NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
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
This page covers 5 recalls and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Audi Rs 5.
20 mpg combined
11.8 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 2021 Audi RS 5 has 5 recalls, the most serious involving a rear axle lock nut that can break and misalign the rear axle, causing loss of vehicle control and raising the risk of a crash.
A related issue compounds the axle concern: rear axle misalignment can also cause premature or uneven tire wear, which further increases crash risk over time as the tires degrade unevenly and grip becomes inconsistent. On the safety equipment side, a rear seatbelt retractor can fail to secure a child restraint system properly, leaving a child seat insufficiently anchored during a crash. There is also a visibility concern: the rearview camera display can go blank while reversing, leaving the driver without any image of what is behind the vehicle. Finally, on certain Sportback trims, the wiring harness for the rear lights may lack abrasion protection near the spare wheel well. In a rear collision, the exposed wires can get damaged, knocking out the hazard lights and preventing the doors from being opened from the outside, which can trap occupants after a crash.
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
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Dealers will update the infotainment unit software at no cost to restore rearview camera display functionality.
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.