2013 Audi S5 problems
The Audi S5 is one of two high-performance variants of Audi's A5. It is also the coupé, cabriolet, and five-door fastback sedan versions of the fourth-generation (B8) Audi S4 saloon and estate models.
Like all Audi "S" cars, they are only available with Audi's quattro four-wheel drive (4WD) system, here in S5 using a Torsen-based centre diff system.
Most versions of the S5 are manufactured at Audi's plant in Ingolstadt, Germany; they are available as a coupé, cabriolet, and five-door sportback, which was previously not available in North America until the 2018 model year, which was released in the United States in mid 2017. The cabriolets are built at Audi's factory in Neckarsulm, Germany.
Social links
Common 2013 Audi S5 problems
The 2013 Audi S5 has been regarded as a highly reliable vehicle, with only a few issues reported by owners. However, it is essential to understand these common problems to make an informed decision when purchasing a used 2013 Audi S5.
- Steering Assist Overcompensation: Some owners have reported that the steering-assist feature overcompensates, especially for a sports car. This issue can affect the overall driving experience and may require adjustments or repairs.
- Lack of Direct Feedback in Steering: Another common complaint is the overall steering's lack of direct feedback to the driver. This issue can make the driving experience feel less connected and responsive, especially for those who prefer a more engaging driving experience.
- Moonroof Malfunction: On the coupe version, the moonroof sometimes doesn't retract correctly. This issue can be inconvenient and may require repairs or replacement of the moonroof mechanism.
- Highway Wind Noise: The convertible version of the 2013 Audi S5 has been reported to have significant highway wind noise. This issue can affect the comfort and enjoyment of driving the vehicle, especially on long trips.
- High Oil Consumption: Some owners have reported that the 2013 Audi S5 consumes a lot of oil. This issue may require more frequent oil changes and monitoring of oil levels to prevent engine damage.
- Control Arm Bushings: The control arm bushings are prone to wear and tear, which can lead to failure. When buying a used newer model Audi, it is recommended to look for a CPO'd car or have it inspected by an independent Audi shop for a second opinion before deciding to purchase it.
- Water Pump: The water pump is another item that has been reported to fail, especially in the B8.5 S5 platform. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent this issue.
- Carbon Buildup: The high-performance engines in the Audi S5 can accumulate carbon buildup over time, which can affect performance and fuel efficiency. Regular maintenance and carbon cleaning can help prevent this issue .
- Coil Packs and Misfires: Coil packs can fail, leading to misfires and reduced performance. Regular inspection and replacement of coil packs can help prevent this issue .
- Fuel Injectors: Fuel injectors can also fail, leading to reduced performance and fuel efficiency. Regular inspection and replacement of fuel injectors can help prevent this issue .
In summary, the 2013 Audi S5 is generally considered a reliable vehicle, but like any car, it has some common problems. Regular maintenance, inspections, and being aware of these issues can help ensure a trouble-free ownership experience.
Is an Audi S5 reliable?
Audi S5 owners report bringing their vehicle in for sudden fixes 1.2 times a year, double the . 6 average for other luxury mid-size vehicles. If there is a need to bring the car in, there is a 17% chance the trouble will be severe, much higher than the 12% average of other luxury vehicles.
Is Audi S5 high maintenance?
An Audi S5 will cost about $9,094 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for luxury hatchback models by $2,261. There is also a 25.29% chance that a S5 will require a major repair during that time.
Is the 2013 Audi A5 reliable?
How Reliable Is the 2013 Audi A5? J.D. Power gave the 2013 A5 a near-perfect reliability rating of 4.5 out of five.
Is Audi S5 worth the money?
Upgrading to the S5 costs almost $10,000 over the base A5 but if you're like us you'll find the extra performance well worth it. The S5's personality is a little tamer than some of its direct competition, though, which include the Caddy CT4-V Blackwing and the Mercedes-AMG C43.
Is Audi S5 high maintenance?
An Audi S5 will cost about $9,094 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for luxury hatchback models by $2,261. There is also a 25.29% chance that a S5 will require a major repair during that time.
Is an Audi S5 reliable?
Audi S5 owners report bringing their vehicle in for sudden fixes 1.2 times a year, double the . 6 average for other luxury mid-size vehicles. If there is a need to bring the car in, there is a 17% chance the trouble will be severe, much higher than the 12% average of other luxury vehicles.
Is the 2013 Audi A5 reliable?
How Reliable Is the 2013 Audi A5? J.D. Power gave the 2013 A5 a near-perfect reliability rating of 4.5 out of five.
Is Audi S5 worth the money?
Upgrading to the S5 costs almost $10,000 over the base A5 but if you're like us you'll find the extra performance well worth it. The S5's personality is a little tamer than some of its direct competition, though, which include the Caddy CT4-V Blackwing and the Mercedes-AMG C43.
2013 Audi S5 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi S5 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
- Steering problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2013 Audi S5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2013 Audi S5 complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2013 Audi S5.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-06
- VIN: WAU3GAFR8DA
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I smelled a super strong gas smell from my car leaking somewhere in the engine hidden by other parts, it smells so bad it’s hard to be in the car it’s a fire hazard. Due to the fuel the car hardly starts due to the fuel not getting to the engine
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-30
- VIN: WAUCGAFR7DA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: mechatronic unit failed incident : random jerking when driving had to pull the car over car lost power "gear box malfunction" code on my dashboard. after replacing the mechatornic unit had to pay 5127 dollars out of pocket to get fixed
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-03
- VIN: wauvgafr6da
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: while driving, got a notification on the dash board "transmission malfunction, limited functionality" and a "tpms malfunction" notification. Car seemed like it was skipping 1st and 2nd gear after i continued driving.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-05-08
- VIN: WAUVGAFR6DA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AFTER THE CAR SITS OVER NIGHT, AND IS DRIVEN W/O BRING WARMED UP IT SLIPS GOING INTO 1ST AND 2ND GEAR, ROUGH DOWNSHIFT OR SLIGHT BUMP WHEN COMING TO A STOP, AND A ROUGH IDLE AND NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION WHEN IN PARK. CAR HAS 87K.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-04
- VIN: WAUVGAFR2DA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 AUDI S5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL ODOR WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S WIFE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED FUEL LEAKING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. GREEN AUDI (3881 WABASH AVE, SPRINGFIELD, IL 62711) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT AN APPOINTMENT SHOULD BE SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V019000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,618.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-03
- VIN: WAUVGAFR5DA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE WHERE THE TRANSMISSION DOESN'T ENGAGE AND COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS THE MECHATRONIC UNIT IN THE TRANSMISSION AND A VERY WELL KNOWN PROBLEM. THE CAR WOULDN'T MOVE WHEN I WAS ON A BUSY ROAD. IT SAID CONTINUE TO DRIVE BUT I COULDN'T. IT HAPPENED AT 65K MILES. I HAD IT REBUILT FOR OVER $2000 AND THE CAR IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-01
- VIN: WAUCGAFR7DA
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
- Summary: MY VEHICLE AS WELL AS MANY AUDIS WITH THE MECHATRONIC SYSTEM ARE HAVING AN ISSUE THAT PRESENT A ERROR, " MECHATRONIC FAILURE TPMS GEARBOX MALFUNCTION). IT OFTEN EITHER NOT DRIVABLE, EVEN WHEN IN TRAFFIC OR DRIVES AT A SNAIL'S PACE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO EXIT TRAFFIC. AUDI CORPORATE SAID A RECALL IS ONLY DONE WHEN THE NHTSA FEEL THAT'S IT A ISSUE THAT CAN CALLS SAFETY &/OR DEATH. THIS SEEM TO EFFECT, FROM MY RESEARCH, 2010 - 2014 AUDI S4, S5 AND A5 MODEL [N THE USA AND THERE ARE SOME EUROPE COMPLAINTS, WHICH I HAVE FOUND AS WELL] MANUFACTORED AT A PARTICULAR PLANT OR PROVIDER. THIS TYPE OF MALFUNCTION CAN CERTAINLY CAUSE 'LOSS OF LIFE' AS IT OCCURS IN TRAFFIC. I HAPPEN TO LIVE IN METRO ATLANTA GA, WITH OUR FAST PACE TRAFFIC, ITS A SERIOUS ISSUE. THERE ABSOLUTELY SHOULD BE A RECALL. THE COST TO REPAIR CAN BE UP TO $15K. THERE IS NO WAY THIS SHOULD HAPPED TO A $60-$75 HIGH-END VEHICLE. HAVE VIDEO'S OF THE DASHBOARD WITH THE ERROR AND CAN UPLOAD TO YOU. I WAS OFFERED 15% ON THE REPAIR, WHICH IS REALLY AN INSULT. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE AND ITS NOT HARD TO FIND OTHERS WITH THIS ISSUE. I PRAY FOR SOME RELIEF IN THE FORM OF A RECALL. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINE 2010, FROM WHAT I HAVE LEARNED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-21
- VIN: WBADW3C59DJ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE IS THROWING TRANSMISSION FAULT CODES, SHIFTING AS IF THE TRANS IS IN LIMP MODE, WHEN STOPPED AND THEN GOING, THE TRANS BOGS, AS WELL AS BETWEEN SHIFTS. DOESN'T GO INTO MANUAL MODE EITHER FOR THE DSG TRANS MY CAR HAS. A SHOP SAID THE METATRONIC UNIT NEEDS REPLACEMENT.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-14
- VIN: WAUVGAFR1DA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAULT CODE POPPED UP. TRANS BOGS WHEN TRYING TO START, ALMOST IN A LIMP MODE FOR THE TRANSMISSION. THE CODE COMES ON AND OFF SOMETIMES, AND DOESN'T ALLOW ME TO GO INTO MANUAL MODE. THE TRANS IS A DSG, AND IS ACTING VERY WEIRD. MECHATRONIC WAS TOLD TO BE REPLACED BY A EUROPEAN AUTO SHOP.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-01
- VIN: WAUCGAFR6DA
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILS WITH EITHER WATER INFILTRATION INTO THE CONTROLLER, OR WITH SEVERE COLD WEATHER. THIS ISSUE IS KNOWN BY AUDI USA BY THEY ARE REFUSING TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. IN MN IN THE MONTH OF 2/2019 3 AUDI DEALERS EACH TOLD ME THAT THEY EACH REPLACED 20+ STEERING RACKS DUE TO THIS ISSUE. THIS ISSUE CAUSE THE ELECTRIC ASSISTED POWER STEERING TO FAIL CAUSING THE CAR TO LOOSE ALL POWER ASSIST FOR STEERING. THIS COULD CAUSE ACCIDENTS IF YOU ARE NOT EXPECTING YOUR POWER STEERING TO FAIL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE SERVICE ADVISER I WORKED WITH AT ONE OF THE AUDI DEALERS SAID THIS PERSONALLY HAPPENED TO HIM ON 2 DIFFERENT CARS HE OWNED. THERE ARE REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING IN EVERY AUDI FORUM ON THE WEB.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-05
- VIN: WAUVGAFR0DA
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: AFTER ~106,000 MILES, AN ERROR CODE 'TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION. YOU CAN KEEP DRIVING', WITH ERROR CODE P179D00 (PER DEALER). CAR HAS HESTITATION AT LOW RPM OR WHILE STOPPED (AS AT A LIGHT OR HEAVY TRAFFIC) AND OCCASIONALLY JERKS FORWARD, DESPITE BRAKES BEING FIRMLY APPLIED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-19
- VIN: WAUCGAFR7DA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ALL OF THE SUDDEN I LOST POWER AND FELT JERKY MOVEMENTS I HAD TO PULL OVER. OBVIOUSLY I HAD CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME AND GEARBOX MALFUNCTION MESSAGE. THE PROBLEM TURNS OUT TO BE A MECHATRONIC ISSUE WITH MY VEHICLE THERE'S A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON IT TSB NUMBER IS 10054213-2278. ALTHOUGH I TRIED TO OPEN A CASE WITH AUDI USA. MY CASE GOT DENIED BECAUSE THEY STATED THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND BECAUSE IT'S NOT A KNOWN ISSUE ON THE VEHICLE MODEL. I CAN UNDERSTAND THE WARRANTY PART BUT TO SAY THAT IS NOT A KNOWN ISSUE THAT QUALIFIES AS A NON ACCURATE STATEMENT SINCE THERE'S IS AN OFFICIAL TSB ON THE MATTER AND I TAKE THAT AS AN INSULT HONESTLY. I WOULD LIKE FOR SOMEONE TO ADDRESS THAT ISSUE AND MAYBE HAVE AUDI ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM MORE OPENLY SINCE IT'S SOMETHING THAT'S AFFECTS ALOT OF CUSTOMERS AND AUDI IS GETTING AWAY WITH POOR QUALITY CONTROL ON THEIR VEHICLES. THANK YOU AND HAVE A GOOD DAY
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-11-01
- VIN: WAUVGAFR8DA
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THERE IS RESISTANCE AT THE 12 O'CLOCK POSITION IN THE STEERING. THIS RESISTANCE CAUSES THE DRIVER TO OVER CORRECT AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE CAR DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED AS THE 'NOTCH' FEELING IN THEN ELECTRIC STEERING TO DEALER AND MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD NO FIX IS AVAILABLE. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-10
- VIN: WAUCGAFR3DA
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT AND THE STEERING LOCKED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN AND A MESSAGE CAME UP "STEERING DEFECTIVE. DO NOT DRIVE". THE DEALER PICKED UP THE CAR AND AFTER RESEARCHING INFORMED ME THE POWER STEERING MODULE HAD FAILED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THEY SAID THEY NEED TO ORDER PARTS FROM GERMANY AND IT WILL TAKE 2-3 WEEKS. TODAY IS THE START OF THE 3RD WEEK AND THEY ARE STILL WORKING ON THE CAR. *TR
Positive 2013 Audi S5 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2013 Audi S5 problems:
How reliable are the Audi S5 from 2013-2017? : r/Audi
Aug 21, 2023 ... The S5 from the 2013-2017 is absolutely sexy as hell and the turbo V6 is also great from the reviews I've seen. But no one unfortunately talks ...
2013 Audi S5 V6 reliability question
Mar 26, 2017 ... You just happened to experience the worst known potential issue that can happen to an S5 3.0T, DSG gearbox malfunction and/or failure, and in ...
2013 Audi S5 Reliability Questions - AudiWorld Forums
Sep 13, 2017 ... How much you value precision and performance will dictate how often you have a carbon clean done. Front suspension bushings seem to be another ...
Here Are The Audi S5 Years To Avoid - CoPilot
Jan 10, 2022 ... Common Problems With The Audi S5 · Low Coolant · A/C Not As Cold As It Should Be · Seat Adjustments Not Working · Suspension Problems · Blown Turbo ...
Common Audi S5 Problems: 2009-2012 Models | JustAnswer
May 13, 2021 ... The biggest issue they have is carbon buildup, which usually leads to either a cleaning job or intake manifold replacement. These are both ...
Other years of Audi S5
Are you having problems with your 2013 Audi S5?
Stanley Schimmel 2025-01-09
I've owned my S5 since November 2009 and have driven it for over a hundred and twenty thousand miles, both on the highway and in the city. The car looks just as good today as it did when I first got it, but more importantly, it drives just as well too. The acceleration and high-speed drivability are great. I plan on holding onto it until the new 2018 model comes out. I highly recommend it!
Al Strosin 2024-11-17
I'm so glad to hear that you love the all wheel drive!
Cyrus Pfannerstill 2024-11-14
I absolutely love my S5! It caught my eye at the airport and I knew I had to have it. Everywhere I go, people turn their heads to admire it. I live in the Dallas area and have only seen a few others on the road since I purchased it 8 months ago. The dealership added Stasis, which I wouldn't have chosen myself, but my husband loves it and it really adds to the experience. The engine roar is unbelievable and, coming from a quiet Lexus, it took some getting used to, but now I can't imagine driving anything else. As a fairly aggressive driver, I really appreciate the handling and maneuverability of this car.
Enos Emard 2024-10-22
I bought my new S5 Quatro Coupe about a month ago after test driving the BMW5 and Mercedes E class. As soon as I left the dealership, I knew this was the car for me. It's hard to put into words just how much I enjoy driving and looking at this car. The handling is tight and responsive, especially in the corners. When I switch to sport mode, the acceleration is so powerful that it throws me back in my seat. The exterior has an aggressive look that makes it seem like it's always in motion, even when it's standing still. The interior is a beautiful combination of colors and textures that make me never want to leave. I'm always smiling when I'm behind the wheel, and my wife jokes that I'm having an affair - but at least it's with a car!
Price Mante 2024-10-22
Just recently got my S5, and I must say, the launch alone is enough to speak for its performance. It's a great vehicle, incredibly comfortable, and provides a smooth ride! Even after 70,000 miles, it still hit 155mph with ease.