This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Audi S5 steering problems
moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 3 steering complaints filed for the 2013 Audi S5, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 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 steering 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 TSB provides information regarding rotational and other steerihng wheel vibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when there are vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information if there is noise when steering the vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information for when the steering column adjustment does not work.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I was turning into a parking lot and the steering locked up in the middle of the turn and a message came up "steering defective. Do not drive". The dealer picked up the car and after researching informed me the power steering module had failed and needs to be replaced. They said they need to order parts from germany and it will take 2-3 weeks. Today is the start of the 3rd week and they are…
Electric power steering fails with either water infiltration into the controller, or with severe cold weather. This issue is known by Audi usa by they are refusing to address the issue. In mn in the month of 2/2019 3 Audi dealers each told me that they each replaced 20+ steering racks due to this issue. This issue cause the electric assisted power steering to fail causing the car to loose all…
While driving at highway speeds, there is resistance at the 12 o'clock position in the steering. This resistance causes the driver to over correct and makes it difficult to keep the car driving in a straight line. This issue has been reported as the 'notch' feeling in then electric steering to dealer and manufacturer and was told no fix is available. *tr
Had steering trouble with your 2013 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 steering problem on the 2013 Audi S5?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 35,833 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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/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.