Wrench.Pro

2013 Audi A5 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Audi A5 carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering wiring and cooling system. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Power steering dead spot and stiffness.” Audi follows the VW Group Longlife service rhythm: oil and minor service every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using oil that meets VW 502 00 / 504 00 (or 508 00 for newer 0W-20 engines) — generic synthetic does not qualify. S tronic dual-clutch gearboxes need fluid service every 40,000 miles despite 'lifetime fill' claims. Fully electric models (e-tron, e-tron GT) skip oil service entirely but keep brake-fluid, cabin-filter, and coolant-circuit intervals.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign #17V622000 · May 10, 2017

Issue: 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.

Risk: The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.

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

Campaign #17V002000 · Mar 1, 2017

Issue: 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.

Risk: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

Campaign #18V229000 · Nov 4, 2018

Issue: 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.

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

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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Audi A5.

Reported to NHTSA

Power steering dead spot and stiffness

STEERING

8 NHTSA complaints · 2013-01 → 2021-08

“AT 1500 MILES I DEVELOPED A NOTCHY FEELING IN MY STEERING WHEEL AT THE 12 O'CLOCK POSITION. THIS NOTCHY FEEL CREATES A NEED FOR CONSTANT CORRECTION JUST TO KEEP THE VEHICLE TRAVELING IN A STRAIGHT PATH. I BELIEVE THIS IS THE RESULT OF THE NEW ELECTROMECHANICAL STEERING THAT AUDI”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10495093
“WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE BECOMES A "DEAD" SPOT IN THE STEERING INPUT. STEERING WHEEL CAN BE MOVED 2-3 INCHES RIGHT TO LEFT WITH NO EFFECT ON THE STEERING OF THE CAR ITSELF. THESE INCIDENTS ARE UNPREDICTABLE IN WHEN THEY OCCUR AND HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCED FROM SPEEDS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10503984
“About 3 weeks ago I noticed the beginning of a steering problem. I first noticed that the wheel seemed to require more than normal force to turn, especially in about the 10 and 2 o’clock position. It would behave pretty normally most of the time, but then, unpredictably, this”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11428294

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof glass cracking and shattering

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2019-12

“THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. I WAS DRIVING AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE. I LOOK AROUND BECAUSE IT SOUNDED LIKE A TIRE BLOWOUT. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE, AND ONCE I REACHED MY DESTINATION, STOPPED AND OPENED THE DOOR TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, I HEARD A LOUD POP LIKE A GUN SHOT. IMMEDIATELY GLASS FLEW”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11291420
“I WAS DRIVING MY CAR IN THE FREEWAY IN SACRAMETO GOING TO ARDEN MALL AND AS I WAS EXITING GOING ABOUT 30 MPH OFF THE RAMP I HEARD A VERY LOUD BANG SOUND AND AS I LOOKED UP I NOTICED MY SUN ROOF (IN THE CLOSED POSITION) WAS CRACKED WITH THE MIDDLE OF THE GLASS WARPING IN AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10969594

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump and fuel door actuator failure

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2023-04

“I have experienced several failures and 3 recalls with my vehicle since I purchased it brand new. I have paid out thousands of dollars over the years for repairs that I feel were faulty being that I am on the only owner of the vehicle. I have approximately a little under 75k”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11517813
“I JUST HAD MY FUEL DOOR ACTUATOR REPLACED ON MY 2013 AUDI A5 WITH LESS THAN 44,500 MILES ON IT IN SEPTEMBER 2018. I AM HAVING A VERY DIFFICULT TIME UNDERSTANDING WHY MY FUEL DOOR ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACE WITH SO LOW MILEAGE. THE CAR HAS A RANGE OF 455 MILES AFTER A FILL UP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11139928

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Coolant pump overheating and engine fire

ENGINE

15 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2026-07

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 AUDI A5. WHILE PARKED AT HOME, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A YEAR LATER, THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10980199
“NHTSA RECALL 17V-002 COOLING PUMP OVERHEATING. ON FRIDAY MAY 26, 2017 ON ARE ABOUT 0645 I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE BASE POLICE STATING THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE IN THE PARKING LOT. I HAD BEEN AT WORK SINCE 0600 THERE WERE NO INDICATIONS OF ANY PROBLEMS WHILE DRIVING TO WORK NO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10992366
“AUDI SAFETY RECALL 19N4 CONTINUES TO NOT BE AVAILABLE. RECEIVED FIRST NOTICE FOR RECALL IN JUNE 2018. STATES THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH AFTER RUN COOLANT PUMP. STATES THAT THIS DEFECT MAY CAUSE A FIRE EVEN IF CAR IS NOT TURNED ON AND RECOMMENDS TO PARK THE VEHICLE OUTSIDE AS A”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11124291

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical short from coolant or water intrusion

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2024-07

“I was having an issue with my 2013 Audi A5 starting. A call to roadside assistance was able to jump my battery and the car would start and run. However, the same issue kept happening. The EPC warning light would come on and it took a few weeks to get scheduled with a mechanic. I”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11599581
“LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING. I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR LOST POWER AND STARTED SHUDDERING, EPC WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND IT SEEMED LIKE IT MIGHT STALL. SINCE I WAS DRIVING I PUSHED IN THE CLUTCH AND COASTED TO A STOP. I SHUT IT OFF AND RESTARTED IT AND IT WORKED NORMALLY SO I”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11210652
“2013 AUDI A5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CORRODED ELECTRICAL HARNESS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS CORRODED DUE TO A LEAKING GASKET. *JS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11112689

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment and recall notice

AIR BAGS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2017-04

“VEHICLE INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT-COLLISION WITH A LIGHT POLE HEAD ON AIR BAG DID NOT INFLATE - CAR A TOTAL LOSS. DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES. UPDATED 06/29/17*LJ *CN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10979603
“I WAS SENT A RECALL NOTICE FOR DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS. I LIVE ON NANTUCKET ISLAND AND THERE ARE NOT AUDI DEALERSHIPS HERE. I HAVE TO PUT MY CAR ON A FERRY IN ORDER TO GET THE AIRBAG PROBLEM CORRECTED. THE COST WAS 160 DOLLARS AND AUDI SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT AS IT IS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10671813

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Longlife Service)

Every 10,000 mi

Replace oil and filter every 10,000 miles or 12 months with VW 502 00 / 504 00 / 508 00 spec oil. S and RS models driven hard: many owners shorten to 5,000-7,500 miles. Wrong-spec oil is the leading cause of TFSI timing-chain tensioner and PCV problems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate every 10,000 miles with the oil service. quattro models: keep all four tires within 4/32" of each other — mismatched wear stresses the center differential.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and wear sensors every 10,000 miles. Audi uses electronic pad-wear sensors on most models — replace the sensor with the pads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 4 brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage — Audi's published schedule is time-based because the fluid absorbs moisture.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

S tronic Dual-Clutch Fluid

Every 40,000 mi

S tronic (DSG) gearboxes on A3/S3/RS 3, Q3, TT, and many A5/Q5 models: replace fluid and filter every 40,000 miles with the VW Group-spec fluid for your gearbox code. Skipping this service is the most common cause of mechatronic failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$470–$640

Shop

~$330–$450

DIY

Pro only

VW/Audi DSG service needs a fluid-fill procedure at a specific temperature — shop equipment territory.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

quattro Coupling Fluid (Transverse Models)

Every 40,000 mi

A3/S3/RS 3, Q3, and TT use a Haldex-style rear coupling: replace its fluid roughly every 40,000 miles (some model years specify sooner — check your manual). Longitudinal quattro (A5-A8, Q5, Q8) has no coupling service; see differential fluid instead.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$220–$290

Shop

~$155–$205

DIY

~$40–$90

VW/Audi/Volvo AWD coupling — specific fluid required. Filter usually swapped at the same time.

Spark Plugs

Every 40,000 mi

TFSI turbo engines: new plugs every 40,000 miles. RS models with the 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder: consider 30,000 miles under track or hard street use.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace every 40,000 miles; inspect at 20,000 on turbocharged engines — a clogged filter shows up as sluggish boost response first.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Timing Chain (EA888 — Inspect Tensioner)

On condition / lifetime

2.0 TFSI (EA888) engines before roughly 2013 had timing-chain tensioner failures — have the tensioner revision checked by 80,000 miles on earlier cars. Later engines carry the updated design with no scheduled service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Differential Fluid (Longitudinal quattro)

Every 60,000 mi

Q5, Q8, and A5-A8 quattro: independent Audi specialists recommend front/rear differential fluid service around 60,000 miles even where Audi lists it as lifetime fill.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Dust & Pollen Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles or 2 years. Audi specifies an activated-carbon filter on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

G12evo / G13 Coolant

On condition / lifetime

Audi coolant is labeled lifetime fill. Independent VW/Audi specialists recommend a refresh around 5 years or 100,000 miles to protect the water pump and thermostat housing — and only with the correct pink/lilac VW Group coolant.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

3 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Audi A5 reflects Audi's published service intervals and the Audi Service Interval Display system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →