Audi carsCode F5
Audi A5 II problems (2016–2024)
We have documented 2 engines for the Audi A5 II; the 3.0 TDI V6 has high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6, with a «Buy» verdict.[1][2]
Outside the engine: The second-generation Audi A5 shows no widespread faults outside the engine; what is documented are several preventive European recalls (rear axle, seats, airbags, towbar and alternator-starter) and minor electronics and bodywork faults.[3][4][5][6][7][8][9]
Audi A5 II rating: good reliability
Calculated using only 21 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine7.4From 4.8 to 10.0 depending on the engine
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension7.93 faults and ITV (technical inspection)
- Brakes8.5Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering8.3Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.7 times the defects normal for its age
- Electrical system8.13 faults
- Headlights and lights8.91 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Electronics and infotainment9.12 faults
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior8.03 faults and ITV (technical inspection)
- Airbags and safety7.84 faults
Ranked 1 of 95 among the saloons with solid evidence. See the ranking
The weak points of the Audi A5 II
- 1High severity: Failing water pump and cooling system leaks3.0 TDI V6 engine
- 2Critical severity: Camshaft breakage on the EA897 evo (CRT and CZV)3.0 TDI V6 engine
- 3High severity: Timing chain stretch and tensioner wear3.0 TDI V6 engine
- 4High severity: Injector wear (needle seat) and injection faults3.0 TDI V6 engine
- 5Medium severity: Control unit software with a prohibited emissions strategy (NOx and AdBlue)3.0 TDI V6 engine · free repair (recall)
Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk
- 3.0 TDI V6since 2016 · 3.0 TDI quattro · 50 TDIMost serious fault:Critical severityVerdict:BuyWith cautiondepending on version
- Audi 3.0 TFSI V62017–2024 · S5 3.0 TFSI 354 CV · RS 5 2.9 TFSI 450 CVNo faults that affect itVerdict:BuySafest option
The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines
See what to check before buyingOutside the engine
9 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: Front seat back weld (recall 72N5). See the campaigns for the Audi A5 II
VW/Audi 3.0 TDI V6 (EA896 and EA897) · Diesel
- In the A5 II
- since 2016[10]
- Names
- 3.0 TDI quattro · 50 TDI
- Faults that affect it
- 5 · 4 of high or critical severity
Verdict for the versions it uses
3.0 TDI EA897 evo, Euro 6 (CRTC, CRTD, CRTE, CRTF, CZVA, CSWB, DDXB and others; 2014-2020)2014–2020 · 163–272 hp · CRTC, CRTD, CRTE, CRTF, CZVA, CZVB, CZVC, CZVE, CZVF, CSWB, CVZA, CVVB, DDXA, DDXB, DDXC, DDXE
With cautionThe CRT and CZV series from 2014 to early 2017 have an Audi bulletin for possible camshaft breakage: check the engine number and whether they were replaced. The 200 kW A6 and A7 also went through the KBA recall.[11][12][13][14]
3.0 TDI EA897 evo2 (DCPC, DDVC, DDVB, DHXA, DHXC, DENA, DEWA, DEWB; 2017-2021)2017–2021 · 231–349 hp · DCPC, DDVC, DDVB, DDVE, DHXA, DHXC, DENA, DEND, DEWA, DEWB
BuyA 2024 guide to the A6 C8 reports no current complaints about camshafts or the oil pump in the EA897 family, although there is little history and it keeps the general warning that a chain failure costs several thousand euros.[1]
3.0 TDI EA897 evo3 (DMGA, DMGH, DPXA, DPXB, DMGK, DMKC, DMKD; from 2020)since 2020 · 231–344 hp · DMGA, DMGH, DMGK, DPXA, DPXB, DPYC, DPYD, DMKC, DMKD
BuyThere are no documented faults of its own in the sources consulted and the A6 C8 guide reports only positive opinions; these are young engines with little history.[1][10]
Faults that affect the A5 II
Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 3.0 TDI V6 has 7 documented faults in total.
- High severityFrequency: CommonCoolingFailing water pump and cooling system leaksOn the 3.0 TDI the water pump can fail and, from 2010, overheat to the point of damaging the engine (the A6 C6 guide cites a service action). Owners also cite coolant leaks from hoses, the regulating valve and the cooler.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingCamshaft breakage on the EA897 evo (CRT and CZV)On the EA897 evo engines from 2014 to early 2017 (mainly CRT, also CZV) the camshafts can break because of a material or design defect, according to the guides. Audi lists it in bulletin TPI 2043172 and the problem was considered under control from February 2017.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner wearOn the 3.0 TDI V6 the timing chain is at the gearbox end and its tensioner can lose tension: it rattles on a cold start and, if the chain stretches, the timing goes out and the engine is at risk. Replacing it means opening the engine and costs several thousand euros.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionInjector wear (needle seat) and injection faultsGerman guides point to wear of the needle seat of the 3.0 TDI injectors: they stop closing properly, diesel drips into the cylinder and dilutes the oil. Smoke from the exhaust can be the warning, and reports on the 313 hp twin-turbo repeat injection faults.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlControl unit software with a prohibited emissions strategy (NOx and AdBlue)Germany's KBA ordered a software update for the Euro 5 and 6 3.0 TDI V6 engines from Audi, VW and Porsche: a warm-up strategy that reduced NOx only on the test bench and, on the 200 kW A6 and A7, limited AdBlue dosing. The update is free.Repair: €0
A5 II 3.0 TDI V6 pageAll versions and faults of the 3.0 TDI V6
Audi 3.0 TFSI V6
Safest optionAudi 3.0 TFSI V6 con compresor (EA837) and turbo (EA839, 3.0 and 2.9 TFSI) · Petrol
- In the A5 II
- 2017–2024[2]
- Names
- S5 3.0 TFSI 354 CV · RS 5 2.9 TFSI 450 CV
- Faults that affect it
- 0
Verdict for the versions it uses
3.0 TFSI turbo (EA839: CZSE, DR, CWGD; 2016 onwards)since 2016 · 330–354 hp · CZSE, DR, CWGD
BuyWe have not found any documented faults of its own in open sources; the German A6 C8 guide says this V6 has not given problems so far, although with few years of use and no high-mileage data.[1]
2.9 TFSI twin-turbo (EA839: DECA, DKMB; 2016 onwards)since 2016 · 330–450 hp · DECA, DKMB
BuyNo documented faults of its own in open sources (the A6 C8 guide only says the EA839 has not attracted attention), but these are very recent versions with sporty use; check the maintenance history.[1][2]
Faults that affect the A5 II
None of the documented faults of the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 affects the versions and years that the A5 II used.
A5 II Audi 3.0 TFSI V6 pageAll versions and faults of the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6
Faults of the Audi A5 II outside the engine
Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.
Suspension
- Critical severityFrequency: RareSuspensionRear axle arm nuts with stress corrosion on the A5Audi recalled cars built between 7-11-2019 and 16-4-2021 because the nuts on the rear axle arm's eccentric bolt can break from stress corrosion and the axle may move uncontrollably at high speed.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionAxle shock absorbers and springs with more defects at Germany's TÜV inspectionAuto Bild reports that B9-generation Audi A4s and A5s pass the TÜV very well when young, but at 8–9 years old the axle springs and shock absorbers show more than twice the average number of defects; Carwiki.de also highlights suspension in inspections.
- High severityFrequency: RareSuspensionIncorrect rear axle toe and camber: uneven rear tyre wear on the A5Audi recalled cars built between 7 November 2019 and 16 April 2021 because the rear axle toe or camber could be altered and wear the rear tyres unevenly, with a risk of sudden loss of pressure.
Electrical system
- Critical severityFrequency: RareElectrical systemBelt-driven alternator-starter on the 2.0 TFSI mild hybrid with fire riskAudi recalled A5s with the 2.0 TFSI engine and mild hybrid system built between May 2017 and March 2020 because moisture could enter the belt-driven alternator-starter, causing a short circuit and overheating with a risk of fire.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemAudi A5 windows that open by themselvesCarwiki.de reports that on the second-generation A5 the windows can lower by themselves, sometimes at night; it can be fixed with a software update at the workshop or by resetting the end stops.
- Low severityFrequency: RareElectrical systemWeak starter battery and low voltage warning on the onboard networkGebrauchtwagenberater.de reports that some F5 A5s start poorly when cold and show the onboard network low voltage warning; according to the source, Audi is aware of this and the battery is replaced at the workshop.
Electronics and infotainment
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronics and infotainmentMMI screen that freezes or restarts on the Audi A5Auto Express includes infotainment freezes among the common problems of the second-generation A5, and Fiches-auto records owners reporting a slow MMI and radio cut-outs; it is usually fixed with a software update.
- Low severityFrequency: RareElectronics and infotainment360-degree camera faults on units up to 2017Gebrauchtwagenberater.de reports that F5 A5s built up to the end of 2017 had problems with the 360-degree camera, which were dealt with by a manufacturer service action.
Bodywork and interior
- High severityFrequency: RareBodywork and interiorDefective locking pin on the swivel towbarAudi recalled A5s with a swivel towbar built between August 2015 and December 2018 because the locking pin could break while driving and cause an accident.
- Low severityFrequency: RareBodywork and interiorWater ingress into the boot of the Audi A5 Sportback when opening the tailgateOn the A5 Sportback water can enter the boot when the tailgate is opened, because according to Carwiki.de the sealing lip does not keep it out.
- Low severityFrequency: RareBodywork and interiorAluminium door trims coming looseAudi recalled A5s built between October 2015 and October 2017 because the decorative aluminium trims on the lower part of the doors could partly come loose and leave sharp edges.
Airbags and safety
- Critical severityFrequency: RareAirbags and safetyDefective weld on the front seat back of the Audi A5Audi recalled a very small batch of A5 and other models built between 1 and 20 June 2023 (1,149 vehicles) because a weld on the front seat back frame could break in an accident.
- High severityFrequency: RareAirbags and safetySeat fixing bolts not tightened properly on units from July 2020Audi recalled A5s built in July 2020 because the bolted joint between the seat frame and its rail may have been poorly made and could fail in an accident.
- High severityFrequency: RareAirbags and safetyPassenger airbag module screw not tightened properlyAudi recalled A5s built between January 2017 and July 2018 because the screw fixing the passenger airbag module to the dashboard may not be tight enough, which affects airbag deployment.
- High severityFrequency: RareAirbags and safetyDamaged transistor in the airbag control unit on units from May 2019Audi recalled A5s built in weeks 21 and 22 of 2019 because a damaged transistor may have been fitted to the airbag control unit, which could prevent the passenger airbag from deploying.
What the MOT inspection finds on the Audi A5 II
Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 1,014 inspections of 750 cars registered between 2018 and 2022, compared with cars of the same age.
- Fewer defects than average
Suspension and axles· counts in the score
Defects in 0.5% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1%.
- Fewer defects than average
Brakes· counts in the score
Defects in 0.7% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.9%.
- Fewer defects than average
Steering· counts in the score
Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.5%.
- Fewer defects than average
Headlights and lights· counts in the score
Defects in 5.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 8.3%.
- Average
Rust and bodywork· counts in the score
Defects in 0.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.1%.
- Fewer defects than average
Exhaust and emissions
Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.5%.
- Average
Fluid leaks
Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.2%.
- Fewer defects than average
Glass, wipers and mirrors
Defects in 1.6% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.2%.
- Average
Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance
Defects in 15.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 13%.
The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl
Checklist for buying a used Audi A5 II
Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.
If it has the 3.0 TDI V6 (since 2016)
Failing water pump and cooling system leaks
High severityCamshaft breakage on the EA897 evo (CRT and CZV)
Critical severityTiming chain stretch and tensioner wear
High severityInjector wear (needle seat) and injection faults
High severityWear parts for the Audi A5 II
Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.
Brake pads
Brake discs
Wiper blades
Pollen filter
Battery
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Audi A5 II reliable?
We have documented 2 engines for the Audi A5 II; the 3.0 TDI V6 has high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6, with a «Buy» verdict. The second-generation Audi A5 shows no widespread faults outside the engine; what is documented are several preventive European recalls (rear axle, seats, airbags, towbar and alternator-starter) and minor electronics and bodywork faults.
Which Audi A5 II engine is the most reliable?
Among the 2 engines we have documented, the safest option is the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6, with a «Buy» verdict. We have not found any documented faults of its own in open sources; the German A6 C8 guide says this V6 has not given problems so far, although with few years of use and no high-mileage data.[1]
What problems does the Audi A5 II have apart from the engine?
The second-generation Audi A5 shows no widespread faults outside the engine; what is documented are several preventive European recalls (rear axle, seats, airbags, towbar and alternator-starter) and minor electronics and bodywork faults. The most important documented faults are: rear axle arm nuts with stress corrosion on the A5 (suspension, critical severity), defective weld on the front seat back of the Audi A5 (airbags and safety, critical severity), belt-driven alternator-starter on the 2.0 TFSI mild hybrid with fire risk (electrical system, critical severity) and axle shock absorbers and springs with more defects at Germany's TÜV inspection (suspension, medium severity).[3][4][5][6][7][8][9]
What faults does the Audi A5 II have?
The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: failing water pump and cooling system leaks (3.0 TDI V6, high severity), camshaft breakage on the EA897 evo (CRT and CZV) (3.0 TDI V6, critical severity), timing chain stretch and tensioner wear (3.0 TDI V6, high severity), injector wear (needle seat) and injection faults (3.0 TDI V6, high severity) and control unit software with a prohibited emissions strategy (NOx and AdBlue) (3.0 TDI V6, medium severity).
What is the best year to buy a Audi A5 II?
According to our rating by year, the best are 2024 and 2022 (7.8/10); the worst rated is 2016 (6.4/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.
Does the Audi A5 II have recalls?
Yes: we have documented 9 campaigns for the Audi A5 II, such as front seat back weld (recall 72N5) (2023). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Audi A6 C8: Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- List of Volkswagen Group petrol engines (EA837 y EA839)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
- Audi A5 ProblemeCarwiki.de · Motoring press · consulted 29 October 2026 · in German
- Audi A5: llamadas a revisiónCar-recalls.eu · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026
- Alerta A12/00504/22 – eje traseroEU Safety Gate (Rapex) · Official body · consulted 29 October 2026
- Audi A5 F5 (B9, 2016+): problemas y puntos débiles conocidosGebrauchtwagenberater.de (Alemania) · Motoring press · published 2 February 2022 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
- ADAC Pannenstatistik 2026: Pkw werden immer zuverlässiger (las mejores series por clase)ADAC (Alemania) · Reliability study · published 2026 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
- TÜV-Report 2026: Audi Marken-Check, así les va a los Audi en la inspección técnicaAUTO BILD (datos del TÜV-Report 2026) · Motoring press · published 24 August 2026 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
- Opinie i oceny Audi A5 F5 (valoraciones de propietarios)AutoCentrum.pl (Polonia) · Owners' forum · consulted 30 October 2026 · in another language
- VW EA897Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- 3.0 TDI: Viele Probleme, teure WartungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 28 January 2023 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Audi A6 C7 (4G): Probleme, Rückrufe und KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 1 August 2026 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Informationen zu den Audi Nockenwellen Problemen am 3.0 TDI (CRT & CZV) Motor im A4, A5, A6, A7 sowie dem Q5 & Q7CarWiki.de · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Verdacht auf Abschalteinrichtung bei Audi A6 und A7heise autos · Motoring press · published 8 May 2018 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Fiabilité Audi A6 (2011-2018) (106 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 9 October 2026 · in French
- Tous les problèmes sur Audi Q5 2008-2017 (322 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 9 October 2026 · in French
- Audi A6 C6 (4F): Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 9 September 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- VW Touareg 3.0 TDI – typische Probleme und ODIS-DiagnoseKFZ Dietrich (taller, Hardegsen) · Other source · published 22 April 2026 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- VW EA896Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- Audi A5 8T (B8): Probleme, Schwachstellen & KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 20 January 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German