How many recalls does the Audi A5 have?

As of NHTSA records retrieved 2026-08-27, NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for the Audi A5, model years 2016–2024. A recall applies to specific VIN ranges, variants, trims or build dates, so a particular vehicle may be affected by all, some, or none of them, and a campaign count is not a reliability ranking. Whether an open recall is a safety risk depends on the campaign, so read the NHTSA entry for the VIN. Each campaign below shows the remedy NHTSA records, which may be a dealer or service-center repair, an over-the-air software update, or, for some campaigns, a repurchase. This page details the most recent campaigns; the full record for any VIN is at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What should an inspector check on a used Audi A5?

Beyond the standard pre-purchase checks, the recall history for this model concentrates in: air bags, engine and engine cooling, suspension, back over prevention, electrical system, structure. An inspector documents the visible and operational condition of those systems without disassembly; internal parts, software-only issues and whether a recall remedy was performed are VIN-lookup questions, not inspection findings.

Can a pre-purchase inspection tell me whether a Audi A5 recall was done?

No. Whether a recall repair was performed is recorded against the VIN, so NHTSA's lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls (or the manufacturer's own) is the authoritative check. Run it before you travel. The inspection covers what a VIN lookup cannot: the physical condition of the vehicle in front of you.

Can you inspect a Audi A5 at a dealer, a private seller, or out of state?

Yes. The inspector usually travels to the vehicle at the seller's location — a dealer lot or a private seller — and you do not need to be there. Vehicle Inspectors dispatches an independent inspector within 50 miles of any US ZIP code, widening to 150 miles if needed; more remote locations are quoted case by case. You get a photo-documented PDF report in 24–48 hours.

How much does a Audi A5 pre-purchase inspection cost?

A pre-purchase inspection of a Audi A5 through Vehicle Inspectors: Bronze $249 · Silver $349 · Gold $449. Your card is saved at booking, not charged. A hold is placed when an inspector schedules, and you are charged after the inspection is completed. If no inspector accepts within 72 hours, the request auto-cancels and nothing is charged.

Should You Buy a Used Audi A5?

Showing the 12 most recent of 16 campaigns, newest first, from NHTSA records. Check a specific VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

22V806000NHTSA report received October 2022Model years: 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V806000: Audi A5 equipment recall

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge.

22V742000NHTSA report received October 2022Model years: 2021

NHTSA campaign 22V742000: Audi A5 back over prevention recall

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge.

22V034000NHTSA report received January 2022Model years: 2019–2021

NHTSA campaign 22V034000: Audi A5 tires recall

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.

Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge.

21V874000NHTSA report received November 2021Model years: 2018–2020

NHTSA campaign 21V874000: Audi A5 seats recall

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.

Consequence: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge.

21V825000NHTSA report received October 2021Model years: 2022

NHTSA campaign 21V825000: Audi A5 back over prevention recall

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence: A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Dealers will update the infotainment unit parameters, free of charge.

21V606000NHTSA report received August 2021Model years: 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V606000: Audi A5 seat belts recall

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge.

21V295000NHTSA report received April 2021Model years: 2019–2021

NHTSA campaign 21V295000: Audi A5 suspension recall

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.

Consequence: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge.

20V737000NHTSA report received November 2020Model years: 2020–2021

NHTSA campaign 20V737000: Audi A5 exterior lighting recall

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2020-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The wiring harness for the rear lights could be missing the anti-abrasion protection in the area of the spare wheel well.

Consequence: Without the scuff protection, the wires may become damaged during a rear crash, disabling the doors from being opened from the outside, causing a loss of hazard lights, and increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Audi will notify owners, and dealers will apply scuff protection, free of charge.

19V547000NHTSA report received July 2019Model years: 2018

NHTSA campaign 19V547000: Audi A5 air bags recall

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2018 S5 Cabriolet, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, S4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, and 2017-2018 A4 Sedan and A4 Allroad vehicles. Oxidation on the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) connecting cable may cause the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.

Consequence: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install cable ties to the harness, free of charge.

18V893000NHTSA report received December 2018Model years: 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V893000: Audi A5 suspension recall

Volkswagen Group of North America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A5 Sportback vehicles. The front suspension fasteners may not have been sufficiently tightened during vehicle production, possibly resulting in a front wheel becoming loose.

Consequence: A loose front wheel may increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the front suspension fasteners, and replace them as necessary, free of charge.

18V836000NHTSA report received November 2018Model years: 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V836000: Audi A5 air bags recall

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A5 Sportback and 2017-2018 Audi A4 Allroad vehicles. A passenger air bag module mounting screw may not have been sufficiently tightened, possibly affecting the deployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.

Consequence: If the air bag does not deploy correctly in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of an injury.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag mounting screw, tightening or replacing it as necessary, free of charge.

18V229000NHTSA report received April 2018Model years: 2016–2017

NHTSA campaign 18V229000: Audi A5 engine and engine cooling recall

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 either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.

Consequence: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy per NHTSA (as of 2026-08-27): Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge.

What does a pre-purchase inspection cover on a used Audi A5?

The same full inspection at every tier, at the seller’s location, with a photo-documented report:

Bronze $249 · Silver $349 · Gold $449. Compare Bronze, Silver and Gold. The core inspection is the same at each tier; Silver and Gold add instrumented measurements.

Similar used luxury sedans

Other luxury sedans to weigh against the Audi A5. Recall counts cover different model-year spans and are not a reliability ranking.

What does a pre-purchase inspection not do?

Common questions about buying a used Audi A5

Where can I book a Audi A5 pre-purchase inspection?

Vehicle Inspectors matches buyers with independent inspectors nationwide. Local pages for cities with active inspectors:

Recall data from NHTSA recall records (NHTSA public recalls API), retrieved 2026-08-27. Vehicle Inspectors is not affiliated with Audi. A recall is not a defect finding on any individual vehicle.

Should you buy a used Audi A5?

Which systems do Audi A5 recalls affect?

What are the most recent NHTSA recall campaigns for the Audi A5?