Audi S5 Buyer Guide: Reliability & Costs

Specifications by model year

Compare the stats that matter

Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.

Fuel economy

EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.

Year	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	City L/100 km	Highway L/100 km	Combined L/100 km	Fuel-economy range
2026	20	29	23	11.76	8.11	10.23	—
2025	19	28	22	12.38	8.4	10.69	—
2024	20	27	22	11.76	8.71	10.69	—
2023	21	28	23	11.2	8.4	10.23	—
2022	21	28	23	11.2	8.4	10.23	—
2021	20	28	23	11.76	8.4	10.23	—
2020	20	27	23	11.76	8.71	10.23	—
2019	21	30	24	11.2	7.84	9.8	—
2018	21	30	24	11.2	7.84	9.8	—
2017	17	26	20	13.84	9.05	11.76	17-26 mpg combined
2016	17	26	20	13.84	9.05	11.76	—
2015	17	26	20	13.84	9.05	11.76	—
2014	17	26	20	13.84	9.05	11.76	—
2013	17	26	20	13.84	9.05	11.76	—
2012	14	22	17	16.8	10.69	13.84	—
2011	14	22	17	16.8	10.69	13.84	—

Engine, transmission & drivetrain

Powertrain specifications can vary between model years. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.

Year	Body style	Cylinders	Displacement	Fuel type	Engine code	Transmission	Drivetrain	Horsepower	Torque	Engine configuration
2026	sedan	6	3.0	Premium	—	Automatic (AM-S7)	All-Wheel Drive	—	—	—
2025	sedan	6	3.0	Premium	—	Automatic (AM-S7)	All-Wheel Drive	—	—	—
2024	chassis_cab	6	3.0	Premium	—	Automatic (S8)	All-Wheel Drive	—	—	—
2023	chassis_cab	6	3.0	Premium	—	Automatic (S8)	4-Wheel Drive	—	—	—
2022	chassis_cab	6	3.0	Premium	—	Automatic	AWD/All-Wheel Drive	—	—	—
2021	chassis_cab	6	3.0	Premium	—	Automatic	AWD/All-Wheel Drive	—	—	—
2020	chassis_cab	6	3.0	Premium	—	Automatic	AWD/All-Wheel Drive	—	—	—
2019	chassis_cab	6	3.0	Premium	—	Automatic (S8)	All-Wheel Drive	—	—	—
2018	chassis_cab	6	3.0	Premium	—	Automatic (AM-S8)	All-Wheel Drive	—	—	—
2017	chassis_cab	6	3.0	Premium	CTUB	Manual 6-spd	All-Wheel Drive	333 hp	325 lb-ft	V6
2016	chassis_cab	6	3.0	Premium	—	Manual 6-spd	All-Wheel Drive	—	—	—
2015	chassis_cab	6	3.0	Premium	—	Manual 6-spd	All-Wheel Drive	—	—	—
2014	chassis_cab	6	3.0	Premium	—	Manual 6-spd	All-Wheel Drive	333 hp	325 lb-ft	—
2013	chassis_cab	6	3.0	Premium	—	Manual 6-spd	All-Wheel Drive	—	—	—
2012	chassis_cab	8	4.2	Premium	—	Manual 6-spd	All-Wheel Drive	—	—	—
2011	chassis_cab	8	4.2	Premium	—	Manual 6-spd	All-Wheel Drive	—	—	—

Pricing & configuration

Original pricing and model configuration where available. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.

Year	msrp	pricing	Trim	Base price	Series	Note	currency	Base MSRP	MSRP range	Confidence	notes	Source	estimatedAt
2026	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2025	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2024	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2023	—	Trim: quattro Prestige	quattro Prestige	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2022	—	Trim: quattro	quattro	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2021	—	Base price: $60,600, Series: quattro Premium, Note: Bluetooth, Auxiliary Audio Input, MP3 Player	—	$60,600	quattro Premium	Bluetooth, Auxiliary Audio Input, MP3 Player	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2020	—	Base price: $60,200, Trim: quattro Premium	quattro Premium	$60,200	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2019	—	Base price: $52,400, Series: S5 Cabriolet quattro Prestige	—	$52,400	S5 Cabriolet quattro Prestige	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2018	—	Base price: $55,375, Series: S5 Cabriolet quattro Premium Plus	—	$55,375	S5 Cabriolet quattro Premium Plus	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2017	currency: USD, Base MSRP: $54,100, MSRP range: $54,100 - $62,050, Confidence: 0.8, notes: Original MSRP for Coupe and Cabriolet models., Source: AI-generated estimate; not a verified quote, estimatedAt: 6/2/2026	Base price: $54,100	—	$54,100	—	—	USD	$54,100	$54,100 - $62,050	0.8	Original MSRP for Coupe and Cabriolet models.	AI-generated estimate; not a verified quote	6/2/2026
2016	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2015	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2014	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2013	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2012	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2011	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

Space, dimensions & utility

Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.

Year	Seats	Doors	Cargo (L)	Cargo (cu ft)	bodyAndInterior	mechanical	Keyless ignition	Seat rows	GVWR	Steering location	Axles	Wheels	Wheelbase	Front wheel	Rear wheel	Turbo
2026	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2025	5	—	—	—	Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2	GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)	Standard	2	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2024	—	—	—	—	Keyless ignition: Standard	GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	Standard	—	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2023	—	—	—	—	Keyless ignition: Standard	GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	Standard	—	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2022	4	—	—	—	Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2	GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	Standard	2	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2021	4	—	—	—	Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2	GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 108.8, Front wheel: 18, Rear wheel: 18	Standard	2	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	Left-Hand Drive (LHD)	2	4	108.8	18	18	—
2020	4	—	—	—	Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2	Turbo: Yes, GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 111.2, Front wheel: 18, Rear wheel: 18	Standard	2	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	Left-Hand Drive (LHD)	2	4	111.2	18	18	Yes
2019	5	—	—	—	Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2	GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 108.8, Front wheel: 18, Rear wheel: 18	Standard	2	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	Left-Hand Drive (LHD)	2	4	108.8	18	18	—
2018	4	2	—	—	Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2	GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 108.8, Front wheel: 18, Rear wheel: 18	Standard	2	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	Left-Hand Drive (LHD)	2	4	108.8	18	18	—
2017	4	2	346	12.2	Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2	GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 108.3, Front wheel: 18, Rear wheel: 18	Standard	2	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	Left-Hand Drive (LHD)	2	4	108.3	18	18	—
2016	—	2	—	—	—	GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	—	—	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2015	—	2	—	—	—	GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	—	—	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2014	—	2	—	—	—	GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	—	—	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2013	—	2	—	—	—	GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	—	—	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2012	—	2	—	—	—	GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	—	—	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2011	—	2	—	—	—	GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	—	—	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) \| Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

Safety ratings & driver assistance

NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.

Year	nhtsaSafetyRatings	abs	esc	tractionControl	autoReverseSystem	tpms	adaptiveCruiseControl	autoBrake	forwardCollisionWarning	pedestrianAeb	blindSpotMonitoring	blindSpotIntervention	laneDepartureWarning	rearCamera	rearCrossTrafficAlert	parkAssist	adaptiveDrivingBeam	rearAeb	Rated vehicle
2026	—	standard	standard	standard	standard	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2025	—	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	optional	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	—	—
2024	—	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	optional	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	—	—
2023	—	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	—	standard	standard	standard	optional	optional	standard	—	—	—	standard	optional	—
2022	—	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	optional	—	standard	—	standard	—	standard	standard	—	standard	standard	—	—
2021	Rated vehicle: 2021 Audi S5 2 DR AWD	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	—	standard	standard	standard	standard	—	standard	standard	—	—	standard	—	2021 Audi S5 2 DR AWD
2020	Rated vehicle: 2020 Audi S5 2 DR AWD	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	—	standard	standard	—	standard	standard	—	2020 Audi S5 2 DR AWD
2019	Rated vehicle: 2019 Audi S5 2 DR AWD	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	—	standard	standard	—	standard	standard	—	2019 Audi S5 2 DR AWD
2018	Rated vehicle: 2018 Audi S5 2 DR AWD	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	optional	standard	standard	—	standard	—	optional	standard	—	standard	optional	—	2018 Audi S5 2 DR AWD
2017	Rated vehicle: 2017 Audi S5 2 DR AWD	standard	standard	standard	standard	standard	—	standard	—	—	optional	—	—	standard	—	—	optional	—	2017 Audi S5 2 DR AWD
2016	Rated vehicle: 2016 Audi S5 2 DR AWD	—	—	—	—	standard	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	2016 Audi S5 2 DR AWD
2015	Rated vehicle: 2015 Audi S5 2 DR AWD	—	—	—	—	standard	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	2015 Audi S5 2 DR AWD
2014	Rated vehicle: 2014 Audi S5 2 DR AWD	—	—	—	—	standard	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	2014 Audi S5 2 DR AWD
2013	Rated vehicle: 2013 Audi S5 C AWD	—	—	—	—	standard	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	2013 Audi S5 C AWD
2012	Rated vehicle: 2012 Audi S5 C AWD	—	—	—	—	standard	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	2012 Audi S5 C AWD
2011	—	—	—	—	—	standard	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

Technology & electrification

Listed infotainment, equipment, battery, and charging data. Values can describe one trim or drivetrain. A dash means unavailable data, not zero or absent equipment.

Year	infotainment	Apple CarPlay	Android Auto
2026	—	—	—
2025	—	—	—
2024	—	—	—
2023	—	—	—
2022	—	—	—
2021	—	—	—
2020	—	—	—
2019	—	—	—
2018	—	—	—
2017	Apple CarPlay: Standard, Android Auto: Standard	Standard	Standard
2016	—	—	—
2015	—	—	—
2014	—	—	—
2013	—	—	—
2012	—	—	—
2011	—	—	—

Model year reports

2026

Newest

Buyer's guide

The 2026 Audi S5 presents an average reliability outlook, making a thorough pre-purchase inspection crucial.

Complaints Recalls Maintenance Tuning

2025

Buyer's guide

The 2025 Audi S5 presents a mixed ownership proposition.

Complaints Recalls Maintenance Tuning

2024

Buyer's guide

The 2024 Audi S5 presents a mixed ownership proposition.

Complaints Recalls Maintenance Tuning

2023

Buyer's guide

The 2023 Audi S5 presents a mixed ownership proposition.

Complaints Recalls Maintenance Tuning

2022

Buyer's guide

The 2022 Audi S5 presents a mixed bag for used car buyers.

Complaints Recalls Maintenance Tuning

2021

Buyer's guide

The 2021 Audi S5 presents a mixed ownership proposition.

Complaints Recalls Maintenance Tuning

2020

Buyer's guide

The 2020 Audi S5 presents a compelling performance package, but potential buyers must approach with caution due to its 'Below Average' reliability verdict.

Complaints Recalls Maintenance Tuning

2019

Buyer's guide

The 2019 Audi S5 offers engaging performance but requires careful consideration due to its 'Average' reliability rating.

Complaints Recalls Maintenance Tuning

2018

Buyer's guide

The 2018 Audi S5 presents a mixed ownership proposition.

Complaints Recalls Maintenance Tuning

2017

Buyer's guide

The 2017 Audi S5 offers potent performance and all-wheel-drive grip, but its 'Below Average' reliability verdict demands careful inspection.

Complaints Recalls Maintenance Tuning

2016

Buyer's guide

The 2016 Audi S5 presents a compelling performance package, but its reliability verdict is 'Average,' largely due to a significant number of Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs).

Complaints Recalls Maintenance Tuning

2015

Buyer's guide

The 2015 Audi S5 offers potent performance but demands a cautious approach due to its 'Below Average' reliability verdict.

Complaints Recalls Maintenance Tuning

2014

Buyer's guide

The 2014 Audi S5 offers potent performance with its supercharged V6 and Quattro all-wheel drive, but its reliability is rated below average.

Complaints Recalls Maintenance Tuning

2013

Buyer's guide

The 2013 Audi S5 presents a mixed reliability picture.

Complaints Recalls Maintenance Tuning

2012

Buyer's guide

The 2012 Audi S5 is a performance coupe with a below-average reliability verdict.

Complaints Recalls Maintenance Tuning

2011

Buyer's guide

The 2011 Audi S5 presents a mixed reliability picture, rated below average overall.

Complaints Recalls Maintenance Tuning

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

What are the best years for the Audi S5?

Carfocal currently has 16 published S5 reports, covering 2011 through 2026. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2026 Audi S5 presents an average reliability outlook, making a thorough pre-purchase inspection crucial.

Published year coverage: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.

Compare model years

Is the Audi S5 reliable?

There is no single reliability answer for every Audi S5. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2026 audi s5 presents an average reliability outlook, making a thorough pre-purchase inspection crucial. and the 2026 audi s5's value hinges on its condition and maintenance history. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.

16 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.

Check year-specific reliability

What are common problems with the Audi S5?

Across Carfocal's published S5 guides, recurring problem areas include Rear Axle Alignment, Passenger Airbag System, and Ignition Coils. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.

Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Rear Axle Alignment, Passenger Airbag System, and Ignition Coils.

View common problems by year

Supporting data

Published guides: 16
Years tracked: 16
Data sources: NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints