Common Problems with the Audi A5
FixMyCar discusses common problems with the Audi A5 and average repair costs.
Compare Audi A5 repair quotesEllie Dyer-Brown
Tuesday March 10 2026
9 min read
The Audi A5 has undergone many changes since its debut in 2007, culminating in the latest generation – a sportier version of the A4, blending the comfort of saloon cars with the style of top coupes.
This guide examines known issues with the Audi A5, providing owners and potential buyers with insights into specific faults and their average repair costs.
In a nutshell: Common issues with the A5 include electrical and infotainment glitches, some engine-specific concerns (like higher oil use on certain petrols), and on older automatics, gearbox problems that can be expensive. Overall reliability is decent rather than class-leading, so it’s best to buy on condition, history and a thorough test drive.
What's wrong with the Audi A5?
Drivers are searching online for information about the following problems.
Audi A5 convertible problems
Audi A5 roof systems can develop issues as they age - most often water ingress from blocked drain channels or worn seals. They can also develop faults in the roof’s electrics and switches. On a test drive, fully cycle the roof, check the carpets and boot for damp, and make sure windows and roof seals sit correctly.
Audi A5 3.0 TDI quattro problems
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve blockages and oil leaks are frequently discussed in relation to this version, and cars used mainly for short trips can also run into DPF-related soot issues. Repairs usually involve replacing the EGR valve, leak tracing and resealing, and if the DPF is struggling, forced regeneration or cleaning depending on the condition.
Audi A5 Sportback common problems
The Sportback shares the same mechanical underpinnings as other A5 versions, so you can expect to see similar issues. It's worth paying extra attention to the electrical and infotainment systems (connectivity glitches, sensors and cameras) on a test drive to make sure they work as expected.
Audi A5 drive system fault
A drive system fault message is usually a generic powertrain warning, so it doesn’t point to one single common A5 issue. It means the car has logged a fault. You should book a diagnostic test first, then fix the underlying cause (often something in the engine/gearbox/clutch control system). If the car goes into limp mode, stop when safe and get help.
Recent recalls
| Recall number | Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| R/2025/110 | 19.03.25 | The rear seat backrest may not comply with crash safety requirements due to an inadequate weld joint. This means that there is an increased risk of rear seat passengers being injured in the event of a frontal collision if heavy loads are being transported in the luggage compartment. Until the repair has been performed we request that you do not transport any heavy loads in the luggage compartment. |
| R/2022/036 | 14.02.22 | The toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without this being noticed. |
| R/2021/236 | 25.06.21 | One or more nuts which do not meet the specifications may have been fitted on the rear axle suspension links. |
| R/2021/204 | 07.06.21 | Vehicles may have been fitted with a hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty. |
| R/2020/302 | 26.10.20 | The seat frame may not have been bolted correctly to the seat rail on the driver and/or front passenger side. |
| R/2020/265 | 02.10.20 | It is possible that moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator. |
| R/2020/138 | 30.06.20 | It is possible that moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator. |
| R/2019/175 | 03.06.19 | Hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty. |
| R/2019/149 | 09.05.19 | An error in the casting process may affect the rigidity of the shock absorber fork. |
Audi A5 2007-2017 problems
Drivers have encountered the following problems with the Mk1 Audi A5.
1. Electrical glitches
On early A5s, minor electrical faults are one of the most commonly reported problem areas. Drivers typically notice issues with things like central locking, parking sensors, or infotainment/phone connectivity playing up intermittently.
What repair is needed for electrical glitches, and how much does it cost?
The first step is to book an electrical fault diagnosis, which costs £61.50 on average for an A5, to pinpoint the cause. The mechanic who carried out the diagnostic will inform you about repair options and provide a price estimate for the work.
2. High oil consumption
Some owners of 2.0 TFSI petrol A5s report needing to top up the oil between services. Signs include a low oil warning, needing frequent top-ups, or smoke and rough running in more severe cases.
What repair is needed for high oil consumption, and how much does it cost?
A garage will usually start by checking for leaks and then diagnose internal causes if needed. A diagnostic test on FixMyCar averages £62.08; the final cost depends on what’s found.
3. Automatic gearbox problems
Some A5s fitted with the Multitronic constant velocity transmission (CVT) can suffer from shuddering, jerking, overheating, or even total failure.
What repair is needed for automatic gearbox problems, and how much does it cost?
Start with a specialist diagnostic and fluid/operation checks. If a gearbox fault is confirmed, it may need specialist repair or replacement, which can be costly - often over £1,000.
4. Convertible roof faults or leaks
On Cabriolet models, roof systems can develop problems as they age. You'll often see roof operation faults (switch/sensor/wiring issues) or water leaks if seals and drains aren’t in good shape. Always cycle the roof fully and check for damp in the boot and footwells.
What repair is needed for roof faults or leaks, and how much does it cost?
The repair depends on the cause. It could involve seal or drain maintenance; an electrical diagnosis; or fixing a sensor, switch or hydraulic issue. Because of the number of possible failure points, it’s typically diagnosed first, and then you'll be given a price estimate.
5. Grinding brakes
Some owners report brake grinding noises, and it’s also worth checking for uneven tyre wear, especially on more powerful versions. Both can hint at worn braking components and suspension wear.
What repair is needed for grinding brakes, and how much does it cost?
Brake grinding usually means new pads and discs are needed (average price: £372.87). Uneven tyre wear can often be traced back to worn suspension components; the cost of the repair will depend on which parts need to be changed.
Audi A5 2017-2024 problems
Drivers have encountered the following problems with the Mk2 Audi A5.
1. Infotainment glitches
Electrical glitches continue to be a problem in the second-gen A5, primarily affecting the infotainment system. Owners have reported flickering screens and connectivity issues.
What repair is needed for a faulty infotainment system, and how much does it cost?
First, restart the system and check the software is up to date. If issues persist, the best thing to do is take it to an Audi specialist for a diagnostic test and repair.
2. Electrical faults
Some owners report electrical issues such as warning lights triggered by sensors. These can be intermittent - everything seems fine, then a light pops up again - so it’s worth taking any repeated warnings seriously.
What repair is needed for electrical faults, and how much does it cost?
You’ll need a diagnostic scan to pinpoint the issue, then repair or replace the faulty part. The average price of an electrical fault diagnosis on FixMyCar is £74.65.
3. Exhaust system problems
On used examples, exhaust-related faults are frequently reported, which can show up as blowing noises, rattles, warning lights, or failed emissions tests depending on what has gone wrong.
What repair is needed for exhaust system problems, and how much does it cost?
The repair depends on the cause. It could be a leak repair, a sensor replacement, or replacing a damaged exhaust section. A garage will usually inspect first, then quote once the failing component is confirmed. An exhaust repair costs an average of £143.46 on FixMyCar.
4. Fuel system faults
Fuel-system issues are also noted among the more common fault categories reported by owners of the newer A5 generation. Symptoms can include hesitation, trouble starting, warning lights, and rough running.
What repair is needed for a fuel system fault, and how much does it cost?
The first step is normally diagnostics to identify whether it’s a sensor issue or a component fault. Expect a diagnostic scan (average £62.08 on FixMyCar), then costs vary depending on what’s found. A fuel injection system repair costs an average of £282.19.
Audi A5 2024-present problems
For the newest A5 (2024-present), there simply isn’t enough UK reliability and repair data yet to identify common problems in the same way we can for older generations. Early complaints from owners tend to focus on software, infotainment and connectivity glitches.
Years to avoid
There aren't any years you should avoid outright, but some versions are more likely to bring expensive problems, especially if you’re buying without a watertight service history.
2007-2012 2.0 TFSI petrol (especially early cars) - some are known for higher oil consumption, and putting it right can be expensive. Avoid any example with vague service history, frequent top-ups, or warning lights.
2007-2015 front-wheel-drive automatics with the CVT gearbox - this gearbox type has a long-running history of costly faults when it starts to shudder or slip, so it’s usually best avoided unless the history is excellent and it drives perfectly.
Find out what to look for in a used car.
Is the Audi A5 reliable?
The A5 is a sporty and good-looking car, but reliability has never been its greatest strength.
In What Car?’s 2024 Reliability Survey, the coupe version came seventh out of 15 cars in the sports car category with a score of 94.9%. Audi as a brand didn’t perform particularly well, coming 26th out of 31 manufacturers.
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Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Manager. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.