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2016 Audi A5Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 2016 Audi A5, most often about the engine. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-622 the manufacturer reports only 86% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Lowest repair rate 86%Owner complaints70 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage35kEngine, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 18, 2026. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2016 Audi A5 has problems

7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine30
Power train20
Electrical system10
Steering10
Structure10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

2016 Audi A5 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

87%repaired · 2020 Q2

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system

Recall 18V-229 · Apr 11, 2018 · 342,867 vehicles · 298,681 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

92%repaired · 2018 Q2

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system

Recall 17V-002 · Jan 3, 2017 · 342,867 vehicles · 314,329 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.

Best & worst years

2016 vs. every other A5 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the A5 median. How we score

'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2016 Audi A5 safety ratings

2016 Audi A5 2 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Optional
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What A5 owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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 11431232 · Aug 31, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A5. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS MAKING A THREE POINT TURN WITH THE SHIFTER IN THE REVERSE POSITION, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND MOVED APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 5 FEET WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST…
Complaint 11228900 · Jul 2, 2019 · 35,000 miles
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 11130219 · Sep 18, 2018

Own a 2016 A5?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.