I was traveling southbound on I-65 (3 lanes) and I had just moved to the left lane when a variety of warning lights appeared on my dash telling me to get off the road and immediately contact the Audi service department for assistance. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, my vehicle completely shut down, and the steering wheel locked. I was able to guide the vehicle to the left breakdown lane and stop the vehicle. Once safely on the side of the road, I was able to engage the ignition and restart the vehicle. The safety of myself and a passenger was put in jeopardy due to the vehicle shutting down on a busy interstate while I was traveling at 60-70 miles per hour. Immediately after the incident I drove the vehicle to the Audi dealership and reported the problem. The service technician stated that he believed this occurred due to a hard update for the vehicle's computer system and they have previously encountered problems with the update but did not provide specific information. I left the vehicle at the dealership so that it could be inspected. A couple of days later the dealership contacted me, and they advised that they performed a new hardware update on the vehicle that reportedly fixes some identified drivability issues. They were unable to retrieve any pertinent data from the vehicle because the drive systems were not communicating with the computer during the time frame of the incident which is one of the issues that the new update reportedly resolves. The service advisor stated that the vehicle is currently safe to drive and did not locate any other issues with the vehicle.
The worst 2025 Audi S5 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Driver assistance6
- Electrical6
- Engine3
- Brakes2
- Acceleration1
- Fuel system1
- Suspension1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2025 Audi S5
Recalls 2
Seat belts: rear/other: retractor
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 SQ6 E-Tron, SQ6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 Sportback E-Tron, A6, A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 E-Tron, S5, and S6 Sportback E-Tron vehicles. The automatic locking retractor may fail to engage when a child seat is installed using the seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
- Risk
- An improperly secured child seat can increase risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the right and left rear seat belt assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69D8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on December 23, 2025.
Recall number 25V899000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: retractor
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 GTI, Golf R, Audi A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, S5, S6 Sportback E-Tron, 2026 Q4 Sportback E-Tron, and Q4 E-Tron vehicles. The torsion bar in one or both front seat belt retractors may have been damaged during production.
- Risk
- In a crash, a damaged torsion bar in a retractor could fail. If this happens, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace one or both front seat belts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 30, 2025, and October 31, 2025. Owners may contact Audi at 1‑800‑253‑2834 or Volkswagen at 1‑800‑893‑5298. Audi's number for this recall is 69UM; Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 694T. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning September 26, 2025.
Recall number 25V638000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2025 Audi S5 635
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This bulletin provides information when a software update fails, and control unit J1194 cannot be reached;...
- This bulletin provides information when there is an electrical system fault; control unit for low-voltage...
- This bulletin provides information when the digital key cannot be adapted.
- This bulletin is an aid for TSB2082223, combined software update 03.11.00/C (28.14/01) KD2 .
- This bulletin provides informaiton when there are noises from the all-wheel drive coupling when corning.
- This bulletin provides information when a yellow warning message appears with DTC C05EC00.
- This bulletin provides informaiton on the use of the PICO-NVH tool (VAS 611 015).
- This bulletin provides information when the rear lid does not open or close fully; software version 0231...
- This bulletin provides information when the rear lid does not open or close fully.
- This bulletin provides information regarding the current top concerns being addressed by the Audi Digital...
2025 Audi S5 crash test ratings
Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi S5 Sportback 4 DR AWD | 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. | Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms. | 5 |
2025 Audi S5 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | AWD | 19-20 | 28-29 | 22-23 |
What 2025 Audi S5 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I am filing this safety complaint regarding my 2025 Audi S5, VIN [XXX]. Since taking delivery on [XXX], the vehicle has experienced repeated and intermittent malfunctions involving the driver-assistance and steering systems. On numerous occasions, the Lane Departure Warning/Lane Assist system has applied unexpected and excessive steering input. When attempting to change lanes, including while using the turn signal, the vehicle has at times attempted to steer back toward the original lane. The system has also made intrusive steering corrections while I am already traveling within my lane. These events can be unpredictable and create concern that the vehicle may unexpectedly alter my intended steering direction. The vehicle also repeatedly displays warnings stating that driver-assistance systems are currently limited or unavailable. These warnings have occurred in both rainy and clear/dry conditions and have occurred while the vehicle is being driven at highway speeds. In addition, I have repeatedly experienced a clunking sensation/noise through the steering/front axle area during sharp turns, full-lock steering, parking maneuvers, and roundabouts. The vehicle has been presented to an authorized Audi dealership multiple times for these recurring concerns. A software update was performed in August 2026. The vehicle initially appeared improved, but the driver-assistance and steering symptoms returned shortly afterward and have continued. These are recurring, intermittent safety-related problems, not a single isolated event. I am concerned that unpredictable steering intervention and repeated driver-assistance system failures could contribute to loss of vehicle control or a collision. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document and investigate these recurring safety concerns. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The Lane Keep Assist system will randomly attempt to steer into the shoulder or oncoming lane. This requires rapid correction from the driver to maintain travel within the lane. The most recent incident attempted to steer the vehicle into an oncoming school bus. Multiple repair attempts have been made by three dealers, the third of which performed a camera cleaning and ADAS calibration which was not covered under either the new vehicle warranty or the extended service contract despite being within the terms of both. The first dealer declined to test the vehicle, stating they did not have the necessary equipment to attempt a repair. The second declined to reproduce any of the issues noted at drop-off or perform any inspections beyond a "test drive" to and from the service center from the dealership. At the first two dealers, the lane keep assist was turned off when the vehicle was returned. After the final repair, the vehicle now usually stays in the middle of the lane and the top-down 360 degree camera view now accurately shows obstructions around the vehicle, and no more hidden obstacles suddenly "pop" into the rearview camera. This fault with the lane keep assist is most noticeable when using the system on two lane rural highways, though it can happen elsewhere. The indicator for the side of the vehicle being corrected changes from green to red as expected for intervention during each event. No specific fault codes are logged for this activation. This issue has been present since delivery of the vehicle. Similar loaners from the dealer provided during service do not exhibit this same fault on the same roads in the same locations.
I was making a left hand turn at an intersection with no cars in immediate proximity to my car and the emergency braking system activated violently causing the car to shut off. The pre sense light came on the dashboard. This happened 3 different times. I went to Freehold Audi and they stated the pre sense was doing its job. I reported this to Audi Headquarters last week and a report was written. Other electrical issues started happening, the lane change sensor was going off randomly, the windshield wipers were going off randomly. I traded the car in yesterday to Lexus of Eatontown. They said they were going to sell the Audi retail, I’m thinking to the auction. The car has less than 10,000 miles on it. I informed them about the issues I was having with the car but I’m worried they will sell it to someone without repairing the pre sense issue. I do not want anyone to get hurt in this vehicle. I hurt my neck and chest when the car violently stopped, so did my son. Someone could have easily rear ended me.
all driver assistance features shut down randomly when starting vehicle for at least 45 minutes. had to drive vehicle without safety features to get home. without lane assist-fwd collision-side collision alert-rear traffic alert etc make vehicle difficult to drive and could result in accident. Dealer and Audi are aware of problem have tried to fix twice and tell me at present there is no fix. possible software update in future? Vehicle has not been inspected by insurance or anyone other than dealer. As stated above warning lights on dashboard screen flash all driver systems are not working. System resets after shutdown in 45 minutes or so, but randomly repeats sometimes two days in a row, sometime four to five days apart.
Since the day of delivery, this 2025 Audi S5 has experienced daily electronic and safety system failures. At least once per day, on startup, the vehicle throws 10 or more warning codes disabling safety-critical systems including blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, forward collision avoidance, rear traffic alert, and adaptive lighting. These failures occur without warning and persist for varying durations before clearing on their own. Additionally, on 5 occasions the adaptive cruise control refused to activate, displaying a false "door open" warning with all doors and trunk confirmed closed. On 4 occasions the power trunk failed to latch using the electronic controls. The 360-degree parking camera system intermittently stops rendering surroundings, displaying only the vehicle graphic with no camera feed. The vehicle was brought to the selling dealer for service. After one hour, the dealer stated no issue was found. A battery diagnostic was requested based on a documented case of an identical 2025 S5 with the same symptoms traced to a faulty 12V battery. The dealer declined to cover the diagnostic under warranty. The service manager later acknowledged these are known platform issues and confirmed a software update is expected from the manufacturer in July 2026. The vehicle already has the latest available software update (TSB 2079690, KD2, version 03.10.00/C) installed and the problems persist. The dealer has confirmed there is no current fix available. These failures put the driver and other road users at risk, as safety systems are non-functional during the error state with no indication of when they will restore.
The contact owns a 2025 Audi S5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to respond while attempting to drive. The vehicle was restarted after the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the issue could be related to a lane switch failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,577.
when starting vehicle every three or four days all safety systems fail and takes anywhere from one hour to 12 hours to reset. This forces me to drive vehicle without any safety systems i.e fwd collision, rear traffic alert, lane assist , side view mirror alerts, heads up display adaptive lighting. DEALER claims there is no fix at present and cannot repair until Manufacturer finds solution to software problem. This has happened on numerous occasions
Below is a detailed timeline of the problems I experienced: Intermittent starting issue Over the past few months, the car has occasionally failed to start on the first attempt. It always started on the second try, so I planned to mention it at the next service visit. Complete MMI/display blackout while driving on the highway In the middle of my trip, the entire center display and instrument cluster went completely black while I was driving at highway speed. All information disappeared (speed, fuel level, navigation, radio — everything). The car continued running, but I had no visibility into critical driving data. After pulling over and restarting the vehicle, only half the screen returned. Hours later, the second half came back on its own. Catastrophic front-right tire blowout in a remote area of Texas The following day, while driving through a very remote stretch of highway, the front-right tire suddenly exploded with a loud bang. I safely pulled over and discovered the tire was completely destroyed. No spare tire provided The trunk contained only a tire inflator kit — no spare tire or temporary spare. A new tire was required. Inadequate roadside assistance experience I called Audi Roadside Assistance twice. Both representatives appeared to be reading from a script, were located in another country, and could not understand the urgency or specifics of my situation. After repeated miscommunication, I received no meaningful help and had to resolve the situation on my own at significant personal expense. When the local tire shop inspected the vehicle, the mechanic immediately pointed out severe abnormal inner tire wear on both front tires and stated that the alignment is clearly defective. He said the left front tire was also about to fail and that the car was unsafe to drive in its current condition. Both front tires had to be replaced before I could continue.
Known-Best Assesment-Piston Skirt Defect and Non-Disclosure of Prior Issues: Approximately only three months after purchase of a brand new 2025 Audi S5 on 6/11/25 , I received a letter from Audi of America acknowledging a potential piston skirt defect/failure resulting from faulty material and/or workmanship. They extended the part warranty for 8 years or 80,000 miles but this doesn't help me feel safe driving this vehicle. I was informed the defect cannot be proactively repaired and would only be addressed after failure. This instruction is unreasonable, unsafe, and contrary to the purpose of purchasing a new vehicle. Audi has previously settled piston-related class litigation, yet no one at Audi Henderson disclosed any history of piston issues during the sale. Had I been informed of this material risk, I would not have purchased the vehicle. I now feel unable to safely or confidently use this vehicle for long-distance or out-of-state travel. Upon researching it I found this: The mileage at which a piston skirt defect will cause total failure varies widely, potentially from mere miles to tens of thousands of miles, or could last the entire life of the engine if it's a minor defect. It is highly risky to drive with a known defect, as damage accumulates over time and can lead to a complete and sudden engine failure and could lead to catastrophic, potentially deadly consequences. Â Factors Affecting the Rate of Worsening :The time frame for failure depends almost entirely on the nature and severity of the initial problem, as well as driving habits. * Severity of the Defect: A small scuff might not cause issues for a long time, while a cracked or broken skirt can lead to catastrophic failure very quickly (e.g., within 5 miles or even minutes). * Maintenance: Regular oil checks and changes help manage the symptoms but cannot prevent eventual failure if the defect is significant. * Early reports: Some drivers have reported problems with low-mileage vehicles.
Compare the 2025 Audi S5
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Questions about the 2025 Audi S5
Is the 2025 Audi S5 reliable?
Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 2025 Audi S5, 2.0 times a typical S5 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2025 Audi S5?
Driver assistance and stability, with 6 complaints. Next is electrical (6).
How many recalls does the 2025 Audi S5 have?
2 recalls, covering seat belts.
Is the 2025 Audi S5 safe in a crash?
The 2025 Audi S5 was crash tested, but no overall score was published. Partial scores: rollover 5 out of 5.
What gas mileage does the 2025 Audi S5 get?
Official estimates for the 2025 Audi S5 range from 22 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, AWD) gets 19-20 city and 28-29 highway.
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