2013 Audi A5 problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 36 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2013 Audi A5 has 36 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 13 complaints, typically surfacing around 66,457 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 A5 | 34 | 0 |
| 2012 A5 | 22 | 0 |
| 2013 A5 (this page) | 36 | 0 |
| 2014 A5 | 29 | 0 |
| 2015 A5 | 9 | 0 |
| 2016 A5 | 7 | 1 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2013 Audi A5? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- engine — 13 owner reports · tends to show around 66,457 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- steering — 8 owner reports · tends to show around 22,789 mi · ~$700 to fix
- electrical — 5 owner reports · tends to show around 61,000 mi · ~$850 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 66,457 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2013 Audi A5
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 3 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Audi a5. The contact stated that the recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 18v229000 (engine) was received in june of 2018. After contacting the local dealer (Audi west houston, 15865 katy freeway, houston, tx), the contact was informed that the…
I have just become aware, on my own accord, that the used 2013 Audi a5 I purchased has a safety recall issued october of this year. I need to be advised on what course of action needs to be taken from this point. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of…
In sep 2016 my 2013 Audi a5 started smoking and overheating while driving on the freeway. I drove my car home and searched for a reputable auto shop in my city that I drove my car to. My vehicle was analyzed and inspected to find out that the coolant/waterpump needed to be…
While approaching a turn I slowed down , another car came around the right side. My car wasn't resoonding I wasn't able to bear right around curve and went across road and up hill. Approaching hill felt like I didn't have power steering, I took 2 hands and grabbed the steering…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2013 Audi A5 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 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.
Should you avoid the 2013 Audi A5?
On the NHTSA data, the 2013 Audi A5 does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2013 Audi A5?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 13 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 66,457 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2013 Audi A5 a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 36 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 66,457 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 Audi A5?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 13 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 66,457 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 66,457 miles. 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 2013 Audi A5?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 36 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, 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 are not always better value.