2013 Audi A5 recalls and problems

The 2013 Audi A5 has 3 safety recalls and 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

2 / 2

Injuries / deaths

2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Audi A5 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Audi A5 recalls

Recall 18V-229: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Apr 11, 2018 · 342,867 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.

Risk: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.

Recall 17V-622: Electrical System

Reported Oct 5, 2017 · 216,913 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.

Risk: The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The Recall began November 27, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 80C5 and 80C6.

Recall 17V-002: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jan 3, 2017 · 342,867 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.

Risk: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.

2013 Audi A5 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	12
Electrical System	9
Steering	8
Engine and Engine Cooling	4
Fuel/Propulsion System	3
Unknown or Other	3
Service Brakes	2
Visibility/Wiper	2
Power Train	2
Air Bags	1
Wheels	1

Most reported parts

Electrical System › Interior Lamps/Bulbs — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 52,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 Audi A5 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 157,653 miles · reported Jul 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Audi A5. The contact stated that after activating the AC system, there was hot air and a burning odor coming from the passengerâs side vents. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V002000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called an independent mechanic and referenced the recall campaign. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 157,653.

Electrical System · reported Jul 28, 2026

Turned AC on blew out cool air all of sudden the air went out hot air blowing, smelt burning and saw smoke on passenger side (not a lot,but enough to raise concerns) turned AC shut climate off, turned car off tried it again no air just heat blowing. brother in law put it on machine , gave a sensor code, replaced sensor put a can of air in, still blowing out hot air. and if ran too long it will smoke and burning scent.

Electrical System · reported Jul 6, 2024

I was having an issue with my 2013 Audi A5 starting. A call to roadside assistance was able to jump my battery and the car would start and run. However, the same issue kept happening. The EPC warning light would come on and it took a few weeks to get scheduled with a mechanic. I purchased a mobile jump starter myself because I never knew when the car would or wouldn't start. After taking the car to Audi, they found the "transmission coolant valve failing internally causing coolant to migrate up connector - this is causing a short which is draining the battery. If not fixed it will continue to…

Engine · reported Aug 4, 2023

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 didnât get rear ended n killed

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Apr 19, 2023

I have experienced several failures and 3 recalls with my vehicle since I purchased it brand new. I have paid out thousands of dollars over the years for repairs that I feel were faulty being that I am on the only owner of the vehicle. I have approximately a little under 75k miles on my vehicle although I purchased in 2012 (2013 vehicle) only to take it to dealerships and pay for this and that but most recently my major complaint is my car has stopped on me 4 times and I paid originally for what the dealership stated was the problem only to take it back 3 times and now they state the FUEL PUMP…

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Audi A5 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Audi A5: 18V-229 (engine and engine cooling), 17V-622 (electrical system), 17V-002 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Audi A5?

Owners report engine problems most often (12 reports), followed by electrical system (9). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 52,000 miles.

Are Audi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Audi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.