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ProblemsByVin File / 2012-AUDI-A5
2012 · audi

audi A5 problems

0 safety recalls. 22 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.6 / 10

Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 2 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
11 reports · avg $1,100
moderate
engine
6 reports · avg $3,100
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2012 A5 · engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A5. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND AUDI OF SHREWSBURY (780…
12/30/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11292116.0
2012 A5 · airbags
TAKATA RECALL. MY DEALER WOULD NOT TAKE MY VEHICLE BACK EVEN ON TRADE BECAUSE OF THE RECALL. THEY TOOK 5000 OFF THE VALUE OF MY CAR BECAUSE OF THIS RECALL AND ALTHOUGH THIS SAME AUDI DEAL DID ALL OF MY MAINTENANCE THEY NEVER TOLD ME ABOUT THE RECALL.
12/24/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10937327.0
2012 A5 · airbags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL…
12/12/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10934684.0
2012 A5 · electrical
THIS VEHICLE HAD A RECALL, AND A NEW ENGINE WAS PUT INTO IT AND EVER SINCE THE NEW ENGINE WAS PUT IN, THE VEHICLE HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS AND ELECTRICAL FAILURES. NOW THE NEW ENGINE, WITH LESS THAN 50K IS BURNING OIL AND NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHY. THIS IS BY FAR THE WORST…
11/18/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11375202.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Common questions

Is the 2012 Audi A5 reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Audi A5 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2012 Audi A5?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 11 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Audi A5 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Audi A5?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 22 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with audi. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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