Last updated: 2026-10-10
2019 Audi A5 Reliability Report
The 2019 Audi A5 has good reliability and beats most 2019 sedans. Check for steering assist loss and false Pre-Sense automatic braking.
Recalls
3
Complaints
12
Complaint Rate
5.2per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$739
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,550
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
Mid-ranked among A5 years, with more complaints and recalls than the 2018 but far fewer than the 2020, and steering and Pre-Sense braking as the main faults.
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?
Yes, with a few checks. This model year has good reliability and sits above average among 2019 sedans. Within the A5 lineup it lands in the middle of 8 scored years. The 2018 rates better, with fewer complaints and no recalls. The 2020 rates worse, with far more of both. Federal crash testing gave it 5 of 5 stars.
Owners filed 12 complaints. Steering is the most serious: power assist cuts out at highway speeds, a "Steering Malfunction" message appears, and the wheel becomes very hard to turn. One dealer replaced a power steering module. Pre-Sense automatic braking also stops hard with no real threat, often during left turns across traffic. The single crash-related report describes the rear vibrating and fishtailing, with broken rear trailing arm and lower control arm hardware found afterward. Federal recall records show 3 recalls, covering tires, suspension, seats and air bags.
Ask for service records that show recall work was completed, plus any steering or suspension repairs. Test the Pre-Sense system and the steering on a drive. Also price a 2018.
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: Power steering assist cuts out without warning at highway speeds (3 complaints)
- −VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: Pre-Sense automatic braking system brakes hard when there is no real threat (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 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Reliability: 55/100
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
A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2019 Audi A5. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
5.2
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 19.1
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.
Buying a used 2019 Audi A5? Check its history first
Steering problems lead owner complaints about the 2019 Audi A5, and 3 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Audi A5 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.9%
Safety Technologies
Audi A5Repair 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.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
27 MPG
Running cost: $3,300/yr
Fuel + repair
23 city / 34 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A5 Cabriolet quattro 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 23 | 34 | 27 | $2,550 |
| A5 quattro 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 23 | 34 | 27 | $2,550 |
| A5 Sportback quattro 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 23 | 34 | 27 | $2,550 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Audi A5.
Watch the instrument panel for a "Steering Malfunction" warning at startup and throughout the test drive.
Confirm steering stays light and even at highway speed, with no sudden heaviness.
Ask for service records showing any power steering module replacement or steering repairs.
Inspect rear trailing arms, lower control arms, and their bolts for damage, and feel for rear vibration at speed.
Make a left turn across distant oncoming traffic and watch for Pre-Sense braking hard mid-turn.
Drive on a highway and note any false Pre-Sense warnings or unexpected braking.
Let auto start/stop shut the engine off at several lights and confirm it restarts promptly every time.
Shift into reverse several times and check the rear camera works with no "SOS System Deactivated" message.
2019 Audi A5 Common Problems by Component
12 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STEERING
3 complaintsSafety-relatedPower steering assist cuts out without warning at highway speeds. A "Steering Malfunction" message appears on the instrument panel, and the wheel becomes very hard to turn in either direction. One dealer traced the failure to a faulty power steering module and replaced it. The single crash-related report is a different problem. The rear of the car vibrated and then fishtailed, and the driver lost control. Damage found afterward included broken rear trailing arm and lower control arm hardware. With only 3 complaints, there is no clear mileage pattern.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaintsThe Pre-Sense automatic braking system brakes hard when there is no real threat. The most common case is a left turn across oncoming traffic. The system detects an approaching car too early and stops the vehicle partway through the turn, which can leave it sitting in the opposing lane. Hard braking on an open expressway at about 75 mph is also reported, along with a false crossroad warning. Lowering the system's sensitivity is possible, but complaints still describe the braking as a hazard. No crashes are reported.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsTwo reports describe different faults. In one, the engine stalls at a stop through the auto start/stop system and then fails to restart reliably, which can leave the car stuck in an intersection. A cruise control malfunction is mentioned alongside it. The other describes an "SOS System Deactivated" message and a blank rearview camera when shifting into reverse. Restarting the car brought the camera back but not the SOS system. A Pre-Sense warning and alarm while parked, plus windows rolling up on their own, are also reported. With only 2 complaints, no wider pattern shows.
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.
Best & Worst Audi A5 Years
Best Audi A5 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreAudi A5 Years to Avoid
Audi A5 Reliability Score Trend
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 |
| 2026 | 82/100 | Excellent |
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?
Does the 2019 Audi A5 have steering problems?
Does the 2019 Audi A5 have Pre-Sense braking problems?
Is the 2019 Audi A5 better than the 2018 or 2020?
Don’t buy a 2019 Audi A5 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2019 Audi A5
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2019 Audi A5 does best on how many systems draw complaints (78/100) and worst on repair costs (70/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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