2016 Audi S5 problems

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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.

2016 Audi S5

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

2016 Audi S5 engine

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.

2020-11-02

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

  1. 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!

Positive 2016 Audi S5 car reviews

  1. Milo DuBuque 2025-02-23

    This convertible is very attractive and user-friendly. The canvas top can be lowered with just the push of a button, without the need for levers or snaps, and can even be done while the car is in motion. For added safety, the car has hidden roll bars that pop up if the car is headed over. Additionally, the quattro drive makes driving in the rain much safer. The wind screen provides a great top-down driving experience, similar to driving with a huge sunroof. However, please note that the back seat is not usable with the screen deployed. Also, be cautious of the front valance, which is just a few inches off the ground and can be easily scraped if you get too close to the curb.

  2. Horacio Koch 2025-02-20

    I own a 2012 S5 after testing the 2.0 A5 in pretty much every configuration available at the dealership. In my experience, the steering is extremely tactile and responsive, and I'm not sure why Edmunds thinks it's 'contrived' or 'artificial'. I'm happy to report that my gas mileage is actually improving as I learn how to properly drive the car. With 1000 miles under my belt, I'm now getting closer to 26-28 hwy and 15-19 city mpg thanks to my judicious use of the responsive cruise control and active mileage monitoring system. I can adjust my driving style to suit, which makes for a more enjoyable ride. The car is well-mannered in traffic when it needs to be, and becomes an elegant beast when pushed with very little effort.

  3. Isai Fritsch 2025-02-05

    My A5 Convertible was terrific, but I wanted a bit more 'punch', so I upgraded to an S5. While I did get the 'punch' I was looking for, I did notice that the highway ride was a bit harsh. Overall, the car is a real sports car - fast and solid on the road. However, as I'm getting older, I may need something a bit softer.

  4. Mortimer Wisoky 2024-10-16

    Living in the Carolinas means I get to enjoy this car all year round, and it's my go-to ride. I also own an Alfa Romeo Giulia, which is a fantastic car, but I find myself gravitating towards the Audi, especially on beautiful days. The Audi's sport mode is an absolute thrill, with fast acceleration and plenty of mid-range torque. It's perfect for my frequent trips to Charleston, Savannah, and the beaches in Florida. The sport seats are incredibly comfortable, and driving with the top down is an exceptional experience, especially with the standard. Even at 80 miles an hour, you can have a conversation at normal volume levels, which is impressive. Although the car is heavier than the Alfa Romeo, it still has plenty of grip with the 19-inch tires. It's a rare car to see on the road, which makes it even more special, and in my opinion, it's infinitely better looking than the hard-top convertibles out there. The only downside to the soft top is that the headliner is starting to separate from the top, probably due to my use of automatic car washes. Other than that, it's been a perfect car.

  5. Raoul Turner 2024-10-06

    Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to let you know that this car is generally reliable, but there are a few minor issues like a creaky glass roof and some cabin rattles. Just wanted to give you a heads up!

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2016 Audi S5 problems:

2016 S5 issues ? - AudiWorld Forums
2016 S5 issues ? - AudiWorld Forums
https://www.audiworld.com/forums/audi-a5-s5-rs5-coupe-cabrio-b9-220/2016-s5-issues-2956560/

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
Here Are The Audi S5 Years To Avoid - CoPilot
https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/audi-s5-years-to-avoid/

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
How reliable are the Audi S5 from 2013-2017? : r/Audi
https://www.reddit.com/r/Audi/comments/15wuvx8/how_reliable_are_the_audi_s5_from_20132017/

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?
2011 S5 - Any major issues to be aware of?
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/719808-2011-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
How reliable is the Audi S5 Sportback? : r/Audi
https://www.reddit.com/r/Audi/comments/vtctra/how_reliable_is_the_audi_s5_sportback/

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

audi s5 2018 photo
S5 2018
Audi

20

2

17

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
audi s5 2019 photo
S5 2019
Audi

2

4

27

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
audi s5 2020 photo
S5 2020
Audi

3

4

23

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
audi s5 2021 photo
S5 2021
Audi

1

5

25

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
audi s5 2023 photo
S5 2023
Audi

1

1

30

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
audi s5 2008 photo
S5 2008
Audi

3

0

9

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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2016 Audi S5 photo