Audi RS 5 · model year

2013 Audi RS 5

9 NHTSA complaints. A VIN lookup is required to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

Complaints
9
Recalls
0

The verdict

The 2013 Audi RS 5 posts above-average complaint volume among its own model-year siblings.

17th pctile
complaint volume, own model years
0
recall campaigns

The 2013AudiRS 5 carries 9 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. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

The most frequently selected component label in reports for the 2013 RS 5 is power train with 5 filings, followed by service brakes (1) and steering (1). Complaint categories reflect owner reports and intake categorization; they do not establish a defect pattern or cause.

NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 2013 RS 5. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should read the complaint-by-year trend as report volume, not a causal diagnosis. Use the related-complaint feed and the official recall lookup when researching a specific vehicle.

9
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
F
PlainCars Safety Score
0/100
2013 Audi RS 5

PlainCars' own composite of NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings and rollover-risk assessment, each dimension normalized against the federal scale or the full national model-year corpus. Not an official NHTSA figure, and not a substitute for a specific vehicle's VIN-level recall check.

NHTSA Overall Rating N/A
Not rated
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program overall crash-test rating.
Front Crash N/A
Not rated
Frontal barrier crash-test rating.
Side Crash N/A
Not rated
Side barrier and pole crash-test rating.
Rollover Resistance N/A
Not rated
Static stability factor + dynamic rollover test rating.
Rollover Risk N/A
Not reported
NHTSA single-vehicle rollover probability, dynamic test.

Total Complaints

9 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN5
SERVICE BRAKES1
STEERING1
ENGINE1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1

Recent Complaints

20251111POWER TRAIN

While driving through the middle of a busy intersection, my 2013 Audi RS5 suddenly lost all power and was unable to engage any gears. The car came to a stop in active cross-traffic with vehicles approaching from multiple directions. I could not restart or move the car under its own power and had to push it to safety with the help of a passerby. Component that failed: Transmission / Power Train – specifically the DL501 S-Tronic Mechatronic Unit (Transmission Control Module). The part is still available for inspection at the dealership. Safety risk: This failure caused a complete loss of propulsion in active traffic, putting both myself and other drivers at risk of a collision. Dealer confirmation: The issue has been inspected and confirmed by an Audi dealership (Audi North Houston). The diagnostic code was P060A00 – “Internal Control Module Processor Performance.” Manufacturer documentation: Audi has previously issued Technical Service Bulletins 35-13-15 and 37-13-17, which iden

20251111ENGINE

While driving through the middle of a busy intersection, my 2013 Audi RS5 suddenly lost all power and was unable to engage any gears. The car came to a stop in active cross-traffic with vehicles approaching from multiple directions. I could not restart or move the car under its own power and had to push it to safety with the help of a passerby. Component that failed: Transmission / Power Train – specifically the DL501 S-Tronic Mechatronic Unit (Transmission Control Module). The part is still available for inspection at the dealership. Safety risk: This failure caused a complete loss of propulsion in active traffic, putting both myself and other drivers at risk of a collision. Dealer confirmation: The issue has been inspected and confirmed by an Audi dealership (Audi North Houston). The diagnostic code was P060A00 – “Internal Control Module Processor Performance.” Manufacturer documentation: Audi has previously issued Technical Service Bulletins 35-13-15 and 37-13-17, which iden

20251111ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving through the middle of a busy intersection, my 2013 Audi RS5 suddenly lost all power and was unable to engage any gears. The car came to a stop in active cross-traffic with vehicles approaching from multiple directions. I could not restart or move the car under its own power and had to push it to safety with the help of a passerby. Component that failed: Transmission / Power Train – specifically the DL501 S-Tronic Mechatronic Unit (Transmission Control Module). The part is still available for inspection at the dealership. Safety risk: This failure caused a complete loss of propulsion in active traffic, putting both myself and other drivers at risk of a collision. Dealer confirmation: The issue has been inspected and confirmed by an Audi dealership (Audi North Houston). The diagnostic code was P060A00 – “Internal Control Module Processor Performance.” Manufacturer documentation: Audi has previously issued Technical Service Bulletins 35-13-15 and 37-13-17, which iden

20250925POWER TRAIN

Vehicle: 2013 Audi RS5 Recall Reference: 37P1 / 37K8 (Transmission Control Module Software Update) After Audi performed the TCM software update for recall 37P1/37K8, my vehicle began displaying “Transmission Overheating – Please Drive Conservatively” warnings during normal driving, especially in stop-and-go traffic. This problem never occurred before the recall update. The warning now happens intermittently, raising concerns about: •Loss of drivability and safety risk if the transmission overheats while driving. •Premature failure of the transmission or mechatronic unit due to repeated overheating. •A direct link to the recall software update, since the issue began only after it was installed. I am concerned that the recall fix created new drivability and safety problems. Audi has not provided a remedy.

20220921POWER TRAIN

My 2013 Audi rs5 has a well known transmission issue. There was a class action lawsuit that justs settled for earlier years of the S4 & S5 models. My tranmission error has occurred several times when reversing, especially reversing up an incline or stop start reverses. The gear changes have become very jerky, both upshifts and downshifts, especially noticable at low speeds. The mechatronic unit on this audi model is a known issue and the audi forums are littered with examples of these mech units going bad. A replacement mech unit is costing me $4500 total and I have seen similar costs to others in the audi online forums like audizine

20200715POWER TRAIN

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I GOT A "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION YOU CAN CONTINUE DRIVING" MESSAGE ON MY DISPLAY. I SCANNED THE CAR WHEN I GOT HOME AND GOT THESE ERROR MESSAGE: (DRIVE POSITION SENSOR ELECTRICAL ERROR) ' DTC P0700 (TRANSMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION) ' DTC P1758 (TERMINAL 15 VOLTAGE SUPPLY OPEN CIRCUIT) ' DTC P060A (INTERNAL CONTROL MODULE MONITORING PROCESSOR PERFORMANCE) I DID SOME RESEARCH AND UNDERSTAND THERE IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE DSG TRANSMISSION, SPECIFICALLY WITH THE DRIVE POSITION SENSOR WHICH IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR TO HAVE DONE.

Mileage: 32,000

20171017POWER TRAIN

THE MECHATRONIC UNIT ON MY VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS DRIVING AND A WARNING POPPED UP ON MY DASHBOARD SAYING "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION, YOU MAY CONTINUE DRIVING". I WAS QUOTED $5000 FOR THE . THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE NOT ONLY WITH MY MODEL, BUT ACROSS ALL AUDI MODELS WITH THE DSG TRANSMISSION. AUDI CUSTOMERS SHOULD NOT BE FORCED TO PAY FOR AUDI PUTTING FAULTY EQUIPMENT IN THEIR VEHICLES.

Mileage: 50,200

20171011STEERING

THERE IS A WIDELY-KNOWN ISSUE IN 2013+ AUDI ELECTROMECHANICAL POWER STEERING THAT CREATES A SENSATION OF A "NOTCH" AT 12:00 ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS NOTCH FORCES YOU TO MANUALLY KEEP THE CAR IN THE LANE BY STEERING "BACK AND FORTH IN THE NOTCH". WHEN YOU TURN "BEYOND THE NOTCH" THERE IS A STICKING POINT. THE FASTER THE CAR IS MOVING, THE MORE PRONOUNCED THESE FEELINGS BECOME. I HAD HOPED THAT MY ISSUE WAS RELATED TO THE TIRES. UNFORTUNATELY, WAITING TO PURCHASE NEW TIRES HAS TAKEN ME OUT OF WARRANTY. AFTER JUST INSTALLING NEW CONTINENTAL DWS 06, THE PROBLEM IS AS BAD, OR WORSE, THAN IT HAS EVER BEEN. THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS! RESEARCHING ONLINE, MANY, MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM. HERE IS A LINK TO AN INTERNET FORUM WHERE SOME INFORMATION HAS BEEN CONSOLIDATED: HTTPS://WWW.AUDIWORLD.COM/FORUMS/A6-C7-PLATFORM-DISCUSSION-194/AUDI-ELECTRIC-STEERING-ISSUE-REPORTS-CONSOLIDATED-2844976

Mileage: 46,000

20140715SERVICE BRAKES

THE RS5 HAD A VERY BED PROBLEM WITH THE BREAKS. WHEN I WAS USING THE BREAKS THE CAR WAS SHACKING, ESPECIALLY WHEN I USED THE BREAK AT THE SPEED OF 75/80 MPH. THE CAR WAS UNSAFE AND TO STOP COMPLETELY THE CAR I HAD TO GO OUT OF THE STREET. ON NOVEMBER 2013 I LEFT THE RS A5 AT THE DEALER IN GREENSBORO. ON THE AFTERNOON I WAS CONTACTED BY AN ADVISOR OF THE AUDI SERVICE IN GREENSBORO. THIS ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT MY CAR NEEDED NEW PADS AND NEW ROTOR AND THAT THESE PARTS SUPPOSES TO COME FROM GERMANY AND THE WAIT TO HAVE THIS PARTS WAS 2 WEEKS. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THAT DURING THESE 2 WEEKS I COULD DRIVE MY CAR. WHEN I TOLD HIM THAT THE PROBLEM WITH THE BREAKS WAS VERY BED ESPECIALLY AT 80 MPH HE ANSWERS ME BACK THAT THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65 MPH. WHEN I WENT TO PICK MY CAR UP FROM THE DEALER IN GREENSBORO AND WHEN I TOLD THE SERVICE ADVISOR THAT DRIVING OVER THE SPEED LIMIT WAS MY PROBLEM AND THAT THE CAR IS SUPPOSED TO HANDLED HIGHER SPEED THAN 80 MPH HE WAS VERY UNPOLITE AND HE TROU

Mileage: 10,000

Compare 2013AudiRS 5 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Vehicle Safety Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2013 Audi RS 5 have?▼
The 2013 Audi RS 5 has 9 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Audi RS 5?▼
The most-complained component for the 2013 Audi RS 5 is POWER TRAIN with 5 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES and STEERING.
Is the 2013 Audi RS 5 safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. 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.

Data vintage: August 2026. 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.

Every figure on PlainCars is rendered directly from NHTSA complaint and safety data, no number is typed in by an editor. This year-specific record is rendered from NHTSA ODI, recall, and NCAP rows for the 2013 Audi RS 5; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of August 2026.