2016 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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Common 2016 Audi A5 problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2016 Audi A5, several common problems have been reported:
- Interior Trim Problems: Complaints have been raised about buzzing from interior trims and rattling parcel shelves within the Audi A5. While the car is known for its great interior quality, these issues have been reported by some owners.
- Electronic Malfunctions: Minor electronic issues, particularly related to the infotainment system and other dashboard electronics, have been reported by some Audi A5 owners. These issues can impact the overall user experience of the vehicle.
- Water Damage: Some owners have faced water damage issues in the 2016 Audi A5, leading to problems with the car starting. Water damage to the ECM and fuses under the dash has been reported, causing issues like a "Parking Brake Malfunction" warning and difficulties starting the car .
- Airbag and Seatbelt Recalls: Two recalls have been issued related to airbags in the Audi A5. One recall addresses a manufacturing error that could affect the functionality of airbags and seatbelt tensioners, while the other involves a loose passenger airbag in specific vehicles.
- Shock Absorber Fork Problems: Certain Audi A5 models manufactured within a specific timeframe have experienced issues with the shock absorber forks, which could lead to potential failures. Owners are advised to check with an Audi dealer to determine if their vehicle is affected and to have replacement forks fitted if necessary.
These reported problems highlight some of the key issues that owners of the 2016 Audi A5 have faced. It's essential for potential buyers to be aware of these common issues to make informed decisions when considering purchasing a used Audi A5 from this model year.
Is the 2016 Audi A5 reliable?
How Reliable Is the 2016 Audi A5? The 2016 Audi A5 has a reliability score of 3.5 out of five from J.D. Power, which is slightly above average for a used car.
What is the common problem with 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 an Audi A5 expensive 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.
What year 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 the 2016 Audi A5 reliable?
How Reliable Is the 2016 Audi A5? The 2016 Audi A5 has a reliability score of 3.5 out of five from J.D. Power, which is slightly above average for a used car.
What is the common problem with Audi A5?
Carbon build-up issues have been reported in Audi A5 vehicles. Excessive carbon build-up can result in engine misfires, leading to poor performance and decreased fuel efficiency. It's worth noting that this problem can impact all Audi A5 models.
Is an Audi A5 expensive 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.
Is an Audi A5 expensive to run?
That means despite relatively high sticker prices the A5 should be a relatively inexpensive car to run. That's driven by not just assured high residual values when you've finished with it and tax reduction chasing emissions and economy, but also the option of fixed price servicing packages.
2016 Audi A5 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi A5 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Audi A5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2016 Audi A5 complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Audi A5.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-30
- VIN: WAUD2AFR9GA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Car went into limp mode and check engine light came on.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-13
- 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.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-09
- VIN: WAUM2AFH5GN
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: The drive chain broke, causing permanent damage to the engine which requires a complete engine replacement. The car was 5 + years old with 38,000 miles on it and well maintained.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-29
- VIN: WAUM2AFR4GA
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A5. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS MAKING A THREE POINT TURN WITH THE SHIFTER IN THE REVERSE POSITION, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND MOVED APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 5 FEET WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT PROPERLY ACCELERATE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINED. AUDI OF EATONTOWN (95 NJ-36, EATONTOWN, NJ) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-01
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT DID NOT CONTACT A LOCAL DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
2016 Audi A5 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2016 Audi A5.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
- 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.
- 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, 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.
- Consequence: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
- 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.
Negative 2016 Audi A5 car reviews
Positive 2016 Audi A5 car reviews
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I had this car for four years before upgrading to an S5. Overall, it was a great car, but the microphone for the telephone was a bit of a letdown. While I could hear people perfectly fine, they had trouble hearing me due to excessive road noise. However, this issue has been resolved in the new model by relocating the microphone to the seatbelt.
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German engineering at its best. The Audi is a smooth handling car with great looks. The technology is first class and intuitive. It does take a little time to gain mastery. It was a good bargain as well. I highly recommend it.
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There isn't much space in the backseat, so it might be best to leave the kids at home.
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Great news! You haven't had any problems in five years!
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The 2015 model may experience some turbo lag, which can be frustrating at times. However, if you are experiencing excessive lag, it may be worth discussing with your dealer to see if there is a solution.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2016 Audi A5 problems:
2016 A5 Review, Common Issues, Buying Guide - AudiWorld Forums
Jul 25, 2020 ... Audi A5 / S5 / RS5 Coupe & Cabrio (B8) - 2016 A5 Review, Common Issues, Buying Guide - Recently had my hands on 2016 Audi A5.
10 of the most common problems with the Audi A5 - BreakerLink Blog
Jul 13, 2023 ... So what are the most common faults with the A5? · 1. Infotainment system issues · 2. Multitronic gearbox problems · 3. Airbags · 4. Timing chain ...
Is there any common issues with 2010 audi A5 2.0 T with 60k miles?
Jun 30, 2016 ... 2015 Brilliant Red R8 V8 6 spd manual. TTGTOVR4 said: 06-30-2016 11: ...
2016 Audi A5 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2016 Audi A5? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2012 Audi A5 Common Issues : r/whatcarshouldIbuy
Oct 10, 2020 ... 2012 Audi A5 Common Issues · the timing chain/guides, else it can blow the engine · the rear man gasket, of not, make sure you add a new PVC valve.
Other years of Audi A5
Are you having problems with your 2016 Audi A5?
Maynard Gaylord 2025-05-10
I rarely write car reviews because I believe that every driver has different preferences. However, I must say that my experience with the 2015 Audi A5 was disappointing. Although the car has a stylish exterior and good engine performance, the interior and controls design did not meet my expectations. I purchased the A5 Premium Plus with the Technology Package. On the positive side, the car has high-quality interior materials and an amazing premium sound. However, the controls are confusing and difficult to navigate, which can be dangerous if you have to look down to find a specific button. The multimedia system controls are located on the center console between the driver and passenger, which can be inconvenient. The voice recognition is poor, even after going through the 5-minute voice training program. The integration with Bluetooth devices is also poor, as I had to constantly turn off and on the Bluetooth on my iPhone for the car to pick it up. The navigation system maps are outdated, with streets that are over 3-years old not showing up on the map. Additionally, there is only one usable cup-holder in the front, which is not very practical. The car lacks touch-screen functionality, and everything is controlled through a joystick in the center console, which can be distracting. If you use Spotify, Pandora, or any other music service through Bluetooth, the system does not allow you to skip tracks with the steering-wheel-mounted controls. You have to use the center console. The steering-wheel controls are track-wheels instead of levers and buttons, which can be very sensitive to the touch. Lastly, the car has no USB ports. Only SD card slot? (Who uses an SD card slot for music anyway?) I got rid of my Audi A5 after just 9 months. It was too uncomfortable and awkward to control. I hope this review helps you.