This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Audi A5 engine problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Audi A5 have filed 13 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 A5 | 3 |
| 2010 A5 | 9 |
| 2012 A5 | 6 |
| 2013 A5 (this page) | 13 |
| 2014 A5 | 10 |
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 13 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Audi A5, 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
Of the 6 model years of Audi A5 we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 13.
Engine accounts for 36% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 3 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
This bulletin provides information on VIN Plates, Safety Certification labels, and the ordering procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information regarding UV leak additive for finding oil leaks.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when the MIL is on; DTCs for misfire, air/fuel ratio imbalance, or lean fuel system stored in the ECM P030000.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two distinct failure patterns: catastrophic engine damage and cooling system defects. One owner experienced complete engine failure at 52,000 miles, hearing loud knocking before the engine seized. The dealer quoted $11,000 for replacement but Audi of America refused warranty coverage, citing missed annual service and a 35K service done elsewhere—despite the owner's service history being otherwise intact.
Cooling system failures are widespread. Multiple owners reported coolant leaks, overheating warnings, and undrivable conditions starting around 83,000 miles or earlier. One vehicle overheated and smoked at 3.5 years old and cost $1,200 to repair out of warranty. Another caught fire while parked, later covered by a recall notice 17V002000, but manufacturer refused responsibility because insurance paid.
The most troubling issue: four owners received recall notices (18V229000 for coolant pump, 19N4 for after-run coolant pump) but dealerships had no parts available for months or longer. One owner received the June 2018 notice with a warning the defect could cause fire even when the engine is off—yet by September 2018, parts still weren't available with no firm delivery date. This left owners driving vehicles Audi flagged as fire hazards while unable to get them fixed.
Same Audi A5 engine reports on nearby years: 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Complete engine failure / bottom-end knock
Engine seized or suffered catastrophic internal damage, typically announced by loud mechanical noise (described as 'marbles rattling'). No clear root cause identified by dealer; warranty denied based on service history gaps.
When: 52,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling/knocking noise from engine; Check engine light; Engine seized, unable to start
Repairs/costs cited: $11,000 engine replacement quoted; owner refused manufacturer assistance; claim denied
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi of America and dealership refused warranty coverage citing missed annual service and 35K service performed elsewhere
Coolant leak and overheating
Coolant system leaks during operation and especially during refilling, causing repeated overheating warnings and eventual undrivability. Issue persisted after recall repair (18V229000) and after independent coolant pump sensor replacement. Manufacturer refused further assistance after dealer marked recall complete.
When: Approximately 83,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Overheating warning message; Coolant leaking from reservoir area; Coolant loss while refilling; Vehicle unable to continue driving
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant pump sensor replaced at independent shop; issue recurred one month later
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) recall performed at dealer; manufacturer refused further assistance, claiming recall completed
Coolant/water pump failure with overheating
Water pump or coolant system failed, causing smoking and overheating while driving. Repair shop diagnosed coolant/water pump replacement as necessary. Occurred outside warranty period; owner paid full repair cost and questioned why recalls were issued later.
When: September 2016, approximately 3.5 years old
Symptoms owners cite: Smoking from engine; Overheating while driving on freeway
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant/water pump replacement at independent shop cost approximately $1,200
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response; owner requested reimbursement as similar issues were later subject to recalls
Engine fire while parked
Vehicle caught fire while parked at home with no engine running. Fire department extinguished flames; vehicle deemed total loss. Later received recall notice 17V002000. Manufacturer declined responsibility because insurance company had reimbursed owner.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle caught fire while parked at home
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed by fire; towed to salvage yard
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 17V002000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) recall notice received one year after fire; manufacturer refused responsibility citing insurance company reimbursement
Recall parts unavailability
Multiple owners received recall notices (18V229000 and 19N4 for after-run coolant pump) but dealerships confirmed repair parts were not available for extended periods. Recall stated defect could cause fire even when engine off and recommended parking vehicle outside as precaution.
When: Recall notices issued June 2018 onwards
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notice received but parts unavailable; Extended delay in repair availability
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs not completed; manufacturer stated parts would be available in January 2019 or later with no firm date
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaigns 18V229000 and 19N4; manufacturer informed owners parts would be available at future date; safety advisory to park outside due to fire risk even when vehicle off
Intake manifold changeover flap sticking
Intake manifold changeover flap intermittently sticks, causing potential performance issues. Owner reports it appears to work for now but could fail soon.
When: Intermittent, timing unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Intake manifold changeover flap sticking intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement quoted at $1,311.56 before tax; not yet performed
Engine stop without warning
Engine shut down suddenly while driving at highway speed in fast lane with no shoulder available. Related to engine failure that was recalled but manufacturer refused to pay for repair.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stopped without warning while driving highway fast lane; Check engine light on since purchase
Repairs/costs cited: Owner paid out-of-pocket for engine failure repair; issue recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engine failure was recalled but manufacturer refused to cover cost
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
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 parts needed to repair the defect were not available. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a…
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 replaced, which my car was no longer under warranty. At this moment I just left my car at this auto repair shop as it was…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Audi a5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18v229000 (engine and engine cooling); 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. Audi tusla (4208 s memorial dr, tusla, ok) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for…
Audi safety recall 19n4 continues to not be available. Received first notice for recall in june 2018. States there is a safety issue with after run coolant pump. States that this defect may cause a fire even if car is not turned on and recommends to park the vehicle outside as a precaution. This sounds very dangerous. Today, september 4, 2018, the dealer informed me that the fix for the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Audi a5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18v229000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that a second…
Couple years ago my engine failed, it was recalled and company refused to pay for it. I payed for it and afterwards my radio modul failed, camera failed, the check engine light is on since I bought the car and recently my car stopped on the highway fast lane without warning. It was no shoulder and I stopped on the highway. I was lucky I didn’t get rear ended n killed
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Audi a5. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18v229000 (engine and engine cooling); 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 dealer (Audi sugar land, 10330 us-90 alt, sugar land, tx 77478) was contacted and confirmed that the…
There is an intermittant fault with the intake manifold change over flap, it's sticking. Replacement would be $1311.56 before tax. It appears to be working ok now, but it could fail in the near future.
The contact's cousin owns a 2013 Audi A5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to overheat. The warning message "Pull Over and Check Coolant" was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road and upon checking the coolant reservoir, the contact noticed that the coolant was leaking. The contact added coolant and was able to continue driving. However,…
NHTSA recall 17v-002 cooling pump overheating. On friday may 26, 2017 on are about 0645 I received a call from the base police stating that my car was on fire in the parking lot. I had been at work since 0600 there were no indications of any problems while driving to work no dashboard lights were on my car was due for oil change 71222.
Had engine trouble with your 2013 Audi A5?
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 engine problem on the 2013 Audi A5?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 13 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 66,457 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2013/Audi/A5.
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.