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 S5.
23 mpg combined
10.2 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 2021 Audi S5 has 5 recalls, the most serious involving a rear axle lock nut that can break and cause the rear axle to fall out of alignment, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
A related recall covers the same rear axle alignment problem from a different angle: when the axle drifts out of position, it can cause premature or uneven tire wear that raises the risk of a crash over time. These two issues together make the rear suspension the most significant concern on this vehicle. On the safety equipment side, a rear seatbelt retractor can fail to hold a child restraint system securely in place, leaving a child seat inadequately anchored in a crash. The tail light wiring harness on Sportback variants may be missing protective covering where it runs near the spare wheel well, and if the car is struck from behind, those exposed wires can be damaged, disabling the door release from the outside and cutting out the hazard lights when they are needed most. There is also a rearview camera issue where the display can go blank while reversing, leaving the driver without a 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
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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.