plastic piece. Wind noise is high on the freeway and the seats are uncomfortable. As someone who has owned BMW, Lexus, Jaguar, and Cadillac, I can confidently say that this will be my last Audi. After 8 months of ownership, I was fortunate enough to trade it in for a Cadillac Escalade, which I am much happier with. Although the Audi has a sharp exterior, it is an overall awful car.
Keegan White 2024-09-25
Vehicle year: 2009
The roof mechanism requires improvement, especially considering the price point of the Audi. The limited tilting capability is disappointing. Additionally, the dashboard design is clumsy and not user-friendly. Adjusting anything on the dashboard can be difficult and may result in damage to the vehicle. However, these issues do not detract from the overall quality of the car.