VehicleVerdict

2016 Audi A5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 2016 Audi A5 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

9

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other A5 years?

A5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Audi A5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine333%
Transmission222%
Electrical System111%
Other111%
Steering111%
Body & Structure111%

Does the 2016 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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 1, 2018

“The drive chain broke, causing permanent damage to the engine which requires a complete engine replacement. The car was 5 + years old with 38,000 miles on it and well maintained.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 9, 2021

“Immediately after taking it home from a dealership, I noticed the MMI system wasn’t turning on. I figured it would fix itself, but it’s been 4 days and nothing has happened. The screen stays black when starting the car. When I reset the MMI by holding the volume knob for 10 seconds, it briefly…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 15, 2026

“Electromechanical steering rack has gone out. Had this completely failed while driving myself and others could be put in serious harm of a collision or crash. There are many online complaints and issues with the audi steering racks. No other warnings then it just went out at the same time it tells…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 13, 2024

2016 Audi A5 — common questions

Is the 2016 Audi A5 reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Audi A5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 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.