Audi A5 years to avoid
The Audi A5 years to avoid are 2020, 2018, 2013, 2014, 2010, 2011 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2017 is the cleanest year on record.
443
Total complaints
19
Recall campaigns
2008–2025
Years covered
6
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
A5 years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | High complaint rate | 102 | |
| 2018 | High complaint rate | 47 | |
| 2013 | High complaint rate | 47 | |
| 2014 | High complaint rate | 38 | |
| 2010 | High complaint rate | 37 | |
| 2011 | High complaint rate | 30 |
Every A5 year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 13 | 2 | |
| 2024 | 14 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 11 | 0 | |
| 2022 | 8 | 2 | |
| 2021 | 8 | 5 | |
| 2020avoid | 102 | 4 | |
| 2019 | 18 | 3 | |
| 2018avoid | 47 | 6 | |
| 2017 | 0 | 2 | |
| 2016 | 9 | 3 | |
| 2015 | 11 | 3 | |
| 2014avoid | 38 | 3 | |
| 2013avoid | 47 | 3 | |
| 2012 | 25 | 0 | |
| 2011avoid | 30 | 0 | |
| 2010avoid | 37 | 0 | |
| 2009 | 17 | 1 | |
| 2008 | 8 | 1 |
Common questions
What are the worst Audi A5 years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the A5 years to avoid are 2020, 2018, 2013, 2014, 2010, 2011. The cleanest year on record is 2017.
What is the best year for the Audi A5?
By complaint volume, 2017 has the cleanest NHTSA record among A5 years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Audi A5 have?
Across all model years, the A5 has 19 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 443 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.