Audi A5 cabriolet 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 cabriolet model years
Common Audi A5 cabriolet problems
The Audi A5 Cabriolet, produced between 2009 and 2017, has been known to have some common problems based on complaints from its owners. These issues include electrical problems, concerns over the quality of parts inside the car, and problems with the infotainment system.
Electrical problems are a rare occurrence in the Audi A5 Cabriolet, but one case has been reported. The issue involves the car's electrics, which may require attention.
Some owners have expressed concerns over the quality of parts inside the Audi A5 Cabriolet. Despite the car's solid reliability and good build quality, some owners have reported issues with the quality of interior parts. Audi's three-year/60,000-mile warranty only partially addresses these concerns, as extending it is expensive and only covers up to 90,000 miles.
Problems with the infotainment system are a more widespread issue in the A5 Cabriolet. The car's infotainment system has been known to cause problems, with phones not connecting properly and flickering screens being the main complaints. Despite the A5's reputation for having a great interior, there have been some issues with rattling parcel shelves and buzzing from interior trims.
In our latest What Car? Reliability Survey, the A5 placed fifth out of eight cars in the coupés, convertibles and sports car class – a decent result. Audi as a brand came 18th out of 30 manufacturers featured.
When purchasing a used Audi A5 Cabriolet, it is important to check for any damage to the front and rear of the car, as well as any kerb damage to the alloy wheels. It is also recommended to ensure that all electrical equipment, especially the roof, is functioning properly.
In summary, while the Audi A5 Cabriolet has shown solid reliability and good build quality, some owners have reported issues with the car's electrics, the quality of interior parts, and the infotainment system. When purchasing a used A5 Cabriolet, it is important to thoroughly inspect the car and ensure that all electrical equipment is functioning properly.
What are the main problems with the Audi A5?
The number of reported faults on the A5 Sportback is relatively low, although problems with the car's infotainment system are a cause for concern, with phones not connecting properly and flickering screens being the main complaints. The latest software from Audi can cure some of these ills.
Is the Audi A5 convertible reliable?
Is the Audi A5 Cabriolet a good car? Absolutely. It's based on the excellent Audi A4 and adds a stylish exterior and roof-down motoring into the mix. It's not as fun to drive as the BMW 4 Series Convertible, but for many buyers that won't really matter.
What year of Audi A5 is most reliable?
As per CarComplaints, the 2014 A5 has only received 29 complaints, and three recalls – making it the most reliable Audi A5 year. On the other hand, Consumer Reports also scored this luxury compact car with a perfect 5.0 out of 5.0 in reliability and 4.0 out of 5.0 in owner satisfaction.
Is an Audi A5 expensive to maintain?
Audi A5 Maintenance Costs
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.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Audi A5 cabriolet years
We have researched Audi problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Audi A5 cabriolet cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Audi A5 cabriolet model years:
- Audi A5 cabriolet 2010
- Audi A5 cabriolet 2011
- Audi A5 cabriolet 2012
- Audi A5 cabriolet 2013
- Audi A5 cabriolet 2014
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Audi A5 cabriolet model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Audi A5 cabriolet years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Audi A5 cabriolet car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Audi A5 cabriolet , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Power train problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Audi A5 cabriolet vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by A5 cabriolet model years
A total of 1 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 injuries by A5 cabriolet model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 102 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Audi A5 cabriolet . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Audi A5 cabriolet vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Audi A5 cabriolet 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-11
- VIN: WAUVFAFR1BA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Unknown
Audi A5 cabriolet 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2022-07-12
- VIN: Waulfafr0ba
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Earlier models were recalled for defective air bag modules. My 2011 A5 was not recalled but the air bag module failed in exactly the same way as earlier models. The modules were not upgraded and perhaps the newer models should be included in recall. I have an invoice for $1443.45 from the dealer. Thanks.
Audi A5 cabriolet 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-12
- Date Complaint: 2022-04-27
- VIN: WAULFAFH2BN
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: There was a fuel odor permeating in the vehicle, and the further I drove, the more intense was the gasoline smell. I pulled into a strip mall and turned off the engine for fear of a fire or explosion. I immediately called and requested the car be towed to my mechanic. My mechanic diagnosed the problem the next day as a cracked fuel pump housing. There were no warning lights at all. Given the location of the fuel pump, how does this dangerous incident happen?
Audi A5 cabriolet 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-31
- Date Complaint: 2022-04-17
- VIN: Waulfafr0ba
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Audi has recalled a5 until 2009 for defective air bag modules, ie power supply. My 2011 has the same problem but not covered by recall. Why not? Very dangerous condition. Thank you.
Audi A5 cabriolet 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-26
- Date Complaint: 2021-11-26
- VIN: WAULFAFR3BA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Driving down the road, my sunroof "exploded" today. Only damage was to the sunroof itself but very scary. Felt like an explosion, fortunately did no have any accident associated with this. Less likely anything dropped from above. Weather was good today.
Audi A5 cabriolet 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-02
- Date Complaint: 2021-08-17
- VIN: WAULFAFR8AA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2010 Audi A5. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the catalytic converter, but a diagnostic test was not performed. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that her son inspected the vehicle and discovered that all the fluids were low. The fluids were topped off to the proper level. The warning light disappeared; however, the check engine warning light was illuminated a month later. The contact stated that her son completed a diagnostic test and retrieved a fault code for a defective catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,960.
Audi A5 cabriolet 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-19
- Date Complaint: 2020-09-30
- VIN: WAULFAFH7AN
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I BOUGHT THE CAR USED AND WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH OF PURCHASE AND TO START PUTTING AN ADDITIONAL 1QT OF OIL ON EVERY 1000 MILES...NOW FEW MINTS LATER I HAVE TO DO THAT MORE OFTEN ON EVERY 500MILES... AND RECENTLY I HAD TO ADD COOLING AND NOW THIS HAS BEEN AN NEW ISSUE... MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE FOR MY CAR AND HE IS SURPRISED AUDI HASN'T DONE A RECALL ON IT. MY CAR IS UNDER 90K AND MAY REQUIRE AN ENGINE CHANGE FOR OVER $3-4K. THAT'S NOT RIGHT!
Audi A5 cabriolet 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2020-09-18
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WAULFAFR0BA
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A SECOND VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH, THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. NO POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE OCCUPANT IN THE SECOND VEHICLE SUSTAINED AN INJURED BACK. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER (STEVENS CREEK AUDI LOCATED AT 4343 STEVENS CREEK BOULEVARDSANTA CLARA, CA 95051) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Audi A5 cabriolet 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-05
- Date Complaint: 2019-12-19
- VIN: WAULFAFR5AA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: CAR RUNS OUT OF ENGINE OIL WITHIN 2 TO 3 WEEKS OF OIL CHANGE, I HAVE CHANGED THE OIL THREE TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF 2.5 MONTHS.
Audi A5 cabriolet 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-25
- Date Complaint: 2019-11-25
- VIN: WAULFAFR1AA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN THERE IS SIGNIFICANT MOISTURE IN THE AIR THE TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. AN INTENDED RIGHT TURN SIGNAL WILL CAUSE THE LEFT SIGNAL TO FIRE INSTEAD, BUT IT WILL ALSO ERRATICALLY FIRE THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL. THE ISSUE TENDS TO REDUCE IN FREQUENCY THE LONGER THE CAR IS RUNNING. I READ ON AN AUDI OWNERS FORUM THAT THE BLINKER SWITCH IS AFFECTED BY HIGH MOISTURE AND CAUSES THIS ISSUE IN 2008-2010 MODELS.
Audi A5 cabriolet 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-07
- Date Complaint: 2019-10-11
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED COMPLETELY FROM THE SIDEWALLS, ON BOTH SIDES. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF ANY ISSUES, LOW PRESSURE, PULLING ETC. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, CAR DRIVING NORMAL. I STARTED TO HEAR A PULSATING VIBRATION SOUND LIKE A WHEEL BEARING. I LET OFF THE GAS TO SLOW DOWN A BIT AND LISTEN, THEN THERE WAS SOME LOUD NOISES, I PULLED OVER TO FIND THE TREAD HAD SEPARATED COMPLETELY ALL THE WAY AROUND.
Audi A5 cabriolet 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-15
- Date Complaint: 2019-06-24
- VIN: WAULFAFH2AN
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE MY CAR STALLED NEARLY COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I WAS SMELLING GASOLINE SO I HAD TO BRING IT TO THE NEAREST MECHANIC AND THERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FUEL INJECTOR LEAKING WITH MULTIPLE CYLINDER MISFIRE DETECTED. AS THERE IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY UNDER AUDI FOR FAULTY FUEL INJECTORS, I TOOK THE CAR TO AUDI TO HAVE THE MANUFACTURER DEFECTED FUEL INJECTOR REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THE ORIGINAL MECHANIC CLEARED THE CODE FROM MY CAR'S SYSTEM WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE LIGHT TO TURN OFF. BECAUSE THE FAULT CODE WAS CLEARED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, AUDI IS REFUSING TO FIX THE FAULTY FUEL INJECTOR UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH I HAVE DOCUMENTATION WITH THE FAULT CODES THAT SHOWS THE FUEL INJECTOR WAS LEAKING AND THE REASON MY CAR STALLED. THE AUDI SERVICE SPECIALIST TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO KEEP DRIVING MY CAR UNTIL THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. I KNOW THAT AUDI CURRENTLY HAS A RECALL ON SOME AUDI MODELS DUE TO A FAULTY FUEL INJECTOR CAUSING FIRE RISKS, AND I KNOW THAT DRIVING WITH A FAULTY FUEL INJECTOR WILL LEAD TO MAJOR ISSUES. OBVIOUSLY I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR KNOWING THAT THE LEAKING FUEL INJECTOR COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN MY CAR AND WILL CAUSE ME TO ONCE AGAIN BREAKDOWN. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION, HOWEVER, IT INCLUDES MY VIN AND THE NOTE ON THIS WEBSITE SAYS NOT TO INCLUDE ANY PERSONAL INFO INCLUDING THE VIN.
Audi A5 cabriolet 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-21
- Date Complaint: 2019-03-26
- VIN: WAULFAFRXAA
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: IN THE BEGINNING OF THE WEEK I NOTICED SOME UNUSUAL BEHAVIOR WITH MY CAR, WHENEVER I SLOWED DOWN TO MAKE A TURN OR TO PULL UP IN A GARAGE I FELT THE CAR LOOSING POWER AS IF IT WAS ABOUT TO GO OFF, I WILL THEN HAVE TO PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR TO GIVE IT POWER AND KEEP IT GOING WHICH WAS NOT THE SAFEST, KNOWING THAT I SHOULD BE DECELERATING IN SUCH INSTANCES. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT, AND THEN 3 DAYS LATER AFTER PARKING IN A SCHOOL PARKING LOT FOR ABOUT 12 MINUTES, I RETURNED TO MY CAR TO FIND IT NOT STARTING UP. IT WILL BEGIN TO CRANK BUT NEVER STARTED. I TRIED TO JUMP START IT WITH A POWER STARTUP BATTERY AND IT STILL WOULDN'T START. I HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND AFTER 2 DAYS OF DIAGNOSIS, I WAS TOLD IT WAS A TIMING CHAIN/TENSIONER FAULT WITHIN THE ENGINE. THIS WILL TAKE SOME DAYS TO REPAIR AND I HAVE TO FIND AN ALTERNATIVE VEHICLE FOR WORK. I WAS TOLD THIS FAILURE WAS COMMON FOR MY CAR MAKE/MODEL.
Audi A5 cabriolet 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-08
- Date Complaint: 2019-03-08
- VIN: WAULFAFH4CN
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL MY AUDI DEALER [AUDI OF HUNTINGTON NY] HAS BEEN TELLING ME FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE REPLACEMENT AIRBAG. I HAVE SPOKEN TO THEM AND IT IS ALWAYS "ON ORDER, WE WILL CALL YOU". THEN I RECEIVE A POST CARD FROM AUDI OF HUNTINGTON TO CALL FOR THE RECALL SERVICE....AND SAME STORY. AS I SAID, THIS IS THE PAST FEW YEARS. I CAN'T BELIEVE THERE IS NO REPLACEMENT PART. COULD YOU INQUIRE SO THAT I DO NOT WIND UP SERIOUSLY INJURED BECAUSE OF MY DEALER'S FAILURE AND NEGLECT. *JS
Audi A5 cabriolet 2010
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-13
- Date Complaint: 2019-02-17
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: INFERIOR PISTON RINGS BURNING OIL INSIDE THE ENGINE.
Latest 5 recalls Audi A5 cabriolet
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 11 recalls for different components of the Audi A5 cabriolet.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Audi A5 cabriolet 2013
- Report Received Date: 2018-04-11
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
- 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.
- Model: Audi A5 cabriolet 2014
- Report Received Date: 2018-04-11
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
- 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.
- Model: Audi A5 cabriolet 2015
- Report Received Date: 2018-04-11
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
- 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.
- Model: Audi A5 cabriolet 2017
- Report Received Date: 2018-04-11
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
- 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.
- Model: Audi A5 cabriolet 2010
- Report Received Date: 2018-01-30
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
Are you having problems with your Audi A5 cabriolet?
