2020 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 2020 Audi S5 problems
The 2020 Audi S5 is a luxury sports car that is known for its high performance and sleek design. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues by owners of the 2020 Audi S5:
- A/C Not As Cold As It Should Be: Some owners have reported issues with the air conditioning system not blowing cold air. This could be due to a faulty compressor, refrigerant leak, or other issues. It is recommended to have the system inspected and repaired by a certified technician.
- Seat Adjustments Not Working: Some owners have reported issues with the seat adjustments not working properly. This could be due to a faulty seat motor or wiring issue. It is recommended to have the seat inspected and repaired by a certified technician.
- Suspension Problems: Some owners have reported issues with the suspension system, including clunking or knocking noises. This could be due to worn out bushings, struts, or other suspension components. It is recommended to have the suspension system inspected and repaired by a certified technician.
- Blown Turbo: Some owners have reported issues with the turbocharger failing or blowing. This could be due to a variety of issues, including poor maintenance, faulty components, or manufacturing defects. It is recommended to have the turbocharger inspected and repaired by a certified technician.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Issues: Some owners have reported issues with the TPMS light coming on, indicating an issue with one or more of the tires. This could be due to low tire pressure, a slow leak, or a faulty TPMS sensor. It is recommended to have the system inspected and repaired by a certified technician.
- Alignment Issues: Some owners have reported issues with the alignment, including uneven tire wear or pulling to one side. This could be due to a variety of issues, including worn out suspension components or a misaligned axle. It is recommended to have the alignment inspected and adjusted by a certified technician.
It is important to note that not all 2020 Audi S5 owners have reported these issues, and many have reported a positive ownership experience. However, it is recommended to be aware of these common problems and to schedule regular maintenance and inspections to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
Are Audi's 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 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 an Audi S5 expensive to run?
Fuel economy
A high performance car with more than 300bhp is never going to be cheap to run and the S5 is no exception. The V8 coupe model averages just 23mpg and although the Cabriolet is better with 30mpg, it's far from economical.
Are Audi's 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 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.
When did Audi stop making the S5?
| Audi S5 | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Audi AG |
| Production | 2007–present |
| Assembly | Germany: Ingolstadt Germany: Neckarsulm |
| Designer | Walter de Silva |
2020 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:
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Audi S5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2020 Audi S5 complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Audi S5.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-18
- VIN: WAUC4CF59LA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: This vehicle has a failed SOS module, which breaks hands free Bluetooth/emergency calling, which is a safety concern. This also breaks parts of the MMI system that were purchased but now do not function as designed. Audi of America does not seem to take this issue very seriously, as there was a recall but it was cancelled, yet there are still thousands of vehicles affected. I have spoken to several people with same make/model/year vehicle as mine and they have the same exact symptoms. AoA has not seemingly corrected supply chain issues with this defective part. I have been waiting 2+ months for a fix, with little to no timeframe of resolution since purchasing the vehicle. I feel that AoA needs to make more of a good-faith effort for this problem, due to length of resolution.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-06
- VIN: WAUR4AF5XLA
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: SOS, Bluetooth hands free are all failing to operate
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-13
- VIN: WAUC4CF52LA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The Emergency Call Module Control Unit has now failed for the second time. If the vehicle were to be involved in a crash, the system will not be able to automatically call for assistance. Vehicle is already subject to Audi service campaign 90T2 to reflash emergency call module control unit, however the unit in my vehicle could not be flashed due to it having intermittent errors. The local Audi dealer is stating the next available appointment to diagnose the issue is in three months. After diagnosis there may be a longer wait to obtain required parts. It is dangerous for a safety critical part like this to be out of action for at least 3 months. Audi should place a higher priority on repairing this issue.
2020 Audi S5 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2020 Audi S5.
- 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 S5 car reviews
Positive 2020 Audi S5 car reviews
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I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your S5! You mentioned that you bought it for the tech and the ability to use stop and go during rush hour, and it sounds like it's been working great for you. It's always nice to be able to catch up on work during the drive in. Thanks for sharing your positive experience!
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Congratulations on your new 2019 S5 Cabriolet! It sounds like you made an excellent choice. Your detailed comparison of other luxury car brands and the features of the S5 really highlights why this car is the best option. The customizable features and options on the Prestige model are truly impressive and make for a unique driving experience. The exterior camera system is a great addition for parking and backing up. Enjoy your new ride!If that's not enough, you can even customize the HUD system (Heads Up Display) to rotate up to 5 degrees R-L and position the projection higher or lower on the windscreen. You can also adjust the brightness and actual information projected to include turn-by-turn navigation, road sign information, and the active lane assist. The car is simply astonishing with advanced customizable features. One of the big disappointments in the 2015 model was the lack of a voice-command microphone for phone operation and other radio and climate features. However, the Audi (Volkswagen) engineers figured that out in the 2018-2019 model. The acoustic dampening convertible top is a feat of technology in itself. You can hardly tell the difference in the interior road noise from my friend's plush Lexus hard-top sedan, and my sporty coupe convertible. The exhaust note on start-up turns heads. A friend of mine just said,
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I'm so glad I ordered this car with red leather seats, it was definitely worth the wait! I absolutely love it. I do have to admit that getting in and out can be a bit of a challenge for some people since it sits low, and the technology isn't quite as advanced as a Tesla. Appleplay can be frustrating at times. However, the ride is fantastic - it's so responsive, quick, and handles excellently. I haven't had any service issues so far. I've owned a Q7 and a BMW535 before, both of which were great purchases in my opinion, but this car is by far the most fun to drive. It's fast and handles turns and windy roads like a dream!
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This 2019 S5 Coupe is such a blast to drive! If you're a music lover, you absolutely must check out the Bang & Olufsen 19 speaker system - it's incredible. I'm so impressed with the handling, speed, and overall performance of this car. I couldn't be happier with my purchase!
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This car is amazing! It drives like a dream and handles like a charm. Although the technology may seem overwhelming at first, once you get the hang of it, it's fantastic. The cabin is designed with the driver in mind, with perfect ergonomics and controls. The high-quality diamond-stitched Nappa leather and sound system are just a few examples of the great materials used. The virtual cockpit is incredible to use, and the engine response is superb. The acceleration is incredible, and the handling is so balanced that it's way out of its class. I could go on and on about how great this car is, but all I can say is that this was my first Audi S5 series, and it definitely won't be my last!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Audi S5 problems:
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 ...
2020 Audi S5 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2020 Audi S5? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Considering 2020 S5 (CPO) .. how is maintenance and are there ...
Nov 20, 2023 ... based on my search, B9? and transmission seems pretty solid in this car.. any other common issues with this car I should look for or do further ...
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 ...
2018/19 S5 Reliability Issues? - AudiWorld Forums
Feb 12, 2020 ... Audi A5 / S5 / RS5 Coupe & Cabrio (B9). 2018/19 S5 Reliability Issues? Subscribe · dmr2004's Avatar. dmr2004 , 02-12-2020 06:04 AM. AudiWorld ...
Other years of Audi S5
Are you having problems with your 2020 Audi S5?
Trenton Frami 2025-11-21
The crash avoidance technology in this car has some flaws that need to be addressed. During my experience with the car, I encountered some situations where the technology was overly intrusive and caused me some concern. Specifically, on three occasions, the car suddenly stopped in the middle of an intersection, nearly causing an accident. For example, when I was trying to cross traffic in a common left turn lane and a car came opposite, the Audi would anticipate a head-on collision and stop my car suddenly. I have previously owned a 2016 S5 and found the technology to work just fine. However, the 2018 update changed this technology dramatically, and I found it to be quite frustrating.
Jamaal Ledner 2025-08-25
Although the vehicle may look stunning and has impressive acceleration, it may not be the best choice for day-to-day driving. The author has experienced several issues with their vehicle, including airbag and engine thermostat failures, as well as rattles and squeaks. The sound system has also caused problems with buzzing speaker covers. Additionally, the throttle response is laggy, which can be frustrating in city driving. Many people on Audi forums have expressed similar concerns. It's important to note that the author loved their previous 2014 S4 and found it superior in every way except for design and electronics. It's also worth mentioning that the vehicle's fuel economy is around 17mpg in 50/50 city/highway driving.
Lamont Greenfelder 2025-01-21
I have owned this car for about 4 months. When it is kept in 's' mode and nothing is malfunctioning, it drives really nicely and is much faster than I would have expected. Although it has been back to the dealership for several problems already, the service department seems willing to resolve most of the issues. However, for a car this new (only 12k miles) and as expensive as it was, these problems shouldn't be there. The incessant rattling of things in the dash and the creaking, popping and groaning sounds when I leave my driveway that is somewhat steep or hitting bumps in the road are the worst things that cause me to want to get rid of it. Although the roads are pretty good where I live, it sounds like I am in a 20-year-old car that has had a rough life. I expect some banging from the firm suspension, but this goes far beyond that, especially for this level of a car. Some of the rattling has been resolved in working with the dealership, but inevitably some of it doesn't occur when I leave the car with them. Days where the weather has shifted dramatically will be days that the car has lots of unusual sounds inside. However, outside of the rattling, this car really does perform well. You won't find many other AWD cars that perform the way this car does. It also looks really good inside and out. I still stand by the fact that this car should not have any rattles for the amount of money it cost, but it is a decent sports sedan/coupe. Then you add super intrusive safety features that will actually slam on the brakes if you are moving through close traffic and the systems over-sensitive sensors (Audi pre-sense) think you are going to have an accident, it's just too much. I have lost track of how many times accidents were almost caused by this safety feature; it's too intrusive.I really like the way the car looks both exterior and interior, but I was expecting more for the money. Audi, if you are reading this, there are complaints all over the internet about these problems too.
Collin Spinka 2024-08-04
Driving this car was great. However, the trim at the bottom of the door hits you in the bottom of your calf when entering, which is a major problem. Unfortunately, this issue kept me from buying the Audi S5.
William Strosin 2024-03-21
Hi there! I wanted to share my experience with my S5 cabrio. I had a blast driving it for 15 days, but unfortunately on day 16, the transmission broke down after around 600 miles. It was a bit of a struggle to make it back home, but thankfully I did. I've been waiting for almost a week now to have it replaced, but I'm still hopeful that it will be fixed soon. While I do have some regrets about buying it instead of leasing, I'm still looking forward to getting back on the road with my S5 cabrio once it's all sorted out.