Last updated: 2026-03-15

RELIABILITY SCORE: 71/100 (GOOD)

2021 Audi A5 Reliability Report

Name: 2021 Audi A5
Brand: Audi

The 2021 Audi A5 scores 71/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 7 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

4.1

per 10k sold

Est. Annual Cost

$739

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity72/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact68/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity75/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
POWER TRAIN (1)
AIR BAGS (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 4)

2021 is year 4 of the Second generation (RE9).

Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
A refresh arrives in 2022.
2nd generation A5 (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2018: Second generation (RE9) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2021: This Model Year

2021 is year 4 of the Second generation (RE9).

2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2021 Audi A5?

The 2021 Audi A5 scores 71/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2021 is year 4 of the Second generation (RE9).

With 7 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 unknown or other (2). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2022 Audi A5, which scored 3 points higher. See also the 2020 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
−UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Owners of the 2021 Audi A5 report issues related to transmission warnings and... (2 complaints)
−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (2 complaints)

Compare 2021 Audi A5 With

2021 BMW 4-Series

Reliability: 57/100

Mixed

2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Reliability: 47/100

Mixed

2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Reliability: 56/100

Mixed

2021 Lexus IS

Reliability: 83/100

Excellent

2021 Audi A4

Reliability: 71/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

5 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2021 Audi A5 has 5 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

4.1

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 17.9

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2021 Audi A5 Recall Details

5 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Audi A5. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

22V7420002022-10-05

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.

22V0340002022-01-26

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.

21V6060002021-08-05

SEAT BELTS

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).

2021 Audi A5 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 9.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Audi A5 Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5

Based 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 2021 Audi A5.

Check transmission for metal debris and shifting issues
Verify airbag system functionality and recall completion (74E3)
Test backup camera for consistent operation
Inspect instrument panel for flickering or failure
Ensure no water damage under rear seat affecting electrical components

Buying a 2021 A5? Check Its History First

Every 2021 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.

Look Up a VIN

2021 Audi A5 Common Problems by Component

7 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)POWER TRAIN (1)AIR BAGS (1)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Audi A5 report issues related to transmission warnings and backup camera malfunctions. One complaint details a transmission warning light that progresses to a complete inability to shift gears, requiring the vehicle to be towed, though no overheating or engine shutdown occurs. Another complaint involves a recurring problem with the backup camera, which after a recall repair, still displays a white, black, or frozen screen. The transmission issue occurs while driving, potentially impacting vehicle operability, while the camera problem affects rear visibility. No specific mileage is mentioned, but the transmission issue involves a prolonged repair period without a clear diagnosis.

2 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Audi A5 report issues with the electrical system, specifically involving the instrument panel and power loss. One complaint describes the instrument panel blinking and then going dark while driving at 35 MPH, with the issue requiring a replacement panel at 56,795 miles. Another owner reports a loss of power and inability to restart after shifting from reverse to drive at 5 MPH, attributed to a wet gateway under the rear seat, necessitating the replacement of the gateway and battery at 3,500 miles. These issues present potential safety implications, such as sudden power loss while driving. Buyers should be aware of these electrical concerns, particularly at varying mileage levels.

2 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

2025-10-24

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? TRANSMISSION - GEAR SHIFT How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? THE CAR STOPPED SHIFTING GEARS AND WE WHEN THE CAR INSTRUCTED US TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY IT WASN'T A SAFE PLACE TO STOP THE CAR. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? SO FAR AUDI NOR THE DEALERSHIP HAVE BEEN ABLE TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. ONLY THAT THEY SEE PIECES OF METAL IN THE TRANSMISSION LINE. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER HAVE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION WARNING CAME ON TWICE AND TAKE YOUR CAR TO THE NEAREST REPAIR FACILITY WARNING CAME ON ONCE.

AIR BAGS (1 complaints)

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

2025-12-21

The passenger side air bag indicator constantly turns off and on in my Audi no matter if there is or is not a passenger in the seat. I took my vehicle to an authorized Audi service center to have the issue checked and they determined the issue to be a failed pods mat based on the error code returned. Upon researching, I’ve discovered that this issue was a safety recall issue with Audi A5 Sportback vehicles in 2020. My vehicle was manufactured during the time of this particular recall and the issue appears to be indicative of this recall. The recall was safety recall code: 74E3.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

2024-02-10

There was no damage caused. The audi pre sense technology (automatic braking) has come close to causing several accidents by braking extremely hard when there has been no reason to brake.

When Do 2021 Audi A5 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

3,000–56,000 milesElectrical system failures

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 score

The 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).

Top Pick

Excellent

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.

See full Audi A5 years-to-avoid analysis

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.

Audi A5 reliability scores by year
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

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	77/100 (predicted)	—	Predicted	0	0
2025	77/100	-4	Good	0	1
2023	81/100	+7	Excellent	0	0
2022	74/100	+3	Good	3	5
2021(selected)	71/100	+1	Good	5	7
2020	70/100	-3	Good	5	60
2019	73/100	-4	Good	3	12
2018	77/100	—	Good	0	6

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Audi A5 reliable?

The 2021 Audi A5 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 71/100. It is reasonably reliable with 5 recalls and 7 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi A5?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Audi A5 include: UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints), POWER TRAIN (1 complaints), AIR BAGS (1 complaints), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2021 Audi A5 have?

The 2021 Audi A5 has 5 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2021 Audi A5 expensive to maintain?

The 2021 Audi A5 has estimated annual repair costs of $739/year. With a reliability score of 71/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2021 Audi A5 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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.