2016 Audi A5 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Excellent

Ranks 2nd of 16 A5 years we score.

Owner complaints: 8; 1 is a recall notice
Per 10,000 cars: 6.8; 10,365 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.27×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 2; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 3
NHTSA crash rating: –

← 2015 A5 2017 A5 →

Should You Buy the 2016 Audi A5?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2016 Audi A5 is 86 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about a third as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 2nd of the 16 A5 years we score.

The most reported problem is loss of power (2 of 8 complaints). Owners also complain about the steering. 2 of the 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 3 recalls. Audi also offers two warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine and driver assistance systems. For comparison, the 2015 scores 88.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-21-04 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Excellent reliability score of 86
About a third of the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Loss of power (cause not stated)2 complaints
Steering: fault code2 complaints

How the 2016 A5 Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.25×	−3
Everyday problems	0.33×	−2
Problems in the last two years	0.31×	−4
Recalls	0.64×	−5
Score		86

What Owners Report

We read all 8 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Audi A5, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 8.

Loss of power (cause not stated)
2 complaints (25%)
A loss of power and reduced power or limp mode. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Steering: fault code
2 complaints (25%)
A stored fault code and a failure.

Reported Once (5)

Show the 5 problems reported once

Door latches: not opening or unlocking
Engine failure: damage
Screen and audio: stopped working
Drive chain: parts breaking or coming apart
Moved forward with reverse selected (cause not stated)

How the 2016 Audi A5 Compares With Other Years

The other A5 years of the 1st generation, 2008 to 2017, and the years just before and after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2018	Good	75	0.56×	13.9	8	Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
2017	Not scored	–	–	6.2	3	–
2016 This year	Excellent	86	0.27×	6.8	3	Loss of power (cause not stated)
2015	Excellent	88	0.21×	7.6	3	Brakes: vibration or shudder
2014	Good	76	0.51×	17.8	3	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2013	Good	73	0.70×	24.4	3	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2012	Excellent	82	0.39×	13.1	3	Cooling system: a leak
2011	Excellent	80	0.44×	17.0	3	Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
2010	Good	73	0.87×	32.1	2	Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
2009	Excellent	85	0.33×	12.5	1	Cooling system: a leak
2008	Good	77	0.66×	22.2	1	Screen and audio: works on and off

See every A5 year

2016 Audi A5 Recalls

Three recalls cover the 2016 Audi A5. The most recent was issued in April 2018: “Coolant Pump May Overheat or Short-Circuit.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Coolant Pump May Overheat or Short-Circuit
A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 18V229000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 11, 2018. By the second quarter of 2020, 87% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Auxiliary Heater Electrical Connector May Melt
Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt. The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 17V622000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 5, 2017. By the first quarter of 2019, 86% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Coolant Pump May Overheat and Cause Fire
If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 17V002000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 3, 2017. By the second quarter of 2018, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2016 Audi A5 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has two warranty extensions for the 2016 Audi A5, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine and driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.

Warranty extensionAudi AWA-21-04
Turbocharger failure
The problem:
The turbo can fail. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed turbo, with any parts and labor needed.
Who qualifies:
Certain settlement class cars: 2013 to 2016 A4 sedan and allroad, 2013 to 2017 A5 and Q5, and 2012 to 2015 A6. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not. Each car's term depends on coolant pump work.
Coverage:
At least 14 months from April 12, 2021 or a coolant pump recall. No miles are stated. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-04
Automatic emergency braking system faults
The problem:
The automatic emergency braking, or AEB, system can malfunction when its control unit, a camera, the LIDAR or a sensor fails.
The fix:
An Audi dealer repairs the AEB fault and Audi pays 75 percent of the cost. Damage from crashes, impacts, moved sensors or weather is not covered.
Who qualifies:
Certain Audis covered by the settlement, with a confirmed fault in the AEB control unit, cameras, LIDAR or sensors. If the new car warranty's time ran out by May 16, 2024, the extension's time limit was November 16, 2024.
Coverage:
Up to 12 months or 12,000 miles after the new car warranty ends. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2016 A5, from its three recalls, two Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Coolant Pump May Overheat or Short-Circuit NHTSA 18V229000
Auxiliary Heater Electrical Connector May Melt NHTSA 17V622000
Coolant Pump May Overheat and Cause Fire NHTSA 17V002000

Ask an Audi Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

AWA-21-04: turbocharger failure
AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults

On the Test Drive

Drive long enough to warm up fully, including at highway speed, and note any stalling or loss of power.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Loss of power
Steering
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All A5 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.