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2014 Audi A5 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2014 Audi A5 carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering wiring and cooling system. Owners report 4 recurring issue clusters, led by “Engine piston and timing chain failure.” 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 2014 Audi A5.

Reported to NHTSA

Engine piston and timing chain failure

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2023-08

“Piston 3 imploded causing damage to the long block. Complete engine failure at 65K miles conformed by Audi dealership. You may view the car if you wish. The warning lights appeared the same day the car started malfunctioning. No advanced warning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11537253
“Audi claims to have fixed their 2.0t engine piston defect which can cause safety issues and accidents caused by the car seizing or loosing power at any time due to their faulty pistons which class action act filed on 2014 indicates that 2012-2017 2.0t engine are susceptible to”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11498404
“CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT AUTOMATICALLY SHIFT UP BEYOND 6TH GEAR (8 SPEED TRANSMISSION) AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. TRANSMISSION COULD BE SHIFTED MANUALLY INTO 7TH AND 8TH GEARS, BUT ENGINE WAS LUGGING ON LEVEL HIGHWAY AT 60MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11061499

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Backup camera view overridden by incoming phone call

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2018-01

“AUDI OF SEATTLE CONFIRMED 1/22/2018 THAT MY CAR IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED, BUT I BELIEVE THIS DESIGN IS UNSAFE AND UNDESIRABLE. SPECIFICALLY, WHEN DRIVING IN REVERSE USING THE BACKUP CAMERA VIEW, IF I RECEIVE AN INCOMING CELL PHONE CALL TO MY PAIRED PHONE, THE CAR PRIORITIZES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11064842
“I RECEIVED A BLUETOOTH CELL PHONE CALL WHILE BACKING UP IN REVERSE, AND THE BACKUP CAMERA TV SCREEN TO MY SURPRISE WAS OVERRIDDEN BY THE PHONE CALL SCREEN, LOSING MY BACKUP VIEW”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10972232

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering rack and pinion failure or lockup

STEERING

8 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2025-04

“January 2021 driving straight - 30 MPH. RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION DYNAMIC STEERING "STEERING DEFECTIVE. I PULLED INTO A PARKING STALL AND IT DID A TOTAL LOCK UP. THE STEERING WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED AT ALL. THE WHOLE STEERING RACK AND PINION HAD TO BE REPLACED COSTING OVER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11433851
“MY VEHICLE HAS ONLY 36K MILES AND HAS NOT BEEN THROUGH ANY PUDDLES OR POTHOLES. ONE DAY I DROVE MY CAR DOWN THE STREET BACK TO MY GARAGE AND AS I WAS PARKING I RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION "STEERING DEFECTIVE DO NOT DRIVE". THE STEERING RACK AND PINION HAD TO BE REPLACED COSTING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11327151
“2014 AUDI A5 WITH APPROX 62K MILES. THE STEERING SYSTEM HAS BEGUN TO OFFER INCONSISTENT RESISTANCE TO DRIVER INPUT, WHICH IMPACTS DRIVER'S ABILITY TO JUDGE THE AMOUNT OF FORCE NEEDED TO TURN THE WHEEL TO THE DESIRED POSITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11302952

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall and recall delay for after-run coolant pump

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2025-05

“The contact owns a 2014 Audi A5. The contact stated that while driving 30-70 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving for an hour or stopped at a light. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact waited for 10 minutes to restart, but”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11658904
“THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN EXTENDED STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON VERY HOT DAYS (IN THE 90'S). AFTER COOLING DOWN FOR AN EXTENDED TIME (1/2 HOUR OR MORE), THE CAR STARTED AGAIN AND ACTED NORMAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11228410
“2014 AUDI A5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AFTER RUN COOLANT PUMP SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL REPAIR EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. *JS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11111599

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)

8 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.

0

complaints mentioning a crash

0

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 2014 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.

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