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2021 Audi S5 problems

The most common problem on the 2021 Audi S5 is suspension. It has fewer complaints than a typical S5 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
1,005
Worst area
Suspension
Fuel economy
22-23mpg

The worst 2021 Audi S5 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Suspension
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Suspension
    1

Recalls 5

Back over prevention: display functionReported October 5, 2022 · 170,296 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due 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 gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.

Recall number 22V742000 · Recall details

TiresReported January 26, 2022 · 31,058 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V‑295 (42L1) were performed.
Risk
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.

Recall number 22V034000 · Recall details

Seat beltsReported August 5, 2021 · 45,496 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1‑800‑893‑5298 and Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).

Recall number 21V606000 · Recall details

Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assemblyReported April 26, 2021 · 40,993 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Risk
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.

Recall number 21V295000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported November 25, 2020 · 5,426 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2020-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The wiring harness for the rear lights could be missing the anti-abrasion protection in the area of the spare wheel well.
Risk
Without the scuff protection, the wires may become damaged during a rear crash, disabling the doors from being opened from the outside, causing a loss of hazard lights, and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will apply scuff protection, free of charge. The recall began January 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EU.

Recall number 20V737000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 2021 Audi S5

Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Audi S5 1,005

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,005 bulletins for the 2021 Audi S5

2021 Audi S5 crash test ratings

Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
Audi S5 Sportback 4 DR AWDPhrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.5

2021 Audi S5 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cylAWD2026-2822-23

What 2021 Audi S5 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 16, 2021 · Suspension · NC

The contact owns a 2021 Audi S5. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V295000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact attempted to speak with the manufacturer however, there was no response. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2021 Audi S5 before you buy

Compare the 2021 Audi S5

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Questions about the 2021 Audi S5

Is the 2021 Audi S5 reliable?

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2021 Audi S5, fewer than a typical S5 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Audi S5?

Suspension, with 1 complaint.

How many recalls does the 2021 Audi S5 have?

5 recalls, covering back over prevention, tires and seat belts.

Is the 2021 Audi S5 safe in a crash?

The 2021 Audi S5 was crash tested, but no overall score was published. Partial scores: rollover 5 out of 5.

Was there a recall on the 2021 Audi S5 suspension?

Yes, 1 recall: 21V295000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Audi S5 get?

Official estimates for the 2021 Audi S5 range from 22 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, AWD) gets 20 city and 26-28 highway.

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