2017 Audi A5 Reliability Report

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

Not
scored

Not scored

Not enough data to score. Too few were made for a reliable rate.

Owner complaints: 2
Per 10,000 cars: 6.2; 3,241 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: –
Serious outcomes: 1; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 3
NHTSA crash rating: –

← 2016 A5 2018 A5 →

Should You Buy the 2017 Audi A5?

We do not score the 2017 Audi A5. Too few were made for a reliable rate, so we show the facts only.

The 2016 A5, from the same generation, scored 86 and rated Excellent. That is a useful guide, not a guarantee.

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

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

No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
2 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs

Cons

None stand out.

What Owners Report

We read all 2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 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 2.

No problem shows up in more than one of the complaints we read.

Reported Once (5)

Show the 5 problems reported once

Engine air intake failure
Engine failure
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
Timing chain or camshaft failure
Vibration (cause not stated)

How the 2017 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 This year	Not scored	–	–	6.2	3	–
2016	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

2017 Audi A5 Recalls

Three recalls cover the 2017 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.
Seatbelt Component May Detach and Enter the Cabin
Although, the seat belt will operate as intended in the event of a crash, the pretensioner component may be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 17V150000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 8, 2017. By the third quarter of 2018, 83% 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.

2017 Audi A5 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has two warranty extensions for the 2017 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 2017 A5, from its three recalls and two Audi warranty extensions that may still apply.

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
Seatbelt Component May Detach and Enter the Cabin NHTSA 17V150000
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

Ask the Seller

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.