Last updated: 2026-03-15
2019 Audi A5 Reliability Report
The 2019 Audi A5 scores 73/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 12 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
3
Complaints
12
Complaint Rate
5.2
per 10k sold
Est. Annual Cost
$739
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- STEERING (3)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is year 2 of the Second generation (RE9).
- Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
- A refresh arrives in 2022.
- 2nd generation A5 (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2018 (redesign year) vs 2019+ pricing and recalls.
2018: Second generation (RE9) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is year 2 of the Second generation (RE9).
2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2019 Audi A5?
The 2019 Audi A5 scores 73/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is year 2 of the Second generation (RE9).
With 12 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to steering (3). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2020 Audi A5, which scored 3 points lower. See also the 2018 Audi A5 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Below-average complaint rate for Sedan
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −STEERING: Sudden steering failure while driving (3 complaints)
- −VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: Issues with the 2019 Audi A5's pre-sense system, which frequently applies... (3 complaints)
Compare 2019 Audi A5 With
2019 BMW 4-Series
Reliability: 55/100
2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Reliability: 50/100
2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Reliability: 54/100
2019 Lexus IS
Reliability: 79/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- STEERING (3)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
The 2019 Audi A5 has 3 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
5.2
per 10k soldSegment avg: 17
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Audi A5 Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Audi A5. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
TIRES, SUSPENSION
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Consequence
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
SEATS, AIR BAGS
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
Consequence
A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 74E3. This recall is an expansion of Recall 19V-547 (74D9). Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-547 will need to return for the new remedy.
SUSPENSION
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Consequence
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
2019 Audi A5 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.9%
Safety Technologies
Audi A5 Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$739
Repair Frequency
0.6
unscheduled repair visits per year
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Audi A5.
Test Auto start/stop for stalling at stops
Inspect power steering for stiffness or malfunction warnings
Check pre-sense system for unexpected braking
Verify rearview camera operation in reverse
Inspect for water accumulation in rear passenger door well
Ensure door locks function properly with key fob
Buying a 2019 A5? Check Its History First
Every 2019 Audi A5 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
2019 Audi A5 Common Problems by Component
12 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STEERING
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Audi A5 report issues with the electric power steering system, primarily involving sudden steering failure while driving. Complaints frequently mention the steering wheel becoming extremely difficult to turn, often accompanied by a "Steering Malfunction" message on the instrument panel. These incidents occur at highway speeds, around 50-55 MPH, and one report specifies a failure at approximately 17,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one owner nearly crashing and another reporting a crash resulting in a total loss due to a separate issue involving rear suspension components. Used car buyers should be aware of the potential for steering malfunctions that may pose safety risks.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2019 Audi A5's pre-sense system, which frequently applies brakes unexpectedly. Complaints describe the system engaging during left turns at intersections and while driving at high speeds on expressways, despite no immediate danger being present. This sudden braking can lead to hazardous situations, particularly when the vehicle is in the path of oncoming traffic or traveling at high speeds. The incidents occur at various speeds and scenarios, with no specific mileage range consistently noted. These patterns suggest potential safety implications due to loss of control or increased risk of collision during abrupt braking events.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Audi A5 report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the Auto start/stop function and the SOS system. Complaints frequently mention the Auto start/stop malfunctioning, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly at stops, which poses a risk of collision, as described by one owner who nearly experienced an accident in an intersection. Another owner reports the "SOS System Deactivated" message appearing, alongside the rearview camera becoming inoperable, which can affect visibility and safety. These issues are reported around 25,000 miles, with additional symptoms like the Audi pre-sense warning activating unexpectedly, causing the seat belt to tighten without cause. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, including loss of vehicle control and compromised safety features.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2019 Audi A5. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V874000 (Seats, Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1 complaints)
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2019 Audi A5. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked with the engine running, all four doors of the vehicle locked independently while she was outside of the vehicle and in possession of the keys. The contact was unable to unlock the door of the vehicle using the key fob or the keys manually. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact’s son who was occupying the vehicle assisted her in unlocking the doors. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while her two-year-old daughter was in the car seat on the rear passenger’s side. The contact was unable to unlock the door of the vehicle using the key fob or the keys manually. The contact was finally able to unlock the vehicle with the assistance of the fire department. Additionally, the contact stated that the child safety lock of the vehicle was manual and would unlock inadvertently while driving, which made it possible for her daughter to open the door. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintOn three different occasions, I have experienced automatic emergency braking of the car which, rather than keeping me safe, placed me in a very dangerous situation. Each time, I was in a controlled intersection on a green light and in the left turn lane, with oncoming traffic also having a green light. When it was amply safe to make the left turn, with oncoming traffic at a safe distance from the intersection, I began my left turn. Just as my car was turning in front of that oncoming traffic, and just as I needed to proceed safely and promptly through the intersection, the Pre-Sense system jammed on the brakes, stopping my car in the path of oncoming traffic. In the time it took to get over the shock of that happening and finish the turn, and if the oncoming traffic had not been paying attention, serious accidents could have resulted. Please note that all three of these incidents occurred with the Pre-Sense system set at its least sensitive position. I have since turned the system off completely. I have not contacted the dealer or the manufacturer.
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintWATER IS COLLECTING IN THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WELL OR THE DOOR SILL. WATER SLOSHING IS HEARD WHEN BRAKING OR ACCELERATING FROM STOP. PROBLEM IS MORE SEVERE AFTER RAINS OR CAR WASHES.
When Do 2019 Audi A5 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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 2023 with a reliability score of 81/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (77/100) and 2018 (77/100).
Audi A5 Years to Avoid
No Audi A5 years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Audi A5 maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Audi A5 Reliability Score Trend
Audi A5 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 75/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Audi A5 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Audi A5 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Audi A5?
How many recalls does the 2019 Audi A5 have?
Is the 2019 Audi A5 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Audi A5 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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. 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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