Own a Audi RS5 in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Audi RS5 for model years 2013 to 2015, 2018 to 2019. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help RS5 owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 18 owner complaints on file for the RS5 and 4 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are power train (5), service brakes (5), electrical system (3).
Most-Reported Audi RS5 Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the RS5 (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 5 | 27% | |
| Service Brakes | 5 | 27% | |
| Electrical System | 3 | 16% | |
| Engine | 2 | 11% | |
| Steering | 1 | 5% | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 5% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | 5% | |
| Structure | 1 | 5% |
Power Train
5 of the 18 complaints (27%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Service Brakes
5 of the 18 complaints (27%) mention brakes. Brake complaints turn up on nearly every vehicle, and Phoenix stop-and-go traffic wears brake parts quickly. We measure pads and rotors, check calipers and fluid, and replace only what is worn. See our brake repair page.
Electrical System
3 of the 18 complaints (16%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Audi RS5 Complaints by Model Year
The RS5 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2014, 2019. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 7 | |
| 2014 | 5 | |
| 2015 | 2 | |
| 2018 | 1 | |
| 2019 | 3 |
Audi RS5 Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the RS5, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Audi.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your RS5? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Audi RS5 Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the RS5 in these model years, most often involving electrical system, seats, tires. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2022 recall, Tires (campaign 22V034000): 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...
- 2021 recall, Seats (campaign 21V874000): Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback...
- 2021 recall, Suspension (campaign 21V295000): 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...
- 2020 recall, Electrical System (campaign 20V760000): Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi RS5 Coupe vehicles. An incorrect positive battery terminal cover was installed.
Keeping a Audi RS5 Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Audi will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a RS5 that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for RS5 owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Audi RS5, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Audi RS5 Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Audi RS5 repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Brake Repair
Pads, rotors, calipers, fluid and brake lines.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Audi RS5 FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Audi RS5?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Audi RS5 are power train (5), service brakes (5), electrical system (3). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which RS5 model years have the most complaints?
The RS5 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2014, 2019. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Audi RS5?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Audi RS5. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Audi RS5 have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the Audi RS5 across model years 2013 to 2015, 2018 to 2019. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Audi RS5 in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Audi vehicles including the RS5, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Audi RS5?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Audi RS5 in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Audi Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.