2016 Audi A5 recalls and problems

3 recalls and 7 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Audi A5.

3
recalls
7
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 Audi A5 recalls

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system

NHTSA campaign 18V229000 · reported April 11, 2018 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 342,867 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.

Electrical system: wiring

NHTSA campaign 17V622000 · reported October 5, 2017 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 216,913 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The Recall began November 27, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 80C5 and 80C6.

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system

NHTSA campaign 17V002000 · reported January 3, 2017 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 342,867 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
The risk
If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jan 18, 2026 · Unknown or other

Immediately after taking it home from a dealership, I noticed the MMI system wasn’t turning on. I figured it would fix itself, but it’s been 4 days and nothing has happened. The screen stays black when starting the car. When I reset the MMI by holding the volume knob for 10 seconds, it briefly turns on but shuts…

Aug 7, 2025 · Structure

On August 3, 2025, my wife and I came home from dinner and I couldn’t get out of the driver’s side door. I took it to Naples Audi where I bought the car and delt with its Assistant Service Manager and Service Advisor. Audi estimated the repair to be over $1,300. I called Audi USA Regional Customer Service and Mike B…

Sep 5, 2024 · Electrical system

Car went into limp mode and check engine light came on.

Mar 19, 2024 · Steering

Electromechanical steering rack has gone out. Had this completely failed while driving myself and others could be put in serious harm of a collision or crash. There are many online complaints and issues with the audi steering racks. No other warnings then it just went out at the same time it tells you stop driving.

Aug 31, 2021 · Power train

The drive chain broke, causing permanent damage to the engine which requires a complete engine replacement. The car was 5 + years old with 38,000 miles on it and well maintained.

A5 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2013 33522
2014 32800
2015 3800
2016 3700
2017 2000
2018 63820
2019 31210

Across all years, the 2020 A5 has the most complaints (60). All Audi A5 years →

Questions

Does the 2016 Audi A5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 Audi A5, the most recent reported on April 11, 2018 (Engine and engine cooling: cooling system). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi A5?
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (3 complaints), followed by power train (2).
How many 2016 Audi A5 complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 7 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 18, 2026.