VehicleVerdict

2014 Audi A5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 38 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.5 times the median A5 year — the 2014 model ranks #4 of 18 A5 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 10 reports (26% of the total).

38

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2014 compare to other A5 years?

A5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted102 complaints2008: 8 complaints2009: 17 complaints2010: 37 complaints2011: 27 complaints2012: 25 complaints2013: 43 complaints2014: 38 complaints2015: 11 complaints2016: 9 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 46 complaints2019: 18 complaints2020: 102 complaints2021: 8 complaints2022: 7 complaints2023: 11 complaints2024: 13 complaints2025: 8 complaints
A5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 Audi A5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1026%
Steering924%
Electrical System718%
Other411%
Visibility & Wipers38%
Fuel System25%
Speed Control13%
Seats13%
Body & Structure13%

Does the 2014 Audi A5 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V229000EngineApril 11, 2018 · 342,867 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.

Consequence

A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.

17V622000Electrical SystemOctober 5, 2017 · 216,913 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.

Consequence

The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The Recall began November 27, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 80C5 and 80C6.

17V002000EngineJanuary 3, 2017 · 342,867 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.

Consequence

If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2014 Audi A5. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the oil light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact drove to the local dealer. The dealer informed the contact that many vehicles had experienced oil issues. The oil was topped off. The dealer…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 20, 2022

“SIMILAR PROBLEM TO ANOTHER FILED COMPLAINT, MODIFIED FOR THE MILEAGE AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT....2014 AUDI A5 WITH APPROX 56K MILES. THE STEERING SYSTEM HAS BEGUN TO OFFER INCONSISTENT RESISTANCE TO DRIVER INPUT, WHICH IMPACTS DRIVER'S ABILITY TO JUDGE THE AMOUNT OF FORCE NEEDED TO TURN THE WHEEL TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 1, 2018

“NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 18V229 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: 19N4 RECALL DATE: I WAS NOTIFIED OF THIS IN DECEMBER OF 2017. NOTHING HAS HAPPENED YET, BUT IT IS SEPT 10TH 2018 AND THERE IS NO SOLUTION. I WAS UNABLE TO MAKE A TRADE-IN OF MY VEHICLE DUE TO THE UNRESOLVED RECALL ISSUE. I DO NOT THINK THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 1, 2017

“Jack failed while using to lift car. The "teeth" (hidden underneath the silver body mounting point) which engage the left and right halves of the jack scissors had become mashed up, and slipped a notch or two, suddenly dropping the car downwards. Yes I have the part for inspection. Audi Seattle…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 30, 2023

“AUDI OF SEATTLE CONFIRMED 1/22/2018 THAT MY CAR IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED, BUT I BELIEVE THIS DESIGN IS UNSAFE AND UNDESIRABLE. SPECIFICALLY, WHEN DRIVING IN REVERSE USING THE BACKUP CAMERA VIEW, IF I RECEIVE AN INCOMING CELL PHONE CALL TO MY PAIRED PHONE, THE CAR PRIORITIZES THE TELEPHONE SCREEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 22, 2018

2014 Audi A5 — common questions

Is the 2014 Audi A5 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 38 complaints put the 2014 model at #4 of 18 A5 years. It is one of the A5 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2014 A5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (10 complaints), steering (9 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints).

Does the 2014 Audi A5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2014 Audi A5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi A5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the A5 years to avoid are 2020, 2018, 2013, 2014, 2010. The cleanest record among A5 years belongs to 2017.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.