Last updated: 2026-04-20
Audi A5 Reliability by Year
The Audi A5 averages 76/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Audi A5 Reliability Overview
The Audi A5, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 76/100, categorized as good. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions, particularly with the Multi-Media Interface (MMI), and occasional concerns with steering and vehicle speed control in earlier models. With an estimated annual repair cost of $739 and a medium reliability rating of 3.5/5, the A5 is suitable for those aware of its historical electrical and control system issues, particularly in the 2019 and 2020 models.
Current generation: 3rd gen (2025–2023).
Best & Worst Audi A5 Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Audi A5 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Audi A5 year is 2026 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2023 (81/100) and 2025 (77/100).
Audi A5 Years to Avoid
The worst Audi A5 year is 2020 with a score of 70/100, primarily due to electrical system (41) issues.
Audi A5 Reliability Score Trend
Audi A5 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 79/100 compared to 73/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 82/100 | Excellent |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Audi A5
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Audi A5 has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Audi A5.
2025 Audi A5
0 recalls · 1 complaints
The 2025 Audi A5 has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 1 owner complaint on file for the 2025 Audi A5. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (1).
2023 Audi A5
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2023 Audi A5 has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Audi A5.
2022 Audi A5
3 recalls · 5 complaints
The 2022 Audi A5 has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 5 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Audi A5. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Tires (3), Wheels (1), Forward Collision Avoidance (1).
2021 Audi A5
5 recalls · 7 complaints
The 2021 Audi A5 has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 7 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Audi A5. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (2), Electrical System (2), Power Train (1).
2020 Audi A5
5 recalls · 60 complaints
The 2020 Audi A5 has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 60 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Audi A5. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (41), Unknown Or Other (14), Back Over Prevention (2).
2019 Audi A5
3 recalls · 12 complaints
The 2019 Audi A5 has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 12 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Audi A5. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (3), Vehicle Speed Control (3), Electrical System (2).
2018 Audi A5
0 recalls · 6 complaints
The 2018 Audi A5 has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 6 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Audi A5. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (2), Engine (2), Engine And Engine Cooling (1).
Found Your Audi A5? Check Its History
Every Audi A5 has a different past. Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Audi A5 Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$739
Repair Frequency
0.6/yr
Audi A5 Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Audi Models
Compare all Audi models by reliability
Compare Audi A5 With Similar Sedans
The Audi A5 competes with other midsize sedans such as BMW 4-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
BMW 4-Series reliability
9 years tracked · 579 complaints
Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability
8 years tracked · 2186 complaints
Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability
8 years tracked · 469 complaints
Audi E-Tron-GT reliability
4 years tracked · 21 complaints
Lexus IS reliability
9 years tracked · 44 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Audi A5 reliable?
- The Audi A5 has good reliability with an average score of 76/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Audi A5?
- The best year for the Audi A5 is 2026 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. It has 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on record. See full 2026 Audi A5analysis →
- What are the Audi A5 years to avoid?
- The Audi A5 years to avoid include 2020 (70/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Audi A5?
- The Audi A5 has an estimated annual repair cost of $739. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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