The 2021 Audi A5 has 5 recalls, the most serious involving a rear axle lock nut that can break and cause the rear wheels to fall out of alignment, potentially leading to a loss of vehicle control.
The same rear axle misalignment, if not immediately apparent, can also cause premature or uneven tire wear over time, which raises its own crash risk. On the safety equipment side, a rear seatbelt retractor can fail to properly secure a child restraint system, leaving a child seat insufficiently anchored in a crash. There are also two concerns specific to Sportback body styles: the wiring harness for the rear lights may lack protective covering in the spare wheel well area, so a rear-end collision can damage those wires and disable the hazard lights as well as the exterior door release, trapping occupants inside. Rounding out the list, the rearview camera display can go blank while reversing, cutting off the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue may cause the rearview camera display to show a blank or black screen instead of the camera image when reverse gear is engaged.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the infotainment unit software at no cost to restore rearview camera display functionality.
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Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear axle alignment was not inspected after previous recall repairs were completed, which could result in improper wheel positioning and uneven tire wear.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect rear axle alignment, adjust if needed, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear middle seat belt's automatic locking mechanism may stop working too early, preventing child car seats from being secured properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the middle-rear seat belt assemblies at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lock nut securing the trailing arm on the rear axle can break due to stress corrosion, potentially affecting rear suspension stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the lock nuts and associated bolts if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring harness for the rear lights may lack protective covering in the spare wheel well, risking damage from abrasion.
What the fix does
Dealers will apply protective covering to the wiring harness at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
