Model year

2021 Audi A5

Hatchback, gasoline, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Nov 9, 2021 to Sep 15, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year5293k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints8Close to the median 2021 hatchback
Severity index0.02021 hatchbacks average 8.9
First 24 months1Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2021 Audi A5 peaked in 2025, with 3 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

01232021202220232024202532026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

25% of complaints about the 2021 Audi A5 name electrical system

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Electrical system
2
Airbags
1
Engine and cooling
1
Driver assistance
1
Powertrain
1
Seats
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

5 recall campaigns cover the 2021 Audi A5

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2021 Audi A5
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
22V-742Oct 5, 2022Due 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 gearBack-over prevention170,296Software update
22V-034Jan 26, 2022Rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performedSuspension31,058Part replacement
21V-606Aug 5, 2021Rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properlySeat belts45,496Part replacement
21V-295Apr 26, 2021Lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosionSuspension40,993Part replacement
20V-737Nov 25, 2020Wiring harness for the rear lights could be missing the anti-abrasion protection in the area of the spare wheel wellElectrical system5,426Repair or modification
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2021 Audi A5

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

8 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Sep 15, 2026Failure Sep 5, 2026Needham Heights, MAEngine

    Car began bucking at low speeds. I parked car and when I turned on ignition next day, dashboard warning indicated "Transmission malfunction" and warned me not to drive car. I had it towed to dealer. Diagnosis was that it was a gearbox malfunction that according to dealer was occurring more and more frequently, so much so that Audi had issued a "Technical Service Bulletin." My car which is less than 5 years old and has 65,000 miles required $3,600 worth of repairs for this issue. If this is major engine problem occurring with increasing frequency, why is this not a recall?

    NHTSA complaint 11764446
  2. Filed Jan 19, 2026Failure Oct 24, 2025Fate, TXPower train

    What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? TRANSMISSION - GEAR SHIFT How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? THE CAR STOPPED SHIFTING GEARS AND WE WHEN THE CAR INSTRUCTED US TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY IT WASN'T A SAFE PLACE TO STOP THE CAR. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? SO FAR AUDI NOR THE DEALERSHIP HAVE BEEN ABLE TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. ONLY THAT THEY SEE PIECES OF METAL IN THE TRANSMISSION LINE. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER HAVE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION WARNING CAME ON TWICE AND TAKE YOUR CAR TO THE NEAREST REPAIR FACILITY WARNING CAME ON ONCE.

    NHTSA complaint 11711887
  3. Filed Dec 28, 2025Failure Dec 21, 2025Burlington, NCAir bags, Seats

    The passenger side air bag indicator constantly turns off and on in my Audi no matter if there is or is not a passenger in the seat. I took my vehicle to an authorized Audi service center to have the issue checked and they determined the issue to be a failed pods mat based on the error code returned. Upon researching, I’ve discovered that this issue was a safety recall issue with Audi A5 Sportback vehicles in 2020. My vehicle was manufactured during the time of this particular recall and the issue appears to be indicative of this recall. The recall was safety recall code: 74E3.

    NHTSA complaint 11707412
  4. Filed Nov 19, 2025Failure Oct 24, 2025Rockwall, TXUnknown or other

    I was driving down the interstate when my Warning Transmission Failure light came on. Then another message said you can drive with limited use if vehicle. Seconds later the Warning Transmission Failure light came on again and said drive to your nearest repair shop. Moments later the Warning came on and said safely stop your vehicle. I pulled over on the side of the road and pit my car in park. After doing so the Warning Transmission Failure stayed on and the car no longer would shift into any gears. The car never overheated or stopped running. I had to get the car towed. My car has been in the shop for 3.5 weeks and no one can tell me what's wrong with it.

    NHTSA complaint 11700320
  5. Filed Jun 17, 2025Failure Jun 11, 202556,795 milesHuntersville, NCInstrument cluster/panel

    The contact owns a 2021 Audi A5. The contact stated while the driving 35 MPH, the instrument panel was blinking on and off several times and then went dark. A local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the instrument panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the dealer was waiting for the parts to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 56,795.

    NHTSA complaint 11667401
  6. Filed Feb 10, 2024Failure Feb 10, 2024peachtree corners, GAAutomatic emergency braking

    There was no damage caused. The audi pre sense technology (automatic braking) has come close to causing several accidents by braking extremely hard when there has been no reason to brake.

    NHTSA complaint 11571158
  7. Filed Jun 11, 2023Failure Jun 3, 2023Delray Beach, FLUnknown or other

    My vehicle was repaired pursuant to rearview/backup camera recall (22V742000). Unfortunately, the issue has again arisen and the backup camera alternates between a white screen, a black screen and a frozen screen.

    NHTSA complaint 11526418
  8. Filed Nov 9, 2021Failure Oct 16, 20213,500 milesWhite Bluff, TNElectrical system

    The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, after shifting from reverse to drive the vehicle lost all power. The contact stated that various warning lights were illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as the gateway under the rear seat was wet. The gateway and battery needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by the dealer. The contact stated that the water damage was caused by the vehicle however, the contact stated that she did not cause the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 3,500.

    NHTSA complaint 11439892
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

1,062 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.

  • TSB_2082977_1 Aug 7, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton when the airbag warning lamp is active, event memory "B200000 - Faulty control module, symptom 305".
  • TSB_2079732_2 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is a paint issue on alloy wheels.
  • TSB_2078648_3 Aug 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service information TSB provides warranty coverage information for vehicles with a broken sunroof panel.
  • TSB_2074436_3 Aug 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.
  • TSB_2072304_4 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is an ABS/ESC speed sensor implausible signal.
  • TSB_2069331_8 Aug 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaitn when there is a warning messsage; "Instrument cluster: fault. Limited warning messages. Please contact workshop"; DTC B200096.
  • TSB_2069078_4 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information on the zirconium insercts in the brake piston (ceramic brakes only).
  • TSB_2068999_4 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This TSB describes a corrosion issue due to outside influence and the prohibition of warranty in these cases.
  • TSB_2063546_5 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides service infomraiton regardin gthe identifaction of noises with dynamic steering.
  • TSB_2063528_5 Aug 21, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides service information when thre are engine noises in the vehicle interior.
  • TSB_2059057_15 Aug 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informatin when there is binding or vibrations in tight turns with quattro Ultra.
  • TSB_2082846_1 Jul 27, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides a statement regarding the bottleneck of supply for VW approved oil types VW 504.00 and VW 507.00.
  • TSB_2081573_4 Jul 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when DTC B105A1A, B103E25 is stored in 0017; fuel tank level implausible.
  • TSB_2081573_3 Jul 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when DTC B105A1A, B103E25 is stored in 0017; fuel tank level implausible.
  • TSB_2078648_2 Jul 10, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This service information TSB provides warranty coverage information for vehicles with a broken sunroof panel.
  • TSB_2073747_4 Jul 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informatoinw hent here are scratches or a coating on the cover of the instrument cluster, or particles inside of the housing.
  • TSB_2073282_1 Jul 9, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is a film/visible rings on the clear glass cover of the headlight when the dipped beam is switched on.
  • TSB_2082323_1 Jun 10, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
  • TSB_2078939_2 Jun 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there DTC P218500 is stored in temerature sender G83.
  • TSB_2076404_8 Jun 29, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides a deployment overview for customer service packages MLB and MQB for MIB3/connectivity box/OCU3/LSR.
  • TSB_2076404_7 Jun 1, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides a deployment overview for customer service packages MLB and MQB for MIB3/connectivity box/OCU3/LSR.
  • TSB_2074640_3 Jun 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
  • TSB_2073867_3 Jun 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when DTC U140A00 Terminal 30 is stored in the ECM.
  • TSB_2069331_7 Jun 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaitn when there is a warning messsage; "Instrument cluster: fault. Limited warning messages. Please contact workshop"; DTC B200096.
  • TSB_2068573_5 Jun 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaoitn when the rear parking sensor sometimes does not work, is loose, or there is a rear parking sensor fault message.
  • TSB_2065960_6 Jun 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the display of the Audi virtual cockpit is distorted due to a broken screen.
  • TSB_2064983_15 Jun 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there are pixel faults on the virtual cockpit.
  • TSB_2059528_19 Jun 1, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the Emergency call SOS light has a fault, LED red; DTC B200000.
  • TSB_2059335_7 Jun 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the instrument cluster.
  • TSB_2052680_6 Jun 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Reporting Obligation requires technicains to contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) in cases where the airbag/seatbelt is deployed/not deployed; general accident information; and fire and overheat damage.
  • TSB_2074729_3 Jun 23, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of vehicle in dynamic mode.
  • TSB_2080517_4 May 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
  • TSB_2077443_3 May 8, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the convenience openeing does not work.
  • TSB_2074808_4 May 6, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles are subject to various ageing effects which could lead to the energy content (energy density) being reduced. This reduction in the energy content, which is due to factors. Revised header. Added Model years
  • TSB_2074806_5 May 28, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there are noises after selecting a ear while idling and the vehicle is stationary, or while driving.
  • TSB_2074721_3 May 5, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when there is noise from the backrest of the front seat.
  • TSB_2067557_2 May 15, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton when the windscreen/rear window washer pump is not working (B126101, B126113).
  • TSB_2061932_12 May 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton when traffic jam assist is unavailable/active lane assist fault is reported in the instrument cluster.
  • TSB_2059057_14 May 27, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informatin when there is binding or vibrations in tight turns with quattro Ultra.
  • AOS-26-25 May 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This is a notice for software changes with the ODIS diagnostic program to correct the communication during vehicle programming function: A software fix is needed to correct the issue: The ODIS Audi Brand update 2.41.1 is setting a ODS5003E error code when …
  • TSB_2081722_1 Apr 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin is informational and contains information on the various warning lamps that may appear.
  • TSB_2080517_3 Apr 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn when the starter battery is discharged or defective.
  • TSB_2070568_6 Apr 22, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
  • TSB_2022032_12 Apr 30, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides diagnostic information for the vehicle locking system.
  • TSB_2081531_1 Mar 27, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Reporting obligation requests that technicians contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) when the diagnostic tester refers to this reportin gobligation or to TPI 2033392.
  • TSB_2081409_1 Mar 26, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton regarding the Universal Traffic Recorder.
  • TSB_2081405_1 Mar 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn about various infortainment system complaints.
  • TSB_2081402_1 Mar 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This TSB provides information when there is moisture in footwell, damp smell in passenger compartment.
  • TSB_2081200_1 Mar 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaito when Apple CarPlay/Android Auto does not react to touch inputs.
  • TSB_2074823_2 Mar 20, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the hydraulic pump cannot be adapted - P17EF00 in gearbox control unit.
  • TSB_2070915_2 Mar 10, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulleitn provides informaiton when there is a loose engine oil filler cap; P006800, P227900, P050700 - 2.0 ltr. TFSI.
  • TSB_2064983_14 Mar 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin procides information when there is a pixel error in the Audi virtual cockpit.
  • TSB_2062633_7 Mar 25, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulleitn provides informaiotn when there are cracking/craking noises during load changes, or sever vehicle body torsion.
  • TSB_2061932_11 Mar 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiton when traffic jam assist is unavailable/active lane assist fault is reported in the instrument cluster.
  • TSB_2059528_18 Mar 4, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This TSB provides information when the Emergency call SOS light has a fault, LED red; DTC B200000.
  • TSB_2051095_11 Mar 13, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information about where to download the Audi frequency app.
  • TSB_2024323_13 Mar 17, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
  • TSB_2024323_12 Mar 2, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information when the parking assistance gives false warnings.
  • TSB_2023187_8 Mar 24, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides informaiotn regarding squeaking noises when steering or maneuvering.
  • DC_Audi_CF_ Airbag Mar 2, 2026 · Other
    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning regarding counterfeit replacement airbag inflators that are being installed in used vehicles.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.