Last updated: 2026-04-20

Audi A5

1 Audi A5 Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Audi A5 average of 76/100

The Audi A5 years to avoid are 2020 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2020 with a reliability score of 70/100. The best Audi A5 year to buy is 2026 82/100.

Verdict

The 2020 Audi A5 scores significantly below the model average of 76/100. The weakest year is 2020 with a score of 70/100 due to electrical system (41) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2018 77/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Audi A5 Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Audi A5 average of 76/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202070/100Good560Electrical System (41)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

70
GoodReliability score: 70 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Audi A5

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).

5 recalls60 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (41), Unknown Or Other (14), Back Over Prevention (2), Equipment (1), Visibility (1), Air Bags (1)

View full 2020reliability report →

What Are Common Audi A5 Problems?

Top reported issues across all Audi A5 model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

47 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

16 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021

TIRES

3 complaints

Most reported in 2022

STEERING

3 complaints

Most reported in 2019

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 complaints

Most reported in 2019

BACK OVER PREVENTION

2 complaints

Most reported in 2020

Best Audi A5 Year to Buy Instead

77
GoodReliability score: 77 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Audi A5

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).

Score: 77/100 (Good)0 recalls6 complaints
View full 2018reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Audi A5 year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Audi A5 Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Audi A5 Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2026 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Audi A5 years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Audi A5 years: 2020 (score: 70/100). These model years score significantly below the Audi A5 average of 76/100.
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 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Audi A5 have?
Across all years in our database, the Audi A5 has a total of 16 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Audi A5 worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2026 model year, which scores 82/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 76/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Audi A5 problems?
The most common Audi A5 problems are electrical system (47 complaints), unknown or other (16 complaints), tires (3 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Audi A5 reliable long-term?
The Audi A5 has an average reliability score of 76/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Audi A5 generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Audi A5 generation is the Second generation (RE9) with an average score of 74/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Audi A5?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Audi A5 is $739 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2026 Audi A5 a good used buy?
Yes, the 2026 Audi A5 is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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