2016 Audi A5 Safety Report

The 2016 Audi A5 presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to a low volume of consumer complaints but a notable recall history concerning fire risks. With only 7 total complaints registered with NHTSA, the vehicle has not been associated with any reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths, which is a positive indicator for direct incident involvement. However, the lack of NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are all N/A) means there's no independent government assessment of its crashworthiness, leaving a gap in its safety profile. Despite the low complaint count, the vehicle has been subject to 3 recalls, all of which address significant safety concerns. Two recalls (NHTSA Campaign Numbers 18V229000 and 17V675000) specifically target the engine and engine cooling system, citing issues with the coolant pump that could lead to overheating and an increased risk of fire. A third recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 18V273000) addresses potential contact corrosion within an electrical connector, which could cause melted wires and also increase the risk of fire. These recalls highlight critical design or manufacturing flaws that could compromise safety, even if not widely reported as consumer complaints. Common complaint patterns, though few, include issues with the POWER TRAIN and ENGINE, each accounting for 2 complaints. Specific examples from consumer reports detail a drive chain breaking, leading to engine replacement, and the vehicle going into 'limp mode' with a check engine light. Other isolated complaints mention an MMI system failure, a driver's side door not opening, and an electromechanical steering rack failure. The steering rack issue, in particular, was noted by a complainant as a potential serious harm risk. The low number of complaints makes it difficult to establish widespread patterns beyond the recall-related fire risks, but the nature of the reported issues, especially those concerning engine and steering, are significant. In summary, while the 2016 Audi A5 has a very low incidence of reported safety-related complaints to NHTSA, the presence of three fire-risk recalls is a major concern. The absence of NHTSA crash test ratings means consumers must rely on other sources for crashworthiness information. Potential buyers should ensure all recall remedies have been performed.

Our recommendation: Given the low complaint volume but critical fire-risk recalls and absence of NHTSA crash test ratings, prioritize verifying all recalls are addressed and consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine, power train, and steering components.