Own a Audi S5 in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Audi S5 for model years 2008 to 2026. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help S5 owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 158 owner complaints on file for the S5 and 11 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are power train (31), air bags (30), engine (26).
Most-Reported Audi S5 Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the S5 (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 | 31 | 19% | |
| Air Bags | 30 | 18% | |
| Engine | 26 | 16% | |
| Electrical System | 26 | 16% | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 14 | 8% | |
| Back Over Prevention | 12 | 7% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 9 | 5% | |
| Lane Departure | 9 | 5% |
Power Train
31 of the 158 complaints (19%) 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.
Air Bags
30 of the 158 complaints (18%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Engine
26 of the 158 complaints (16%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Audi S5 Complaints by Model Year
The S5 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2010, 2018, 2020. 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 3 | |
| 2010 | 28 | |
| 2011 | 13 | |
| 2012 | 10 | |
| 2013 | 19 | |
| 2014 | 6 | |
| 2015 | 2 | |
| 2016 | 1 | |
| 2018 | 26 | |
| 2019 | 6 | |
| 2020 | 25 | |
| 2021 | 1 | |
| 2022 | 1 | |
| 2023 | 3 | |
| 2024 | 2 | |
| 2025 | 11 | |
| 2026 | 1 |
Audi S5 Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the S5, 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 S5? 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 S5 Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the S5 in these model years, most often involving air bags, suspension, fuel system, gasoline. 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...
- 2022 recall, Back Over Prevention (campaign 22V742000): 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...
- 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...
- 2021 recall, Seat Belts (campaign 21V606000): 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...
- 2020 recall, Exterior Lighting (campaign 20V737000): Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2020-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, and S5 Sportback vehicles.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the S5, 3 involved a crash, 6 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Audi S5 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 S5 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 S5 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 S5, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Audi S5 Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Audi S5 repair service, or choose a service below.
Audi S5 FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Audi S5?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Audi S5 are power train (31), air bags (30), engine (26). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which S5 model years have the most complaints?
The S5 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2010, 2018, 2020. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Audi S5?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Audi S5. 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 S5 have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the Audi S5 across model years 2008 to 2026. 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 S5 in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Audi vehicles including the S5, 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 S5?
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 S5 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.