Audi A5 Recalls

The Audi A5 has 24 recalls spanning 2008 through 2025, with the most serious being a rear suspension lock nut defect on 2019–2021 models where a broken nut can suddenly shift rear wheel alignment and cause the driver to lose control.

A follow-on issue on 2019 models compounds this: when the lock nut repair was performed, rear wheel alignment was not always verified afterward, leaving some vehicles with a pull to one side and uneven tire wear that can eventually lead to a tire failure. Separately on the 2019–2021 model years, rear axle misalignment can also cause accelerated or uneven tire wear that raises crash risk over time.

On 2025 models, two seatbelt recalls stand out. The front seatbelt retractor on certain vehicles has a torsion bar that may have been damaged during production and can fail in a crash, reducing how well the belt restrains an occupant. The rear seatbelt automatic locking retractor may also fail to engage when a child seat is installed using the belt, leaving the seat unsecured in a crash.

The 2018 model year carries several safety equipment concerns. Front suspension fasteners on 2018 A5 Sportback vehicles may not have been tightened adequately, which can allow a front wheel to work loose. Head curtain airbags on 2018 A5 Coupe vehicles may not unfold correctly during deployment, reducing ejection protection. The passenger airbag on certain 2018 models can be disabled either by a loose mounting screw or by corrosion on the passenger occupant detection cable causing the system to misread a fault. That passenger airbag disabling issue extends into 2018–2020 models across multiple body styles. The 2020–2021 Sportback models have a wiring harness near the spare wheel well that may lack abrasion protection, so a rear crash can damage the wires and disable door releases and hazard lights. The 2021 model year also has a rearview camera that can display a blank image while reversing, and a rear seatbelt retractor that may not properly secure a child restraint.

On 2022 models, a software error can prevent the rearview camera image from appearing when the driver first shifts into reverse, and a separate infotainment system fault can also cause the camera display to go dark.

The 2017 A5 Cabriolet has a rear seatbelt pretensioner where components can break free during deployment and enter the passenger compartment. Going back to 2013–2017 models equipped with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the electric coolant pump can become blocked by debris, overheat, and start a fire. The auxiliary heater wiring on 2013–2016 models is subject to connector corrosion that can cause the wires to overheat and melt, also raising fire risk.

On 2008–2009 models, the airbag control unit can corrode and fail, preventing airbags from deploying in a crash.