Audi S5 Complaints

158 consumer complaints on file.

#11762424September 6, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I am filing this safety complaint regarding my 2025 Audi S5, VIN [XXX]. Since taking delivery on [XXX], the vehicle has experienced repeated and intermittent malfunctions involving the driver-assistance and steering systems. On numerous occasions, the Lane Departure Warning/Lane Assist system has applied unexpected and excessive steering input. When attempting to change lanes, including while using the turn signal, the vehicle has at times attempted to steer back toward the original lane. The system has also made intrusive steering corrections while I am already traveling within my lane. These events can be unpredictable and create concern that the vehicle may unexpectedly alter my intended steering direction. The vehicle also repeatedly displays warnings stating that driver-assistance systems are currently limited or unavailable. These warnings have occurred in both rainy and clear/dry conditions and have occurred while the vehicle is being driven at highway speeds. In addition, I have repeatedly experienced a clunking sensation/noise through the steering/front axle area during sharp turns, full-lock steering, parking maneuvers, and roundabouts. The vehicle has been presented to an authorized Audi dealership multiple times for these recurring concerns. A software update was performed in August 2026. The vehicle initially appeared improved, but the driver-assistance and steering symptoms returned shortly afterward and have continued. These are recurring, intermittent safety-related problems, not a single isolated event. I am concerned that unpredictable steering intervention and repeated driver-assistance system failures could contribute to loss of vehicle control or a collision. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate these recurring safety concerns. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761885September 3, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Summary of Safety Event: While traveling at highway speeds with active traffic behind me, the vehicle’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suffered an un-commanded, severe "phantom braking" event. The vehicle aggressively engaged the emergency service brakes and decelerated rapidly with absolutely no obstacles, pedestrians, or vehicles ahead. This sudden, violent deceleration created an immediate and high-risk rear-end collision hazard.Cascading Component Failures:In tandem with the dangerous autonomous braking behavior, the vehicle's electronic architecture (E³ 1.2 platform) is exhibiting chronic software instability. The High-Performance Computing infotainment stack continuously enters an internal network routing loop, displaying "Hotspot Reconfiguring" error messages. This completely crashes the cloud connectivity, signs out the primary driver profile, and force-reboots the central MMI display screen and wireless Android Auto interfaces mid-drive.Manufacturer Actions & Hazard Status:I have contacted the manufacturer (Audi of America) and local dealership service networks regarding these systemic software and safety issues, which Audi documents under master overview Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2081477. The vehicle currently poses an active safety risk to myself and surrounding motorists due to unpredictable braking behavior. The manufacturer has not yet provided a date to flash the corrected firmware containers (KD2* software update) to resolve the sensor fusion logic flaws.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760860August 31, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
The Lane Keep Assist system will randomly attempt to steer into the shoulder or oncoming lane. This requires rapid correction from the driver to maintain travel within the lane. The most recent incident attempted to steer the vehicle into an oncoming school bus. Multiple repair attempts have been made by three dealers, the third of which performed a camera cleaning and ADAS calibration which was not covered under either the new vehicle warranty or the extended service contract despite being within the terms of both. The first dealer declined to test the vehicle, stating they did not have the necessary equipment to attempt a repair. The second declined to reproduce any of the issues noted at drop-off or perform any inspections beyond a "test drive" to and from the service center from the dealership. At the first two dealers, the lane keep assist was turned off when the vehicle was returned. After the final repair, the vehicle now usually stays in the middle of the lane and the top-down 360 degree camera view now accurately shows obstructions around the vehicle, and no more hidden obstacles suddenly "pop" into the rearview camera. This fault with the lane keep assist is most noticeable when using the system on two lane rural highways, though it can happen elsewhere. The indicator for the side of the vehicle being corrected changes from green to red as expected for intervention during each event. No specific fault codes are logged for this activation. This issue has been present since delivery of the vehicle. Similar loaners from the dealer provided during service do not exhibit this same fault on the same roads in the same locations.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756778August 13, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM), ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Audi S5. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was a Control Area Network (CAN) bus system unit TCM error, power brake, and engine failure. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted and was unable to determine the cause of the failure. However, the dealer wanted to replace the CAN bus unit. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,662.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745428June 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I was making a left hand turn at an intersection with no cars in immediate proximity to my car and the emergency braking system activated violently causing the car to shut off. The pre sense light came on the dashboard. This happened 3 different times. I went to Freehold Audi and they stated the pre sense was doing its job. I reported this to Audi Headquarters last week and a report was written. Other electrical issues started happening, the lane change sensor was going off randomly, the windshield wipers were going off randomly. I traded the car in yesterday to Lexus of Eatontown. They said they were going to sell the Audi retail, I’m thinking to the auction. The car has less than 10,000 miles on it. I informed them about the issues I was having with the car but I’m worried they will sell it to someone without repairing the pre sense issue. I do not want anyone to get hurt in this vehicle. I hurt my neck and chest when the car violently stopped, so did my son. Someone could have easily rear ended me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11744360June 16, 2026
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
NHTSA Safety Complaint DraftVehicle Information:Year/Make/Model: 2013 Audi S5 Premium Plus CoupeVIN: [XXX]: Power Train / Transmission (7-Speed Dual-Clutch S-Tronic / DSG)Description of Safety Defect:I am writing to report a severe, recurring safety defect regarding the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in my 2013 Audi S5. The vehicle is experiencing catastrophic transmission issues, including sudden power loss, violent juddering, erratic shifting, and abruptly entering "limp mode" without warning.This issue presents an immediate and severe safety hazard. When the transmission abruptly loses power or forces the vehicle into limp mode while driving at highway speeds, it leaves the driver completely unable to accelerate or safely keep pace with surrounding traffic. This sudden, unpredictable loss of propulsion significantly increases the risk of a high-speed rear-end collision. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739679May 23, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
all driver assistance features shut down randomly when starting vehicle for at least 45 minutes. had to drive vehicle without safety features to get home. without lane assist-fwd collision-side collision alert-rear traffic alert etc make vehicle difficult to drive and could result in accident. Dealer and Audi are aware of problem have tried to fix twice and tell me at present there is no fix. possible software update in future? Vehicle has not been inspected by insurance or anyone other than dealer. As stated above warning lights on dashboard screen flash all driver systems are not working. System resets after shutdown in 45 minutes or so, but randomly repeats sometimes two days in a row, sometime four to five days apart.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738960May 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2019 Audi S5. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 47,796 at the time of registration. The Carfax report, bill of sale and title showed the mileage as 47, 796. it was discovered that the mileage was 75,600 after changing the battery. The BBB and Consumer Protection Agency were contacted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733676April 24, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Since the day of delivery, this 2025 Audi S5 has experienced daily electronic and safety system failures. At least once per day, on startup, the vehicle throws 10 or more warning codes disabling safety-critical systems including blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, forward collision avoidance, rear traffic alert, and adaptive lighting. These failures occur without warning and persist for varying durations before clearing on their own. Additionally, on 5 occasions the adaptive cruise control refused to activate, displaying a false "door open" warning with all doors and trunk confirmed closed. On 4 occasions the power trunk failed to latch using the electronic controls. The 360-degree parking camera system intermittently stops rendering surroundings, displaying only the vehicle graphic with no camera feed. The vehicle was brought to the selling dealer for service. After one hour, the dealer stated no issue was found. A battery diagnostic was requested based on a documented case of an identical 2025 S5 with the same symptoms traced to a faulty 12V battery. The dealer declined to cover the diagnostic under warranty. The service manager later acknowledged these are known platform issues and confirmed a software update is expected from the manufacturer in July 2026. The vehicle already has the latest available software update (TSB 2079690, KD2, version 03.10.00/C) installed and the problems persist. The dealer has confirmed there is no current fix available. These failures put the driver and other road users at risk, as safety systems are non-functional during the error state with no indication of when they will restore.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733376April 23, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2025 Audi S5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to respond while attempting to drive. The vehicle was restarted after the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the issue could be related to a lane switch failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,577.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731036April 14, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
when starting vehicle every three or four days all safety systems fail and takes anywhere from one hour to 12 hours to reset. This forces me to drive vehicle without any safety systems i.e fwd collision, rear traffic alert, lane assist , side view mirror alerts, heads up display adaptive lighting. DEALER claims there is no fix at present and cannot repair until Manufacturer finds solution to software problem. This has happened on numerous occasions
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712240January 20, 2026
ENGINE
I am writing to file a formal safety defect complaint regarding the EA839 3.0T turbocharged V6 engine installed in various Audi models, including but not limited to the B9/B9.5 S4 and S5, C8 A6 and A7, and 4M/4M.5 Q7 and Q8 (model years approximately 2017 onward). This engine has a well-documented issue with piston skirt wear and failure, which I believe constitutes a significant safety hazard due to the potential for sudden engine failure and loss of vehicle power while driving. As an owner of a 2019 Audi S5, I have experienced symptoms related to this defect, and I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter to prevent potential accidents, injuries, or fatalities.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704929December 14, 2025
ENGINE
An Audi dealer has just diagnosed my 2018 S5 Cabriolet Prestige with vacuum system contamination caused by water pump failure. I had requested the diagnostic due to small coolant leaks on the engine and loss of coolant in the expansion tank. No warning lights and no overheating yet. Not yet aware of any loss of performance. I have been advised it is unsafe to continue driving the car. Dealer has quoted me $7800 estimate to repair the car. Purchased the car in 2021 as a Certified Pre Owned vehicle, and it now has about 84K miles on the OD.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703772December 8, 2025
AIR BAGS, SEATS, SEAT BELTS
Component/System: Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) / Airbag system — Recall 74E3 / NHTSA 21V874. What Happened: The passenger airbag may switch off even when the seat is occupied due to a faulty PODS wiring connection. The warning message “Passenger Airbag Off” appears with a chime. This is an active safety recall that was issued before I purchased the vehicle, but the recall was not disclosed at the time of sale. Safety Risk: If the system shuts off the airbag incorrectly, the passenger may have no airbag protection in a crash, creating a serious risk of injury or death. Inspection Availability: Vehicle is available for inspection. I live on the Big Island of Hawaii, where there is no Audi-authorized repair facility. Reproduction/Confirmation: Symptoms match the known recall defect. Audi has confirmed the recall applies to my VIN, but no local dealer exists to inspect or repair it. Manufacturer/Dealer Inspection: Audi has refused to cover shipping to the nearest authorized dealership on Oahu, which is the only location where the recall can be performed. Therefore, the defect has not been inspected due to lack of accessible remedy. Warnings/Symptoms: Airbag warning light illuminates and a message appears indicating the passenger airbag is off, along with a chime. Additional Notes: I cannot safely use or sell the car because the required safety repair is inaccessible. Audi’s refusal to provide transportation makes it impossible to complete the mandated recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703321December 5, 2025
ENGINE
Upon starting the vehicle while parked on 10/18/2025, dashboard displayed warning: "Turn off engine and check coolant level. See owner's manual." Visual inspection revealed coolant residue on mechanical coolant pump switching valve N649 on cylinder head bank 1, indicating water pump internal seal failure allowing coolant to leak into vacuum control system. Component failed: Water pump (EA839 3.0T engine) - vacuum-actuated design with internal seal failure. Component available for inspection. Safety risk: This documented design defect in EA839 engines can cause sudden drivetrain malfunction and loss of power while driving. While discovered parked in this instance, the same failure mode has caused P0299 codes (turbo under-boost) and "Drivetrain Malfunction" warnings in other vehicles, creating dangerous loss of power situations. Dealer confirmation: Not yet inspected by dealer. Pending diagnostic appointment. Warning symptoms: Dashboard coolant warning message was first indication of problem. No prior symptoms observed. Known defect: This is a widespread issue affecting 2018-2024 Audi models with EA839 2.9T/3.0T engines (S4, S5, RS5, SQ5, A6, A7, S6, S7, A8, Q7, Q8). Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletins MC-10245526-0001 and MC-10172894-0001 acknowledging coolant pump leak issues. No recall has been issued despite documented failures across multiple model years.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702078November 30, 2025
TIRES
The front driver-side tire experienced a full tire tread separation at highway speeds. It caused minimal damage to the vehicle's rim. No crash, other damage, or injuries occurred. Tire size 255/35R19 96H XL
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701665November 26, 2025
SUSPENSION, WHEELS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Below is a detailed timeline of the problems I experienced: Intermittent starting issue Over the past few months, the car has occasionally failed to start on the first attempt. It always started on the second try, so I planned to mention it at the next service visit. Complete MMI/display blackout while driving on the highway In the middle of my trip, the entire center display and instrument cluster went completely black while I was driving at highway speed. All information disappeared (speed, fuel level, navigation, radio — everything). The car continued running, but I had no visibility into critical driving data. After pulling over and restarting the vehicle, only half the screen returned. Hours later, the second half came back on its own. Catastrophic front-right tire blowout in a remote area of Texas The following day, while driving through a very remote stretch of highway, the front-right tire suddenly exploded with a loud bang. I safely pulled over and discovered the tire was completely destroyed. No spare tire provided The trunk contained only a tire inflator kit — no spare tire or temporary spare. A new tire was required. Inadequate roadside assistance experience I called Audi Roadside Assistance twice. Both representatives appeared to be reading from a script, were located in another country, and could not understand the urgency or specifics of my situation. After repeated miscommunication, I received no meaningful help and had to resolve the situation on my own at significant personal expense. When the local tire shop inspected the vehicle, the mechanic immediately pointed out severe abnormal inner tire wear on both front tires and stated that the alignment is clearly defective. He said the left front tire was also about to fail and that the car was unsafe to drive in its current condition. Both front tires had to be replaced before I could continue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701588November 25, 2025
ENGINE
Known-Best Assesment-Piston Skirt Defect and Non-Disclosure of Prior Issues: Approximately only three months after purchase of a brand new 2025 Audi S5 on 6/11/25 , I received a letter from Audi of America acknowledging a potential piston skirt defect/failure resulting from faulty material and/or workmanship. They extended the part warranty for 8 years or 80,000 miles but this doesn't help me feel safe driving this vehicle. I was informed the defect cannot be proactively repaired and would only be addressed after failure. This instruction is unreasonable, unsafe, and contrary to the purpose of purchasing a new vehicle. Audi has previously settled piston-related class litigation, yet no one at Audi Henderson disclosed any history of piston issues during the sale. Had I been informed of this material risk, I would not have purchased the vehicle. I now feel unable to safely or confidently use this vehicle for long-distance or out-of-state travel. Upon researching it I found this: The mileage at which a piston skirt defect will cause total failure varies widely, potentially from mere miles to tens of thousands of miles, or could last the entire life of the engine if it's a minor defect. It is highly risky to drive with a known defect, as damage accumulates over time and can lead to a complete and sudden engine failure and could lead to catastrophic, potentially deadly consequences. Factors Affecting the Rate of Worsening :The time frame for failure depends almost entirely on the nature and severity of the initial problem, as well as driving habits. * Severity of the Defect: A small scuff might not cause issues for a long time, while a cracked or broken skirt can lead to catastrophic failure very quickly (e.g., within 5 miles or even minutes). * Maintenance: Regular oil checks and changes help manage the symptoms but cannot prevent eventual failure if the defect is significant. * Early reports: Some drivers have reported problems with low-mileage vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701385November 25, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
System malfunctions for new all new 2025 Audi S5 including drive system malfunction, loose wheel, brakes limited functionality, parking break malfunction, stabilization control malfunction, driving dynamics system malfunction, hold assist malfunction.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699716November 16, 2025
ENGINE
VEHICLE Year: 2018 Make: Audi Model: S5 Prestige Trim: 3.0 TFSI (EA839 V6 Turbo) Mileage: 86,000 Engine Code: CWGD COMPLAINT TITLE Latent Engine Failure – EA839 Piston Skirt + Rocker Arm Defects – Dealer Broke Engine Cover, Left Wiring Harness Dangling – Audi Denies Despite Having DIY Receipts For Maintenance DESCRIPTION At 86,000 miles, my 2018 Audi S5 Prestige suffered internal engine failure from metal debris and cylinder wall scoring. Dealer borescope showed: Metal in oil filter (bearing + non-ferrous “other metal”) Deep scoring on multiple cylinders No check engine light. No power loss yet. Still drivable — but seizure is imminent. DEALER NEGLIGENCE AT [Audi Of Chantilly] (Penske Automotive Group): Engine cover broken — not reported Wiring harness retainers/harness clips left undone on both sides after spark plug removal → Improper reassembly risks damage to harness and engine/components — safety hazard. This matches TWO known EA839 defects: Piston Skirt Cracking – Sept 2025 Warranty Extension covers identical symptoms (debris + scoring). Denied only for 6,000 miles over 80k cap. Pre-06/2018 Rocker Arm Needle Bearing Failure – Audi revised mid-2018 (PN 06M109417H → 0P2109417, double bearing size) because originals shed metal. Garage Auto Sports: “Known to fail… Audi fixed it.” Link AudiWorld: 200+ cases Link AoA DENIAL – FALSE “Over mileage” → Rocker defect has no cap “Undocumented maintenance” LIE → All oil changes DIY with Audi 508.00 oil + OEM filters → Amazon invoices attached → Never asked for proof $32,000 quote. 100% denial. SAFETY RISK Sudden seizure at speed No warning Dealer damage worsens risk REQUESTED ACTION Investigate EA839 2017–2018 for piston + rocker failures Recall / extend warranty for pre-06/2018 builds Probe denials without proof request + dealer negligence ATTACHMENTS Denial letter Dealer Diagnostic 32k Quote Borescope report Amazon receipts Broken cover + undone retainers photos Screenshots (links above)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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