VehicleVerdict

Audi S5 years to avoid

The Audi S5 years to avoid are 2020, 2018 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2021 is the cleanest year on record.

208

Total complaints

14

Recall campaigns

2008–2025

Years covered

2

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

S5 years to avoid

YearWhyComplaints
2020High complaint rate50
2018High complaint rate40

Every S5 year

YearComplaintsRecalls
2025222
202420
202331
202222
202115
2020avoid504
201964
2018avoid402
201630
201540
201470
2013200
2012101
201191
2010260
200830

Common questions

What are the worst Audi S5 years?

Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the S5 years to avoid are 2020, 2018. The cleanest year on record is 2021.

What is the best year for the Audi S5?

By complaint volume, 2021 has the cleanest NHTSA record among S5 years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Audi S5 have?

Across all model years, the S5 has 14 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 208 consumer complaints on file.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.