NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
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.
This page covers 5 recalls and EPA fuel economy for the 2019 Audi Rs 5.
21 mpg combined
11.2 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
The 2019 Audi RS 5 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, leading to a loss of vehicle control.
Two recalls address the front passenger airbag. A connector cable in the passenger occupant detection system can oxidize and cause the vehicle's software to incorrectly flag a fault, disabling the passenger airbag entirely. A separate but related issue involves the passenger seat sensor itself malfunctioning in a way that also leaves the passenger airbag switched off. In either case, the airbag would not deploy in a crash, removing a key layer of protection for the front passenger.
On the electrical side, certain RS 5 Coupe models were fitted with an incorrect cover over the positive battery terminal. In a rear-end collision, this cover can allow the 12-volt electrical system to fail, which may prevent the doors from being unlocked from the outside and can disable the hazard warning lights at the moment they are most needed.
The fifth recall also concerns rear axle alignment: when the rear axle sits out of its correct position, it causes the tires to wear unevenly or prematurely. A tire worn down faster than expected on one edge can lose grip sooner than the driver anticipates, raising the risk of a crash.
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.
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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
A cable connecting the seat heater to the passenger air bag detection system may develop a contact fault, causing the system to incorrectly disable the passenger air bag.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover at no cost.
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
An incorrect positive battery terminal cover was installed on these vehicles, which could cause electrical issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the positive terminal cover at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Oxidation on the Passenger Occupant Detection System connecting cable may cause the software to incorrectly diagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
What the fix does
Dealers will install cable ties to the harness at no cost to secure the cable and prevent oxidation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.