2020 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 2020 Audi A5 problems
The Audi A5, a luxury vehicle, has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. While not all Audi A5 models will experience these issues, it's essential to be aware of them when considering a purchase. Here are some of the most frequently reported problems:
- Multitronic gearbox problems: The earliest Audi A5 models, particularly those produced between 2007 and 2016, have had more reported instances of Multitronic gearbox problems. These include transmission failure, power loss or immobility, shuddering, jerking, and unusual noises during acceleration or cruising. Overheating is another problem, particularly during demanding driving conditions or towing heavy loads.
- Airbags: This issue can impact all Audi A5 models. The water pump is crucial in circulating coolant throughout the engine to maintain optimal temperature. When the water pump fails, circulation is disrupted, resulting in the engine overheating and the potential for severe damage to your vehicle.
- Carbon build-up: 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.
- Lack of Bluetooth and limited tech in lower trims: The Premium A5 trim lacks Bluetooth connectivity unless the Audi driving app is installed first. This makes it difficult to quickly connect and play music in the A5. Additionally, the Premium A5 trim is limited in terms of other tech features, such as blind-spot detection and driving aids, beyond crash avoidance.
- Backup camera quality: The backup camera's image is not of great quality and has the sort of fish-eye distortion that makes all parking spaces look perilously small. It was more a hindrance than a helper when parking.
While these problems have been reported by some Audi A5 owners, it's important to remember that not all vehicles will experience these issues. Additionally, Audi has made efforts to address and rectify many known issues through recalls, technical service bulletins, and updated parts.
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 Audi A5 a reliable car?
Quality and Reliability 72.0/100
The 2023 Audi A5 has a predicted reliability score of 72 out of 100.
Is Audi A5 high maintenance?
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.
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.
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 Audi A5 a reliable car?
Quality and Reliability 72.0/100
The 2023 Audi A5 has a predicted reliability score of 72 out of 100.
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.
2020 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:
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Equipment problems
- Visibility problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Audi A5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2020 Audi A5 complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Audi A5.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-12
- VIN: WAU2NGF50LN
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: See attached document for complaint
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-28
- 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.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-26
- 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-09
- 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-11
- 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-21
- VIN: WAUANCF56LA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 2020 Audi A5 sportback SOS module malfunctioned in May 2021 and was replaced. Recall for 90t2 SOS module initiated. In June 2022, the malfunctioned occurred again. There has since been no fixes or estimated time of delivery.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-21
- VIN: WAUCNCF54LA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Our 2020 Audi A5 experienced a module failure affecting SOS (Loud) audible alarm that sounds every 2-4 minutes when driving and also affects bluetooth connection for hands free phone. Told by Audi dealership there was a recall, then removed for this due to lack of available parts from Audi. This very loud alarm sounds every 2-4 minutes while driving and is variable so can easily scare driving/distract. Audi dealership said at least 5 other customers also have this present issue and have for months and they have no idea when Audi will send replacement modules. This is a driving hazard I would suspect impacting thousands of customers if 5 at one dealership is an indication. The first time this alarm sounded, my wife nearly drove off the road and then it is shockingly loud each subsequent time and still is startling.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-08
- VIN: WAUWNGF55LN
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Rear backup camera displays black screen when engaging into reverse gear. This happens 95% of the time. Begun Occurring after 10k dealer service. Probably related to recall on 2022 models with same infotainment system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-02
- VIN: WAUCNCF5XLA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Where I am currently living, speed is measured on the roads in km/h. My vehicle allows the speedometer digital display screen (Audi virtual cockpit) to be switched to display MPH or km/h. When working correctly, the speedometer should display the speed with digits and an analog simulation. The display works perfectly when in MPH, however when switching to km/h the analog simulation properly shows km/h, but the digital reading will switch to km/h for a split second but then immediately reverts back to MPH. This defect was confirmed by 2 Audi service technicians at my local Audi service center, but they said Audi doesn't have an update for this defect. I have tried to contact Audi customer service, but I am not getting any answers to my question. I think this is a safety issue because it can be confusing as I expect to see the speed in km/h in both digital and analog display, but it shows the digital in MPH. An image that clearly shows the problem is attached. As you can see the analog style reading is in km/h, but the digital reading is in MPH. I have tried to resolve this with Audi for 1 year. It is my opinion that my safety and others has been placed at risk because this problem often causes me to be confused about the speed I am traveling. For example, if I glance down and see 100 on the display in a 100 km/h zone, I think I am going the speed limit, but fact, I would actually be going 100 MPH or 160 km/h, which would obviously be dangerous. The vehicle has not been inspected by police, insurance, or any other vehicle inspection organization. The problem occurs consistently and can be inspected at any time. This problem was noticed shortly after taking delivery one year ago in September of 2020.
2020 Audi A5 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2020 Audi A5.
- 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
- Consequence: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2020-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The wiring harness for the rear lights could be missing the anti-abrasion protection in the area of the spare wheel well.
- Consequence: Without the scuff protection, the wires may become damaged during a rear crash, disabling the doors from being opened from the outside, causing a loss of hazard lights, and increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will apply scuff protection, free of charge. The recall began January 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EU.
Negative 2020 Audi A5 car reviews
Positive 2020 Audi A5 car reviews
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The car has covered 24,500 miles so far. The tires wore out a bit faster than expected, and I will need to replace all four of them soon, which will cost me at least $1000. However, the car's performance is excellent for a 4cyl, especially when accelerating off the line. The interior is immaculate, and the car is very quiet on decent roads. Although it's not ideal for carrying more than two people for long distances, the storage room is exceptional for a car of this size. The Quattro system gives me a lot of confidence on the road, and I love the car's look both inside and out. The base safety systems that come with this car are also very nice to have. There are a few minor frustrations, such as the gas tank being a bit too small for city driving, and the cup holders being poorly designed. However, the Apple CarPlay issues I had early on seem to have been fixed through iOS updates, and the virtual cockpit, large on-dash screen, and user-friendly MMI system make up for any minor inconveniences. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase.
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I'm quite frugal, so when my trusty 2000 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8 T finally gave up the ghost after 17 years, I decided it was time for an upgrade. I skipped the VW dealership and headed straight to Audi. While the S8 was lovely, it was a bit out of my price range. The A3, with its high roof, looked too much like my old Jetta and would make a nice Pope-mobile. Then I saw the A5. The four-door was nice, but I didn't need to haul my family around in this car - we have a Yukon XL for that. This one was just for me, to move up and down the George Washington Parkway in comfort. It had to be a Coupe. From a styling perspective, there's no contest between the coupe and the sportback. I suppose if you have three kids, you might be compelled to buy the sportback, which gives you an extra seat in the middle. But I have more than three kids, so I might as well have been buying a Ducati. I was a little apprehensive about the 2.0T, which powers quite a few smaller VWs in lesser forms, but this car flies: 0-60 in 5 seconds. Good enough for me, as I have no plans to take it to the drag strip. It's a great car. **Update after one year** I've had my A5 coupe for 14 months now and have had no issues. As I said above, the Audi replaced my 2000 Jetta 1.8T 5-speed manual, which I purchased new and basically traded for the scrap metal value, lol. I have driven manuals since age 16 and still prefer rowing through the gears. Living in northern VA and working inside the beltway, however, constantly pumping a clutch in traffic is not practical. The DSG transmission offers a good compromise but certainly takes some getting used to. In manual mode, it shifts faster than humanly possible due to one of two concentric clutches being engaged at all times. In normal mode, the automatic shifting is a little spongy, and in sport mode, it tends to be a little jerky when you let off the accelerator.I love driving this car! When I'm on the road, I usually start in sport mode and then switch to normal mode once I'm underway. If I'm feeling adventurous, I'll use manual mode for a hole-shot on I-95. It's a little tight, but I don't understand why people complain about storage in a coupe. Of course, it's not the best choice for a family vehicle, but it's perfect for getting to work, going on dates, or taking a few kids to baseball practice. I'm so glad I chose the coupe - it's sexy as hell! The only downsides are that the nav system isn't as user-friendly as Google maps or as interactive as WAZE, and the trunk lid tends to dump water into the trunk when it's covered in water. But those are minor issues that I can live with. Overall, I'm thrilled with my choice!
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I have owned several different types of convertibles, including Triumphs, Austin Healy’s, 3 BMW’s, a Boxster, and 2 Miata’s. However, the Audi A5 is by far the most enjoyable car I have ever owned. The soft top is just as quiet as the hardtop convertibles, but with the added bonus of significant trunk space when the top is down. This means I can easily fit my golf clubs in the trunk instead of the back seat! The power of the A5 is quite impressive, and I have even achieved up to 38 MPG on the highway. The driving experience is incredibly smooth, with slightly less road feel than my 05 BMW 3 series, but comparable to the BMW 4 series. The technology and sound system are second to none, and I found them very user-friendly and easy to learn. With the wind stop in place and windows up with the top down, there is minimal wind buffeting. If it gets too hot, the ventilated seats keep you much cooler (unlike BMW). The rear seats are adequately comfortable around town for adults, but getting in and out can be a challenge. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my Audi A5 and plan to keep it for a long time!
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The 2018 A5 Cab from Audi is a grand slam! It's super fun to drive and the exterior and interior design are minimalist and logical. The steering is crisp and the acceleration is great. The storage space is exceptional and the backseat is roomy enough for both kids and adults to enjoy the ride. The interior materials are exceptional and the nighttime lighting configuration is beautiful. If you're buying this car, I highly recommend getting the upgraded Bang and Olufsen sound system and ventilated seats. The upgraded sound is a $900 upgrade and worth every penny, especially when you're on the highway with the top down. The upgraded seats are the most comfortable I have ever experienced. Thanks to the extra stiff body and the 3 layers of soundproofing in the top, you won't lose performance due to the soft top or even feel like you're in a convertible with the top up. The only issue I have is that the software that powers the MMI is slightly buggy. If you're considering the A5, go for the Cab. You won't regret it!
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The new Sportback is an excellent successor to the prior generation A5 Coupe. The fit, finish and performance are exceptional, making it a great choice for car enthusiasts. The MMI navigation and controls are user-friendly and intuitive. However, the subscription-based services for the Infotainment system should be offered on a monthly basis rather than in 3-year blocks. Additionally, the online and app integration could be improved to meet the expectations of customers at this price point. It is disappointing that Audi USA was unable to resolve the issue of double charging for the Infotainment subscription, but AT&T was able to issue a refund. Overall, the Sportback is a fantastic car and a testament to Audi's engineering prowess.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Audi A5 problems:
Why You should never buy a Audi A5 - YouTube
Feb 7, 2022 ... Hi guys This video is about the problems of the Audi A5 and what might stop you from buying it you can also check out videos of why you ...
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 ...
Audi A5 2018+ Reliability? : r/askcarsales
Jun 13, 2021 ... So how reliable is this model, what are some common issues? Tell me your stories and how much it costed you. Thanks.
2020 Audi A5 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2020 Audi A5? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2016 A5 Review, Common Issues, Buying Guide - AudiWorld Forums
Jul 25, 2020 ... ... 2020 Audi S5. So I hope you'll consider subscribing. I was comparing the suspension with my friend's A6, and my own Mercedes, and A5 was stiffer ...
Other years of Audi A5
Are you having problems with your 2020 Audi A5?
Brian Stracke 2024-03-18
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).