2016 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.
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Common 2016 Audi S5 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2016 Audi S5, several common problems have been reported:
- Low Coolant: Owners have reported issues with low coolant levels in the 2016 Audi S5. Low coolant can lead to overheating and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly. Regularly checking the coolant levels and addressing any leaks or issues is crucial to prevent overheating.
- A/C Not As Cold As It Should Be: Complaints about the air conditioning system not cooling effectively have been noted. This can be due to various reasons such as refrigerant leaks, compressor issues, or problems with the A/C system components. Proper diagnosis and repair by a qualified mechanic are necessary to restore the A/C's optimal performance.
- Seat Adjustments Not Working: Some owners have experienced problems with the seat adjustment mechanisms in the 2016 Audi S5. Malfunctioning seat adjustments can affect comfort and driving posture. Troubleshooting the seat adjustment system and repairing any faulty components are essential to ensure a comfortable driving experience.
- Suspension Problems: Reports of suspension issues have been raised by owners. Suspension problems can manifest as noises, vibrations, or handling issues while driving. Addressing suspension problems promptly is crucial to maintain vehicle stability, comfort, and safety on the road.
- Blown Turbo: Complaints about blown turbos have been mentioned. Turbocharger failures can result in loss of power, increased exhaust emissions, and engine performance issues. Timely diagnosis and replacement of the turbocharger are necessary to prevent further damage to the engine.
Owners of the 2016 Audi S5 should be vigilant about these common problems and address them promptly to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance, safety, and longevity. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and professional inspections can help mitigate these issues and enhance the overall driving experience of the Audi S5.
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 Audi S5 a reliable car?
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 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.
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 the S5 Audi 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 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 the 2016 Audi S5 fast?
In Edmunds performance testing, an S5 coupe equipped with the automated manual transmission (and pre-programmed launch mode) accelerated from a standstill to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, a quick time compared to the rivals mentioned above. The convertible did the same job in a competitive 5.3 seconds.
2016 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:
- Steering problems
- Electrical system problems
- Electronic stability control (esc) problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Audi S5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2016 Audi S5 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Audi S5.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-04
- VIN: WAUG4AFR8GA
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: HELLO - MY 2016 AUDI S5 COUPE WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION HAS HAD AN ELECTRONIC STEERING RACK ERROR FOR SOME TIME NOW. THE ISSUE AROSE AFTER DRIVING IN RAINY CONDITIONS (BUT NOT IN STANDING WATER). THE STEERING RACK IN MY CAR PROVIDES ELECTRONIC ASSISTANCE TO MY STEERING WHEEL MOVEMENTS WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTROL MODULE FOR THE STEERING RACK IS LOCATED ON THE BOTTOM CAR'S MOTOR WITH THREE ELECTRICAL PLUGS FOR POWER AND STEERING. THESE PLUGS ARE NOT WEATHER PROOF. AS A RESULT MY STEERING RACK HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE AND AN ERROR IS PRESENT IN THE CAR'S ECU. A QUICK SEARCH ONLINE ABOUT THIS ISSUE SHOWS THE RACK IS WIDELY USED ACROSS MULTIPLE AUDI PLATFORMS AND HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED OR REMEDIED BY AUDI.
Negative 2016 Audi S5 car reviews
Positive 2016 Audi S5 car reviews
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I've been driving this car for four weeks now, and it continues to impress me. The power is smooth and strong, coming on early and pulling hard - it's very addictive. While the handling isn't quite as brilliant as my old BMW 330CI, it's still exceptionally good. This car is a lot of fun to drive, and did I mention it has gobs of smooth power? The quality of the finish, both inside and outside, is superb. Initially, I wasn't sure about the alcantara seat inserts, but now that I have them, I'm 100% sold and glad to have them. They're superior in both looks and function, and very easy to clean - just wipe with a damp cloth. It's hard to believe someone would pay extra to not get the alcantara.
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Congratulations on your new 2013 S5! It sounds like you made an excellent choice with the V6 in the S5 coupe. The power delivery is smooth and plentiful, and the gearbox is amazing. While it may not have the sound of a V8, it still makes plenty of fun noises. The ride is firm, but well-damped, and the car handles uneven pavement well without crashing over bumps. The MMI system has been improved from the 2011 A6, although you mentioned being on the fence about the aerial photos from Google Earth, which can feel a little cluttered. While the B&O stereo is okay, it may not be as impressive as you were hoping. Overall, it seems like you made an indulgent purchase, but if you're looking for fun in a gorgeous package, the S5 is definitely the way to go!
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This is a luxury sports car, not a car for running errands. As someone who has owned 5 previous Corvettes dating back to the fifties, as well as high-performance passenger cars, I must say that this car is perfection. The supercharged engine and 7-speed multi-clutch transmission are the finest ever and perform their job quietly and perfectly. While it may ride a little rough on the terrible Michigan roads, in Florida or California, where I have driven it, you can just lean back and enjoy.
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Audi has made some great improvements to the S5 model by adding the Rear Sports Differential. This allows you to make the engine more aggressive, the steering tighter, and the rear wheels shift torque sidesways when cornering. Thanks to the dynamic mode, this S5 feels much faster, tighter, and much more fun to drive as it incorporates the technology of the new S4. Compared to the 2009 S5 I tested, it feels as fast and fun as the new S4. In terms of gas mileage, I achieved 22 MPG on my initial break-in out-of-town trip (mostly highway), and 19 MPG in city driving. I feel that highway driving could easily get to 25-26MPG after break-in. The beauty, performance, and V8 sound make the S5 a class of its own.
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I was searching for a car that was reliable, fun, luxurious, and had a great look. My first choice was a Porsche 911 C4S, but it was too expensive for me. So, I decided to go with the Audi S5, which has been in the market for a while. Although it's not an all-out sports car, it's still quick and agile, and it looks sexy. The ride quality and quickness are enjoyable, and the interior quality is above board. It's a reliable rendition of what a GT coupe should be. As of 2018, I have driven 22k miles and I still love this car. It's garage kept and looks good in comparison to others on the road.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2016 Audi S5 problems:
2016 S5 issues ? - AudiWorld Forums
Aug 24, 2018 ... So far, B8.5 S4 and S5 cars have been very reliable. There are sporadic reports of sport differential failure (if your car is equipped with the ...
Here Are The Audi S5 Years To Avoid - CoPilot
Jan 10, 2022 ... Another common problem with the Audi S5 is the air suspension not working quite as intended. Usually, the ride is just a little rougher than it ...
How reliable are the Audi S5 from 2013-2017? : r/Audi
Aug 21, 2023 ... The only common problem with that great engine(supercharger) is the waterppump and some coolant shit but overall the s5 3.0 supercharger ...
2011 S5 - Any major issues to be aware of?
Aug 11, 2016 ... HazeMyth said: 08-11-2016 10:07 AM. Carbon buildup that requires somewhat frequent cleaning. 2013 Audi S5 - EPL Stg 2 ECU/TCU 2011 Toyota ...
How reliable is the Audi S5 Sportback? : r/Audi
Jul 7, 2022 ... The problem lies with maintenance and other small failures. The water pump and thermostat are known to leak (but covered under a lawsuit for up ...
Other years of Audi S5
Are you having problems with your 2016 Audi S5?
Stephon Gerlach 2025-08-04
I purchased a low mileage (30,000 miles) vehicle from an Audi dealer after doing my research and having access to the complete vehicle history. However, after driving the car for 5 months, the transmission warning light came on. The dealer informed me that the module needed to be replaced and that it would cost in excess of $7,000.00. Unfortunately, they could not guarantee the complete transmission, only the module. As a result, I decided to sell the car. It is advisable to purchase an extended warranty if you plan to buy an Audi S5. It is important to note that I am over 60 and this was intended to be my retirement fun car. I have never experienced transmission problems with any of my previous cars.
Brennan Rowe 2025-06-13
The car was sold at 68,000 miles. Although it developed problems with the transmission and differential, as well as creaking and squeaking in the body, the repair costs were astronomical, including oil changes and brakes.
Adolf Steuber 2024-02-25
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with purchasing a CPO AUDI. While the car itself is great, I did run into a bit of trouble with the dealer. I was told that the car had not been in an accident and that the car-fax was clean, but when I got home, I noticed that the front end was misaligned. After running an auto check, I found out that the car had indeed been in an accident. The dealer did take the car back, but now they are reselling it as CPO and acting like it's perfect. I understand that CPO cars can be certified even if they have been in an accident, but I do believe that this information should be disclosed to the consumer. Thank you for listening to my experience!