Selling a broken or junk Audi A5

Known problems, first generation to third

Per Wikipedia, the A5 was unveiled at the March 2007 Geneva show and marked Audi's return to the compact executive coupe after the Audi 80-based coupe ended in 1996.

First generation (built November 2007 to November 2016)

Engines were 1.8 and 2.0 TFSI fours and a 3.2 FSI V6, with coupes built at Ingolstadt and cabriolets at Neckarsulm. The first years were quiet. Then air bags took over: 38 of the 2010's 78 complaints, 31 of the 2011's 52, and 32 of the 2012's 46.

Three air bag recalls line up with that. 16V376 replaced air bag control units that could corrode and fail on 2008-2009 A4, A5 and Q5 models. Driver inflator recalls 16V078 and 18V082 cover 2010-2012 A5 and S5 Cabriolets. Their counts, 659,493 and 162,782, include many other VW Group cars. Recall 15V019 replaced fuel rails and seals on 2011-2012 S5s and other Audis.

From the 2013 model year, complaints shift to the drivetrain. The 2013 leads with power train (14), then engine and steering (12 each). The 2.0 cars from 2013 to 2017 are in both coolant pump recalls, 17V002 and 18V229. 17V622 replaced the auxiliary heater on 2013-2016 Coupes and Cabriolets after its connector corroded.

Second generation (built June 2016 to 2024)

The second A5 sits on the MLBevo platform and is closely related to the B9 A4. The 2018 has 65 complaints and 8 recall campaigns, the most of any A5 year. 17V822 modified head curtain air bags on 2018 A5 Coupes that might not unfold properly; that campaign covers only those coupes, 8,037 of them. 17V675 replaced loose aluminum door trim on 2018 Sportbacks. 19V547 and 21V874 deal with passenger air bag wiring and occupant sensing.

The 2020 is the peak at 85 complaints. Electrical issues make up 53, and "unknown or other" another 22. It is the only A5 year with a reported death. Recall 20V737 added missing anti-abrasion protection to the rear light harness on 2020-2021 Sportbacks.

Third generation (from August 2024)

Built at Neckarsulm on the PPC platform, with a 2.0 or 3.0 turbo mild hybrid and a 7-speed dual-clutch. The 2025 has 20 complaints so far. Being so new, they have barely begun to draw complaints.

A5 complaints and recalls by model year

Complaint totals from NHTSA's file on October 10, 2026, S5 and RS 5 included.

Totals: 12 crashes, 3 fires, 12 injured, 1 death, 14 towed. Recall vehicle counts are for whole campaigns, which usually include other Audis. Since campaigns span years, that final column sums past 28.

Fix it, or sell it as is?

1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A dead coolant pump or a corroded heater connector on a 2013-2016 may be recall work. See open recall.
2. Electrical faults on a 2020? Read electrical problems before paying for diagnosis after diagnosis.
3. Compare the quote with the car's running value. If they're close, repairs that cost more than it is worth walks through the choice.

Selling the A5 whole

1. Gather the VIN, mileage and what's wrong. On a Cabriolet, say whether the roof closes.
2. Request an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Say where your A5 sits: a garage, a covered spot or the street. Pickup is free anywhere in the US.
4. Leave everything on it. Mention any parts already removed.
5. Bring the title and ID to pickup. After you sell covers plates and insurance.

Related Audis: the A4, A7 and TT, or all Audi models.