Audi A5 Years to Avoid: Your Essential Buyer’s Guide

When hunting for a used Audi A5, the keyword “Audi A5 Years to Avoid” should stand out in your mind. While the A5 offers style, performance, and German engineering prestige, certain model years are notorious for large-scale issues. Whether you’re buying a sporty coupe or a practical Sportback, knowing which years to steer clear of can save you from major headaches—and costly repair bills.

This guide dives deep into the problematic years, highlights reliable alternatives, and breaks everything down into tables and bullet points optimized for featured snippets.

Audi A5 Years to Avoid: Complete Breakdown

In-depth Issue Overview:

Engine Oil Consumption (2009–2011):

The EA888 2.0T was known to burn nearly 1L every 600–1,000mi—far above Audi’s normal expectations. Owners reported constantly topping-off oil and frequent oil-light flashes on highway drives.

Infotainment & Electrical Failures (2010):

Early models suffer MMI system crashes, ghost warnings, and digital display lags.

Airbag, Timing Chain & Engine Wear (2011):

Aside from oil issues, timing-chain wear led to ticking noises, and Takata inflators triggered mandatory recalls.

Turbocharger & Piston-Ring Failures (2012–2014):

These years fell under the US Rieger v. VW settlement, offering compensation and extended coverage. Even so, many owners faced turbo or piston failures before filing a claim.

Problem Indicators to Watch

• Frequent oil top-offs or blue smoke during acceleration
• Oil-level or check-engine lights within 1,000mi
• Loud ticking from engine (timing chain wear)
• Jerky shifting or hesitation in CVT-equipped models
• Blown airbags or delayed deployment warning
• Turbo lag or whining noises in 2012+ models

Audi A5 Years to Buy: Reliable Alternatives

• 2008 (Base First-Gen): Minimal complaints; just seven reports and one recall—good value with service diligence.
• 2013–2014 (Facelift Gen 1): Addressed oil/timing/transmission fixes. CarComplaints lists only 29 complaints; Consumer Reports rated it 5/5 reliability.
• 2016–2019 (B9 Generation): Major redesign with dual-clutch S-Tronic, updated electronics, far fewer recalls. J.D. Power gave 2019 an 82/100 score.
• 2020–Present (B9.5/B10): High-tech features include Virtual Cockpit, mild-hybrid, and HUD; early feedback shows low fault rates.

Quick Buy/Avoid Summary

Years to Avoid:

• 2009–2011: Oil issues, timing chain problems, airbags
• 2012–2014: Turbo/piston issues, settlement-related repairs

Years to Consider:

• 2008: Early but clean
• 2013–2014: Facelift fixes
• 2016–2019: Full redesign
• 2020+: Latest tech, safest choice

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

• Oil Records: Ask for multiple service receipts; demand evidence of oil consumption inspections or repairs.
• Diagnostic Scan: Check for codes related to MMI, timing chain, turbos, and airbag systems.
• CVT/Multitronic Health: Watch for hesitation or gear flashing; inspect TCU fluid (recommended intervals at 35k & 75k mi).
• Wheel Bearings: Especially on 2011 facelift models, test for rumble/grind.
• Turbo Whine: For 2012+ models, check for shaft play and oil leakage.
• Recall Compliance: Verify Takata and oil-settlement coverage via VIN.

Owner Wisdom & Community Voices

“It’s been extremely reliable since about 2014. The 4-cylinder in the A5 has seen some problems over the years. I highly recommend the S5.” – Reddit user

Forum consensus echoes that facelift updates largely solved piston/oil woes, especially post-2012 models—avoid early engines but facelifted cars are much more trustworthy.

Competitor Comparison: Audi A5 vs BMW 4 Series vs Mercedes C-Class

Verdict: Audi balances sporty looks with comfort; BMW edges out in driving dynamics; Mercedes shines in luxury feel.

Common Mistakes When Buying a Used Audi A5

• Skipping pre-purchase inspections
• Not checking for oil consumption fixes on 2009–2014 models
• Overlooking VIN recall history (airbags, piston rings)
• Buying CVT models without ensuring recent fluid changes
• Failing to test all infotainment/electronic functions

FAQ (People Also Ask)

What are the best years for Audi A5?

2016–2019 and 2020–present B9 models are the most reliable. The 2013–2014 facelift versions also offer great value with corrected issues.

Is an Audi A5 expensive to maintain?

Expect $800–$1,000 yearly for routine upkeep. Oil, CVT, or turbo problems can spike bills to $2–4k.

Which A5 engine is most reliable?

The 3.0T V6 (2014+) and 3.2L V6 (2007–2011) outperform the early 2.0T four-cylinder models.

Can software updates fix early A5 issues?

Only partially. TSB recalls addressed oil consumption and upgrade kits, but physical fixes are often necessary.

Are there settlements for Audi A5 oil issues?

Yes. The Rieger vs VW settlement covers 2012–2014 A4/A5 models with warranty extensions and possible payouts up to $12k.

Is Audi A5 a good daily driver?

Yes, if you choose a reliable year and stay on top of maintenance. Avoid high-mileage CVT models for daily use.

Final Verdict

Avoid A5s from 2009–2014 unless you’re absolutely sure major engine, airbag, and turbo repairs have been addressed. Choose confidently from 2008, 2013–2014, 2016–2019, or 2020+ for the best balance of German sport luxury and dependability. Always prioritize full service history, VIN checks, and honest pre-purchase inspection.

TL;DR Buyer’s Action Plan

• Focus your search on 2008, 2013–2014, and 2016+ model years.
• Confirm service receipts, especially for oil fixes or software updates.
• Check for legal recourse or warranty via VIN (e.g., Rieger settlement).
• Have an independent mechanic perform a full inspection.
• Buy with confidence—and enjoy the Audi A5 experience!