AUDI A5 · model year

2014 AUDI A5

38 NHTSA complaints, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2014AUDIA5 carries 38 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 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 2014 A5 is engine with 9 filings, followed by steering (9) 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 2014 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.

38
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

38 filings

Crashes Reported

0 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
ENGINE9
STEERING9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE1
SEATS1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SEAT HEATER:WIRING HARNESS1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
STRUCTURE1

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

20260127STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2014 Audi A5. The contact stated that after each rainfall, there was a large amount of water inside the trunk of the vehicle, creating mold inside the trunk. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop, and holes were discovered in the trunk and were filled. After another rainfall, the vehicle was taken to an Audi dealer, and the dealer stated that the trunk was cleaned, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,598.

Mileage: 151,598

20250505UNKNOWN OR OTHER

On March 24, 2025 I submitted a valid claim for reimbursement to Audi of America for the outstanding recall on my A5's water pump along with the receipt for the service. Audi denied reimbursement because I had a claim that was "too old" from the recall date. This is of course, illegal. I would like Audi to reimburse me for my valid recall service. Body of email sent to Audi of America on March 24: To whom it may concern; I had previously submitted for reimbursement for work performed on my 2014 Audi A5 in August 2024. The vehicle has a recall notice for the waterpump; my waterpump failed as indicated in the recall notice and I had it repaired. I did not have the itemized receipt for the work performed and am attaching that receipt now. I am seeking reimbursement for the two major work groups as indicated on the invoice: AIR CONDITION DIAGNOSIS - $251.33 WATER PUMP: AUDI - $1554.80 Total Reimbursement Request - $1806.13

20250505ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2014 Audi A5. The contact stated that while driving 30-70 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving for an hour or stopped at a light. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact waited for 10 minutes to restart, but the vehicle shut off again. The ECP warning light was illuminated. After the vehicle cooled off and the battery was disconnected, the vehicle drove as designed. The contact replaced the cam shaft sensor, and fuel pump however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The manufacturer referred the contact to the local dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Mileage: 60,000

20250402ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1) power steering module failed resulting in steering failing on highway. Car is not available for inspection due to being totaled. Issue was a known service bulletin by Audi however new owners had no way to know it was a life threatening issue. 2) The car lost control when power module failed, steering wheel locked up. 3) Yes 4) insurance and the dealership. The dealership refused to cover it because it was 10years past extended warranty even thought it had less than 125,000 miles. Apparently RAIN affects these units. 5) No.

20250402STEERING

1) power steering module failed resulting in steering failing on highway. Car is not available for inspection due to being totaled. Issue was a known service bulletin by Audi however new owners had no way to know it was a life threatening issue. 2) The car lost control when power module failed, steering wheel locked up. 3) Yes 4) insurance and the dealership. The dealership refused to cover it because it was 10years past extended warranty even thought it had less than 125,000 miles. Apparently RAIN affects these units. 5) No.

20241209VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

While driving the car I press the gas pedal and it loses power or won't accelerate at all, then all of a sudden something happens and it lunges forward fast it is scary I have almost crashed 2 times. This issues is intermittent, thus the driver has no control of when the car is going to drive properly when I doesn't it is scary. I'm have been relegated to 45 miles an hour on the freeway I cannot control any part of the car to ensure I can make a lane change if I need to to overt an accident. The reason I'm filing this is because Audi has known about this since at least 2010, there are TSB'S FOR EVERY YEAR REGARDING THIS PROBLEM EITHER EXACT OR a slight change of this problem because every car is different. Meaning how it's driven to where it is located and weather issues. AUDI HAS PREEMPTED THESE Issues bY stating the problem I'm having a long with thousands of others is a PERFORMANCE ISSUE BUT THIS IS WAY MORE THAN THAT. IT IS Definitely A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN YOUR CAR ALL OF A SUDD

20241209ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving the car I press the gas pedal and it loses power or won't accelerate at all, then all of a sudden something happens and it lunges forward fast it is scary I have almost crashed 2 times. This issues is intermittent, thus the driver has no control of when the car is going to drive properly when I doesn't it is scary. I'm have been relegated to 45 miles an hour on the freeway I cannot control any part of the car to ensure I can make a lane change if I need to to overt an accident. The reason I'm filing this is because Audi has known about this since at least 2010, there are TSB'S FOR EVERY YEAR REGARDING THIS PROBLEM EITHER EXACT OR a slight change of this problem because every car is different. Meaning how it's driven to where it is located and weather issues. AUDI HAS PREEMPTED THESE Issues bY stating the problem I'm having a long with thousands of others is a PERFORMANCE ISSUE BUT THIS IS WAY MORE THAN THAT. IT IS Definitely A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN YOUR CAR ALL OF A SUDD

20241209FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

While driving the car I press the gas pedal and it loses power or won't accelerate at all, then all of a sudden something happens and it lunges forward fast it is scary I have almost crashed 2 times. This issues is intermittent, thus the driver has no control of when the car is going to drive properly when I doesn't it is scary. I'm have been relegated to 45 miles an hour on the freeway I cannot control any part of the car to ensure I can make a lane change if I need to to overt an accident. The reason I'm filing this is because Audi has known about this since at least 2010, there are TSB'S FOR EVERY YEAR REGARDING THIS PROBLEM EITHER EXACT OR a slight change of this problem because every car is different. Meaning how it's driven to where it is located and weather issues. AUDI HAS PREEMPTED THESE Issues bY stating the problem I'm having a long with thousands of others is a PERFORMANCE ISSUE BUT THIS IS WAY MORE THAN THAT. IT IS Definitely A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN YOUR CAR ALL OF A SUDD

20240911SEATS

The contact owns a 2014 Audi A5. The contact stated that a burn spot was discovered on the seat section of the front driver's seat. The contact indicated that days later the burn mark had developed into a tennis ball sized burn hole in the seat cushion. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000.

Mileage: 66,000

20240911ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SEAT HEATER:WIRING HARNESS

The contact owns a 2014 Audi A5. The contact stated that a burn spot was discovered on the seat section of the front driver's seat. The contact indicated that days later the burn mark had developed into a tennis ball sized burn hole in the seat cushion. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000.

Mileage: 66,000

20230808ENGINE

Piston 3 imploded causing damage to the long block. Complete engine failure at 65K miles conformed by Audi dealership. You may view the car if you wish. The warning lights appeared the same day the car started malfunctioning. No advanced warning. There are several class action suits in the U.S. with the same issue of complete engine failure on low miles for several Audi models from 2012 - 2017. These cars are meant to run for 150k-200k miles, not completely fail at 65k miles. Cost to repair is $10k - $17k. I would like this to be reviewed for recall. My car is a 2014 Audi A5 2.0 Turbo VIN# WAURFAFR0EA054821

20230808ENGINE

The contact owns a 2014 Audi A5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder. The check engine and EPS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with piston #3. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who confirmed the failure with piston #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist. The failure mileage was 65,000.

Mileage: 65,000

20230808STEERING

The contact owns a 2014 Audi A5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder. The check engine and EPS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with piston #3. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who confirmed the failure with piston #3. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist. The failure mileage was 65,000.

Mileage: 65,000

20230531UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Jack failed while using to lift car. The "teeth" (hidden underneath the silver body mounting point) which engage the left and right halves of the jack scissors had become mashed up, and slipped a notch or two, suddenly dropping the car downwards. Yes I have the part for inspection. Audi Seattle service department said my only alternative through them was ordering a new one for full price. Yes they saw the jack.

20221221ENGINE

Audi claims to have fixed their 2.0t engine piston defect which can cause safety issues and accidents caused by the car seizing or loosing power at any time due to their faulty pistons which class action act filed on 2014 indicates that 2012-2017 2.0t engine are susceptible to the same default. The company tried to hide this and failed to fix the issues on vehicles pass 2011. Please I have kids and this is our main vehicle I am being told by the dealer that I need a new piston rings based on the same issues they have encountered but is not eligible for that recall. There are law suit filed against this this a safety hazard for anyone in the road and Audi offers no assistance other than requiring more money for tests that ultimately will lead to what he say was needing a new piston.

20220815STEERING

SIMILAR PROBLEM TO ANOTHER FILED COMPLAINT, MODIFIED FOR THE MILEAGE AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT....2014 AUDI A5 WITH APPROX 56K MILES. THE STEERING SYSTEM HAS BEGUN TO OFFER INCONSISTENT RESISTANCE TO DRIVER INPUT, WHICH IMPACTS DRIVER'S ABILITY TO JUDGE THE AMOUNT OF FORCE NEEDED TO TURN THE WHEEL TO THE DESIRED POSITION.

20220815FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL INJECTOR FAILED WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CEASE OPERATIONS ON THE ROAD. PRIOR TO FAILURE, ENGINE STUTTERED AND THE CABIN SMELLED SMOKEY.

20220311ENGINE

The contact owns a 2014 Audi A5. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the oil light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact drove to the local dealer. The dealer informed the contact that many vehicles had experienced oil issues. The oil was topped off. The dealer performed an oil consumption test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,398.

Mileage: 92,398

20210921STEERING

January 2021 driving straight - 30 MPH. RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION DYNAMIC STEERING "STEERING DEFECTIVE. I PULLED INTO A PARKING STALL AND IT DID A TOTAL LOCK UP. THE STEERING WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED AT ALL. THE WHOLE STEERING RACK AND PINION HAD TO BE REPLACED COSTING OVER $3,000 BECASUE THE ELECTRONIC CHIP WASNT ABLE TO BE REMOVED ITSELF. CAR HAD UNDER 50K MILES. I ASKED HOW DOES THIS GO OUT SO SOON WITH LOW MILEAGE? THE AUDI DEALERSHIP STATED THAT IT CAN JUST BE A BAD BATCH MEANING THE ELECTRONIC CHIP INSIDE THE STEERING RACK THAT CONTROLS THE STEERING RACK WAS A BAD BATCH AND JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT HAPPENS. THEY ALSO INDICATED THEY WERE INFORMED THAT THIS PART HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED 8 TIMES INDICATING THAT IT WAS A BAD DESIGN. WE HAVE TO PAY FOR A BAD DESIGN????? THERE ARE MANY CASES THAT I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT HAVE THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. REPAIRS SHOULD BE REPLACED AT THE VEHICLE OWNERS EXPENCE DUE TO WEAR NOT A BAD BATCH OR BAD DESIGN FOR THE CUSTOMER/OWNER OF THE VEHIC

20210226STEERING

NO INCIDENT CAUSED THIS TO OCCUR - RANDOMLY ONE DAY STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO TURN - AN ISSUE AT BOTH LOW AND HIGH SPEED - INTERMITTENT SO NO IDEA EACH TIME GO TO CHANGE LANES OR TURN A CORNER IF GOING TO BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL - INITIALLY IT IS SPORADIC, HOWEVER, WITH TIME/USE OCCURS MUCH MORE OFTEN LOTS OF INFORMATION/COMPLAINTS ONLINE - APPEARS TO BE STEERING SHAFT / SEIZURE OF U-JOINTS: THERE WAS A AUDI ISSUED TSB 481461, THAT COVERS THIS PROBLEM. A REVISED PART WAS ISSUED FOR THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT THAT CORRECTED THIS ISSUE. ONE OR BOTH UNIVERSAL JOINTS WAS SUBJECT TO SEIZURE. 8K1419753H WAS ISSUED AND SUPERSEDES PREVIOUS EDITIONS (53A-53G). RECOMMEND OWNERS ENSURE THERE EXISTS NO EXCESS PLAY IN EITHER IMMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT AFTER LUBING.

Mileage: 60,000

Compare 2014AUDIA5 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2014 AUDI A5 have?
The 2014 AUDI A5 has 38 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2014 AUDI A5?
The 2014 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 2014 AUDI A5?
Yes, the 2014 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 2014 AUDI A5?
The most-complained component for the 2014 AUDI A5 is ENGINE with 9 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STEERING and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2014 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 2014 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.