Brake-related vibration and pulsation has several causes that depend on driving style and resulting brake disc temperature, as well as environmental conditions. Both the intensity of the wear of the brake system and the type of wear depend on the operating conditions of the vehicle. The wear of the brake discs is determined by the frequency and intensity of the brake operations. Dirt build-up, exposure to sand, long standing times, and road salt or similar, can also promote wear as well as cause scoring marks on the brake discs. The driving style of the driver also influences the wear of the brake system. An overly-aggressive driving style, which results in frequent sharp braking, can lead t
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Audi S5 airbags problems
moderate 8 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Complaints
8
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
When does it fail?
Of the 8 airbags complaints filed for the 2012 Audi S5, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA airbags complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 69 number 13-26 dated October 21, 2013. After the airbag control module (J234) has been replaced, the control unit cannot be coded via SVM spec/actual. An SVM code is required to code and parameterize the new service replacement airbag control module. Each model's SVM code is provided in a parts bulletin (GP bulletin), which should have been referenced through ETKA when the module was replaced. The control module cannot be coded until the SVM code has been executed. If the SVM code was not acquired through the GP bulletin in ETKA, follow the instructions in the Service section of this bulletin to update the control module.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 69 number 12-25 dated April 25, 2012. After the airbag control module (J234) has been replaced, the control unit cannot be coded via SVM spec/actual. An SVM code is required to code and parameterize the new service replacement airbag control module. Each model?s SVM code is provided in a parts bulletin (GP bulletin), which should have been referenced through ETKA when the module was replaced. The control module cannot be coded until the SVM code has been executed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ABS warning light on - wire harness damage
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
Ft. Collins dealer says replacement airbags not available
Takata recall.safety recall 69n2. I continue to get defect notices from Audi but no one at Audi has any idea when the replacement or repair parts will be available. When and where will the repair parts be available is my question?
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Audi s5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v078000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not…
I am affected by recall 69R6 for this vehicle. I moved to Germany in 2012 and took my car with me. Audi in Germany refused to honor the recall claiming that it is not applicable to Germany due to different "climate conditions". What can I do (other than shipping the car back to the US) ? Thanks
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Audi s5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v078000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was unable to confirm when the parts would become available. The contact had not experienced…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Audi s5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v078000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts…
Takata recall. Driver frontal airbag inflator could potentially rupture. Repeated call and inquiries to Audi dealer about remedy with no timetable provided. I was told that no airbags have thusfar been repaired or replaced with no estimate of when part will be available. It has been almost one year since recall. Unacceptable.
Tikata airbag recall Audi sent a recall letter several months ago (04/2016) but still has not developed a solution for the airbag issue. Is it safe to drive our car? Audi says it is safe but based on the NHTSA recall it is not safe to drive our car.
Had airbags trouble with your 2012 Audi S5?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2012 Audi S5?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 8 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Based on the 8 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 70,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Audi/S5.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.