Last updated: 2026-10-10

Audi A5

Audi A5 Years to Avoid

8 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 76/100

Skip the 2020 model year. Owners report the MMI screen rebooting on its own, and the backup camera and collision warnings drop out each time it restarts. The 2023 is the year to buy, with no complaints or recalls on file.

Verdict

Avoid
2020 70/100
Buy
2023 81/100
Model average
76/100
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

Owners filed 60 complaints, 41 of them electrical. The MMI screen goes black and reboots, sometimes every 1 to 2 minutes. During each restart the backup camera, parking sensors and collision warnings stop. Dealer software updates often fail, and one quote for an added module was $1,500. Five recalls are also on file.

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?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

47 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2019

2020: The MMI screen goes black and reboots on its own, sometimes every 30 minutes, often every 1 to 2 minutes.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

16 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021

2020: These reports describe the same MMI reboot loop.

TIRES

3 complaints

Most reported in 2022

2022: Tread separates from the tire belt, and some tires burst without warning at highway speed.

STEERING

3 complaints

Most reported in 2019

2019: Power steering assist cuts out without warning at highway speeds.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 complaints

Most reported in 2019

2019: The Pre-Sense automatic braking system brakes hard when there is no real threat.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

2 complaints

Most reported in 2020

2020: The MMI reboots while the car is in reverse, which shuts off the cameras and takes away parking and collision warnings until the system comes back.

Best Audi A5 Year to Buy Instead

81
ExcellentReliability score: 81 out of 100, rated Excellent

2023 Audi A5

The 2023 has no recalls and no owner complaints on file, and it has been on the road long enough to have collected some. The 2020 drew 60 complaints and five recalls. Choosing 2023 steers you away from the MMI reboot pattern that dominates that year.

Score: 81/100 (Excellent)0 recalls0 complaints
View full 2023reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2023 Audi A5 has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Audi A5 Years by Generation

Audi A5 Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Audi A5 years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2020. It stands well below the model's own average, with 60 owner complaints, most about the MMI screen rebooting. It also has five recalls on file. No other year is flagged for avoidance.
Why is the 2020 Audi A5 a problem year?
The MMI screen goes black and reboots on its own, sometimes every minute or two. While it restarts, the backup camera, parking sensors and collision warnings stop working. Owners describe near collisions, and dealer software updates often do not stop it.
Which Audi A5 year is best to buy used?
The 2023 is the best pick. It has excellent reliability, with no recalls and no owner complaints on file. The 2026 also rates well, but with so little time on the road its clean record says little yet.
Is the 2021 Audi A5 a good year?
It is not flagged for avoidance. The 2021 shows only 7 owner complaints, though it carries five recalls and ranks among the lowest-rated years. The 2023 is a safer choice if you can find one.
Can the 2020 Audi A5 screen problem be fixed?
Not reliably, according to owners. Dealer software updates often fail to stop the reboots. Some dealers say an SOS module must be replaced first, and one quote was $1,500. Some reports say reboots began suddenly in 2025.

How we score every Audi A5 model year

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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