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Vehicle safety record

2019 Audi A5 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 2019 Audi A5 with NHTSA, most often about the acceleration & cruise control (4) and the steering (3). Those complaints describe 1 crash. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in January 2022 for the tires. For comparison, the 2018 has 9 and the 2020 has 60.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical A5 year, for its age

#184 most complained-about 2019 vehicle

Complaints
12
Recalls
3
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 2019 Audi A5 problems

Share of all 12 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2019 Audi A5 recalls 3

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Tires

22V03400031,058 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.

Seats

21V874000208,332 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 74E3. This recall is an expansion of Recall 19V-547 (74D9). Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-547 will need to return for the new remedy.

Suspension: non-powered axle assembly

21V29500040,993 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.

What owners say

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12 complaints about the 2019 Audi A5

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlDriver assistance

I drive an 2019 Audi A5 and there is a terrible Auto start/stop malfunction and cruise control malfunction that has made this car unsafe to drive. The Auto start is featured on the A5 to "save gas," but however malfunctions and cuts off while driving or coming to a stop. Tonight on 1/21/2025 at 1:44 am it did just that. While sitting at the light it stalled out, manually crank it up attempt to get thru the light and it cuts off leaving my son and I stranded dead center of the intersection leaving the two of us...

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sitting ducks. I look and there is traffic coming and we were nearly taken out by an oncoming vehicle after my 5th attempt to start up the car before finally pulling off. Prior I was alone in traffic where the auto stop again malfunctioned, cut off, and caused me to roll backwards almost hitting a vehicle behind me. The cruise control also malfunctions at random. This vehicle has become not only a high risk but a danger to operate on any highway at this point and I've only had it 2 years. It is an extremely beautiful car, but is not worth my life, my son's, or anyone else sitting in the car.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11637225
Electrical systemDriver assistance

The contact owns a 2019 Audi A5. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and shifting into reverse(R), the message "SOS System Deactivated" was displayed, and the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact shifted to park(P) and shifted back to reverse(R); however, the failure persisted. The contact stated upon restarting the vehicle and shifting to reverse(R), the rearview camera became operable, but the message "SOS System Deactivated" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that while his wife...

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was at a complete stop two weeks later, the Audi pre-sense warning light illuminated, and an alarm sounded. The windows rolled up independently, and the front driver's side seat belt tightened around the waist of the contact's wife. The contact stated that the seat belt untightened, and his wife was able to drive to the residence. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Back over preventionNHTSA 11587709
Steering

Hello, I was driving down highway at 55mph when my Electric Power steering Failed suddenly. I almost crashed to the barrier as I was in the passing lane. My steering failure message popped up on my instrument cluster and steering wheel became stiff. I had my mom and niece in the vehicle with me. This vehicle could had hurt all three of us. It is difficult to turn the steering wheel now. Failure message is still active.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11500191
AirbagsSeats & seat belts

The contact owns a 2019 Audi A5. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V874000 (Seats, Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Air bags · SeatsNHTSA 11470284
Body, doors & structure

The contact owns a 2019 Audi A5. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked with the engine running, all four doors of the vehicle locked independently while she was outside of the vehicle and in possession of the keys. The contact was unable to unlock the door of the vehicle using the key fob or the keys manually. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's son who was occupying the vehicle assisted her in unlocking the doors. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while her two-year-old...

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daughter was in the car seat on the rear passenger's side. The contact was unable to unlock the door of the vehicle using the key fob or the keys manually. The contact was finally able to unlock the vehicle with the assistance of the fire department. Additionally, the contact stated that the child safety lock of the vehicle was manual and would unlock inadvertently while driving, which made it possible for her daughter to open the door. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

Filed Incident Latches / locks / linkagesNHTSA 11467198
Steering

The contact owns a 2019 Audi A5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the "Steering Malfunction" message displayed on the instrument panel and continued flashing. Moments later the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who discovered that the power steering module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 17,000.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11445976
SteeringSuspensionWheels & tiresCrash

I was driving when the rear of my car began vibrating, then fishtailing and I lost control and hit a curb resulting in mostly forward damage. In reviewing the Preliminary Estimate from the auto-shop and insurance adjuster, there was quite a bit of damage to the Rear Suspension including a broken Trailing arm lock nut, washer, and bolt, as well as the Protector lining, lower control arm, its lock nut and the control arm mount bolt. The broken rear axle components caused me to lose control of my vehicle resulting in forward impact with a curb. My car was deemed a total loss with $28K in estimated repairs.

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · WheelsNHTSA 11436024
Driver assistance

On three different occasions, I have experienced automatic emergency braking of the car which, rather than keeping me safe, placed me in a very dangerous situation. Each time, I was in a controlled intersection on a green light and in the left turn lane, with oncoming traffic also having a green light. When it was amply safe to make the left turn, with oncoming traffic at a safe distance from the intersection, I began my left turn. Just as my car was turning in front of that oncoming traffic, and just as I needed...

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to proceed safely and promptly through the intersection, the Pre-Sense system jammed on the brakes, stopping my car in the path of oncoming traffic. In the time it took to get over the shock of that happening and finish the turn, and if the oncoming traffic had not been paying attention, serious accidents could have resulted. Please note that all three of these incidents occurred with the Pre-Sense system set at its least sensitive position. I have since turned the system off completely. I have not contacted the dealer or the manufacturer.

Filed Incident Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11432815
Body, doors & structure

Water is collecting in the rear passenger door well or the door sill. Water sloshing is heard when braking or accelerating from stop. Problem is more severe after rains or car washes.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11415053
Acceleration & cruise control

On two occasions so far, when making a left turn in a four way intersection, the pre-sense system detected an oncoming car way too early and applied the brakes hard just as I was well into the turn and needed to get out of the intersection before I became a danger to the oncoming car. This put me into a potentially very dangerous situation. I am aware that the sensitivity can be adjusted but, in this case, there was no danger at all until my car braked suddenly as I was trying to complete my turn safely. That...

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actually created a hazard. As with other similar complaints that I have read about, I believe that the software is still somewhat imperfect. I have since selected the least sensitive setting and have had no further problems. The pre-sense system has also braked hard several times when backing up even though any potential danger was still well away from my car. The braking is so harsh and startling, that alone could cause unintended consequences.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11298504
Acceleration & cruise control

This is another occurrence therefore a continuation of complaint number 11258717. On a second occasion while driving in the express lanes of an expressway, the pre-sense displayed a crossroad indication on the instrument display and applied the brakes while I was going approximately 75 mph on a limited access expressway in the express lanes. Can you imagine what would have happened if I had a car tailgating me at that time? There is some serious software defects with this system. Is anyone going to respond to this?

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11266473
Acceleration & cruise control

I was stopped in a turn lane to make a left turn across 3 lanes of opposing traffic on a major us highway. . I started the turn and the pre-sense system stopped the car as it was entering the opposing lane of traffic almost causing a disaster as the oncoming traffic was moving approximate 50-60 mph. Fortunately for the oncoming car, the lane adjacent was empty at the moment so they could move over and pass me safely as I was stuck in the lane of the oncoming traffic with the brakes automatically applied.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11258717

Audi A5: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20220200-A
20218500Electrical systemD
202060410Electrical systemF
201912310Acceleration & cruise controlC
20189600Engine & coolingC
20172200Engine & coolingA
20167300Engine & coolingB
20159300Fuel systemB
All A5 years

2019 Audi A5 vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2019 Audi A5

Does the 2019 Audi A5 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 Audi A5: tires (January 2022); seats (November 2021); non-powered axle assembly (April 2021). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Audi A5?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the acceleration & cruise control (4), steering (3), driver assistance (3).

How many complaints has the 2019 Audi A5 had?

12 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 28, 2019 and the latest on January 21, 2025. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2019 Audi A5 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 47 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Audi A5 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Audi A5 years have the most complaints?

2020 (60), 2013 (38), 2010 (34). See every Audi A5 year compared.

What should I do if my 2019 Audi A5 has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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