AUDI A5 · model year

2013 AUDI A5

43 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2013AUDIA5 carries 43 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 2 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and Not Rated/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2013 A5 is engine with 11 filings, followed by steering (8) and electrical system (6). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 2013 A5. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

43
Complaints
4
Crashes
2
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

43 filings

Crashes Reported

4 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 — Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: Not Rated/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE11
STEERING8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
SERVICE BRAKES2
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
POWER TRAIN2
AIR BAGS1
WHEELS1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INTERIOR LAMPS/BULBS1

Recalls (3)

18V22900011/04/2018

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can

17V62200005/10/2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.

17V00200003/01/2017

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked wi

Recent Complaints

20240706ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I was having an issue with my 2013 Audi A5 starting. A call to roadside assistance was able to jump my battery and the car would start and run. However, the same issue kept happening. The EPC warning light would come on and it took a few weeks to get scheduled with a mechanic. I purchased a mobile jump starter myself because I never knew when the car would or wouldn't start. After taking the car to Audi, they found the "transmission coolant valve failing internally causing coolant to migrate up connector - this is causing a short which is draining the battery. If not fixed it will continue to deplete the batter. Recommend replacing valve and and connector". [2023 Audi Inspection Report.pdf] This was verified by another mechanic who did the work and shared the faulty, corroded transmission pump connector and leaking valve. [photo: 2023 Corroded connector Transmission Coolant Valve.jpg; 2023 Transmission Coolant Valuve and connector.jpg] I won't speculate about the potential outcomes

20240706UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was having an issue with my 2013 Audi A5 starting. A call to roadside assistance was able to jump my battery and the car would start and run. However, the same issue kept happening. The EPC warning light would come on and it took a few weeks to get scheduled with a mechanic. I purchased a mobile jump starter myself because I never knew when the car would or wouldn't start. After taking the car to Audi, they found the "transmission coolant valve failing internally causing coolant to migrate up connector - this is causing a short which is draining the battery. If not fixed it will continue to deplete the batter. Recommend replacing valve and and connector". [2023 Audi Inspection Report.pdf] This was verified by another mechanic who did the work and shared the faulty, corroded transmission pump connector and leaking valve. [photo: 2023 Corroded connector Transmission Coolant Valve.jpg; 2023 Transmission Coolant Valuve and connector.jpg] I won't speculate about the potential outcomes

20240706POWER TRAIN

I was having an issue with my 2013 Audi A5 starting. A call to roadside assistance was able to jump my battery and the car would start and run. However, the same issue kept happening. The EPC warning light would come on and it took a few weeks to get scheduled with a mechanic. I purchased a mobile jump starter myself because I never knew when the car would or wouldn't start. After taking the car to Audi, they found the "transmission coolant valve failing internally causing coolant to migrate up connector - this is causing a short which is draining the battery. If not fixed it will continue to deplete the batter. Recommend replacing valve and and connector". [2023 Audi Inspection Report.pdf] This was verified by another mechanic who did the work and shared the faulty, corroded transmission pump connector and leaking valve. [photo: 2023 Corroded connector Transmission Coolant Valve.jpg; 2023 Transmission Coolant Valuve and connector.jpg] I won't speculate about the potential outcomes

20230804ENGINE

Couple years ago my engine failed, it was recalled and company refused to pay for it. I payed for it and afterwards my radio modul failed, camera failed, the check engine light is on since I bought the car and recently my car stopped on the highway fast lane without warning. It was no shoulder and I stopped on the highway. I was lucky I didn’t get rear ended n killed

20230804FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Couple years ago my engine failed, it was recalled and company refused to pay for it. I payed for it and afterwards my radio modul failed, camera failed, the check engine light is on since I bought the car and recently my car stopped on the highway fast lane without warning. It was no shoulder and I stopped on the highway. I was lucky I didn’t get rear ended n killed

20230419FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I have experienced several failures and 3 recalls with my vehicle since I purchased it brand new. I have paid out thousands of dollars over the years for repairs that I feel were faulty being that I am on the only owner of the vehicle. I have approximately a little under 75k miles on my vehicle although I purchased in 2012 (2013 vehicle) only to take it to dealerships and pay for this and that but most recently my major complaint is my car has stopped on me 4 times and I paid originally for what the dealership stated was the problem only to take it back 3 times and now they state the FUEL PUMP is the problem and there is no recalls. Audi is known to have recalls on FUEL PUMPs but at this time do not reflect on my vehicle. However, my car has not been in an accident, I am the only owner, the mileage is under 100k and there is no explanation as to why the fuel pump needs replacing. Please look into this. Thank you.

20230419ENGINE

I have experienced several failures and 3 recalls with my vehicle since I purchased it brand new. I have paid out thousands of dollars over the years for repairs that I feel were faulty being that I am on the only owner of the vehicle. I have approximately a little under 75k miles on my vehicle although I purchased in 2012 (2013 vehicle) only to take it to dealerships and pay for this and that but most recently my major complaint is my car has stopped on me 4 times and I paid originally for what the dealership stated was the problem only to take it back 3 times and now they state the FUEL PUMP is the problem and there is no recalls. Audi is known to have recalls on FUEL PUMPs but at this time do not reflect on my vehicle. However, my car has not been in an accident, I am the only owner, the mileage is under 100k and there is no explanation as to why the fuel pump needs replacing. Please look into this. Thank you.

20230419ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have experienced several failures and 3 recalls with my vehicle since I purchased it brand new. I have paid out thousands of dollars over the years for repairs that I feel were faulty being that I am on the only owner of the vehicle. I have approximately a little under 75k miles on my vehicle although I purchased in 2012 (2013 vehicle) only to take it to dealerships and pay for this and that but most recently my major complaint is my car has stopped on me 4 times and I paid originally for what the dealership stated was the problem only to take it back 3 times and now they state the FUEL PUMP is the problem and there is no recalls. Audi is known to have recalls on FUEL PUMPs but at this time do not reflect on my vehicle. However, my car has not been in an accident, I am the only owner, the mileage is under 100k and there is no explanation as to why the fuel pump needs replacing. Please look into this. Thank you.

20230405ENGINE

Water pump leaking

20230405UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Water pump leaking

20220614ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact's cousin owns a 2013 Audi A5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to overheat. The warning message "Pull Over and Check Coolant" was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road and upon checking the coolant reservoir, the contact noticed that the coolant was leaking. The contact added coolant and was able to continue driving. However, the failure reoccurred increasingly. The contact stated that the coolant would leak onto the ground while refilling the coolant reservoir. The contact stated that the vehicle was no longer drivable. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. However, as the contact's friend was picking up the vehicle on his behalf, he noticed that there was no coolant in the vehicle. The dealer then added coolant however, the failure recurred while driving. The dealer was notified

Mileage: 83,000

20220614ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INTERIOR LAMPS/BULBS

The contact's cousin owns a 2013 Audi A5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to overheat. The warning message "Pull Over and Check Coolant" was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road and upon checking the coolant reservoir, the contact noticed that the coolant was leaking. The contact added coolant and was able to continue driving. However, the failure reoccurred increasingly. The contact stated that the coolant would leak onto the ground while refilling the coolant reservoir. The contact stated that the vehicle was no longer drivable. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. However, as the contact's friend was picking up the vehicle on his behalf, he noticed that there was no coolant in the vehicle. The dealer then added coolant however, the failure recurred while driving. The dealer was notified

Mileage: 83,000

20210809STEERING

About 3 weeks ago I noticed the beginning of a steering problem. I first noticed that the wheel seemed to require more than normal force to turn, especially in about the 10 and 2 o’clock position. It would behave pretty normally most of the time, but then, unpredictably, this would happen. Now it seems to be pretty constant. The steering wheel now requires much more force than usual, but only when in certain positions. Otherwise, everything appears normal. A couple of days ago I needed to try an evasive maneuver, which required sudden, hard steering. However, the response of the car was not what I expected under similar conditions with other Audi’s I own. This is an obvious safety concern. There appears to be a repair bulletin by Audi, but only Audis that are still under warranty will be fixed for free by Audi. I strongly believe this is a serious safety issue that deserves a safety recall of all affected Audi’s, and repair at Audi expense.

20210423STEERING

THERE'S 1000S OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND AUDI GROUP THREADS REPORTING AND EXPERIENCING POWER STEERING LOSS OF POWER OR STIFFNESS WHILE DRIVING, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER CAR MODELS INCLUDE 2013 A4,A5, S5,A6, Q5, SQ5. AUDI KNOWS THE PROBLEM BUT HAVE NOT CORRECTED OR RECALL ONLY THE 2018 SQ5 NO OTHER VEHICLES WITH ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. DEALERS EVEN ARE AWARE OF ISSUE. AUDI SAYS IT COULD A STEERING SENSOR, BUT HAVE NOT OFFERED REMEDY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE LOSS OF LIFE DUE TO ACCIDENT.

Mileage: 61,800

20200708SERVICE BRAKES

GOING DOWN HILL, ACCELERATING, RED LIGHT, APPLY BRAKES, HARD, ENGINE REVS UP TRYING TO OVER POWER BRAKES, BARELY STOPS, BUT ENGINE KEEPS ON CREEPING CAR FORWARD INTO TRAFFIC, MOVE SHIFTER TO PARK AND REVERSE TWICE, ENGINE SLOWS DOWN BUT ACCELERATES AGAIN WHEN BACK IN DRIVE, LIGHT CHANGES, DRIVE AWAY WITH NO PROBLEMS.

Mileage: 18,937

20200518CrashPOWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS SON OWNS A 2013 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND NOT RUNNING, IT CRASHED INTO A FENCE WITHOUT WARNING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. THERE WERE NO FIRE, REPORTED INJURIES OR POLICE REPORT FILED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

20191226UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. I WAS DRIVING AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE. I LOOK AROUND BECAUSE IT SOUNDED LIKE A TIRE BLOWOUT. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE, AND ONCE I REACHED MY DESTINATION, STOPPED AND OPENED THE DOOR TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, I HEARD A LOUD POP LIKE A GUN SHOT. IMMEDIATELY GLASS FLEW EVERYWHERE. I WAS LOCATED IN THE PARKING LOT OF PICADILLY RESTAURANT WHEN THE EXPLOSION OCCURRED.

Mileage: 130,000

20190616ENGINE

THERE IS AN INTERMITTANT FAULT WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CHANGE OVER FLAP, IT'S STICKING. REPLACEMENT WOULD BE $1311.56 BEFORE TAX. IT APPEARS TO BE WORKING OK NOW, BUT IT COULD FAIL IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

Mileage: 68,900

20190529ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING. I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR LOST POWER AND STARTED SHUDDERING, EPC WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND IT SEEMED LIKE IT MIGHT STALL. SINCE I WAS DRIVING I PUSHED IN THE CLUTCH AND COASTED TO A STOP. I SHUT IT OFF AND RESTARTED IT AND IT WORKED NORMALLY SO I DROVE HOME. I DROVE IT THE NEXT DAY AND HAD NO PROBLEMS. ON A FOLLOWING DAY IT DID THE SAME THING, LOSS OF POWER, SHAKING, NOT WORKING RIGHT. SOMETIMES IT SEEMED JUST FINE OTHER TIMES IT HAD PROBLEMS. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP TO HAVE DIAGNOSIS AND THEY DISCOVERED WATER IN THE ENGINE COMPUTER CONNECTOR AND TRACED IT TO A COOLING VALVE LEAK THAT ALLOWS WATER IN THE CONNECTOR AT THE VALVE TO ENTER THE 2 WIRE CONNECTOR AND APPARENTLY THE WATER WICKS UP THE CONTROL WIRE TO THE COMPUTER CONNECTOR AND SHORTS OUT CONNECTIONS TO COILS AND OTHER ENGINE ELECTRONICS. I SEARCHED THE WEB FOR INFORMATION AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT HAS AFFECTED 2010 - 2013 AUDI A8 AND THE CAR WAS RECALLED. SEE 16V619000.

Mileage: 80,000

20190529ENGINE

LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING. I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR LOST POWER AND STARTED SHUDDERING, EPC WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND IT SEEMED LIKE IT MIGHT STALL. SINCE I WAS DRIVING I PUSHED IN THE CLUTCH AND COASTED TO A STOP. I SHUT IT OFF AND RESTARTED IT AND IT WORKED NORMALLY SO I DROVE HOME. I DROVE IT THE NEXT DAY AND HAD NO PROBLEMS. ON A FOLLOWING DAY IT DID THE SAME THING, LOSS OF POWER, SHAKING, NOT WORKING RIGHT. SOMETIMES IT SEEMED JUST FINE OTHER TIMES IT HAD PROBLEMS. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP TO HAVE DIAGNOSIS AND THEY DISCOVERED WATER IN THE ENGINE COMPUTER CONNECTOR AND TRACED IT TO A COOLING VALVE LEAK THAT ALLOWS WATER IN THE CONNECTOR AT THE VALVE TO ENTER THE 2 WIRE CONNECTOR AND APPARENTLY THE WATER WICKS UP THE CONTROL WIRE TO THE COMPUTER CONNECTOR AND SHORTS OUT CONNECTIONS TO COILS AND OTHER ENGINE ELECTRONICS. I SEARCHED THE WEB FOR INFORMATION AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT HAS AFFECTED 2010 - 2013 AUDI A8 AND THE CAR WAS RECALLED. SEE 16V619000.

Mileage: 80,000

Compare 2013AUDIA5 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2013 AUDI A5 have?
The 2013 AUDI A5 has 43 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, 2 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2013 AUDI A5?
The 2013 AUDI A5 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of Not Rated/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2013 AUDI A5?
Yes, the 2013 AUDI A5 has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 AUDI A5?
The most-complained component for the 2013 AUDI A5 is ENGINE with 11 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STEERING and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2013 AUDI A5 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2013 AUDI A5 has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.