2016 Audi A5 Safety Report
2016 Audi A5 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Audi A5
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Audi A5. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (3) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (7) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train,Engine | Compare power train,engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2017 | Compare against the 2017 Audi A5 with 2 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2020 | Check the 2020 Audi A5 before buying across this generation. |
Audi A5 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Audi A5 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Audi A5 | 2 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Audi A5 | 9 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Audi A5 | 6 | 6 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Audi A5 | 12 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Audi A5 | 60 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Audi A5 | 7 | 5 | Use as a comparable safety baseline. |
2016 Audi A5 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Audi A5, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Power Train,Engine
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine issues Audi onlyUnknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Audi onlyStructure
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Audi onlyElectrical System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Audi onlySteering
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Audi onlyEngine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Audi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Audi A5
Reliability Score
The 2016 Audi A5 receives a reliability score of 87 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2016 Audi A5
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Audi A5:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Cooling System Recalled due to potential engine failure, affecting 2013-2017 Audi A5 models. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Wiring issues have been reported, affecting 2013-2016 Audi A5 models. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering Electromechanical steering rack failures can lead to loss of control. |
Low | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Drive Chain Drive chain breakage can cause engine damage requiring complete replacement. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Audi A5:
Issues with the cooling system have been reported, affecting 2013-2017 Audi A5 models.
Wiring problems have been noted, impacting 2013-2016 Audi A5 models.
Steering issues have been observed, affecting 2013-2017 Audi A5 models.
Drive chain failures have been reported, affecting 2013-2017 Audi A5 models.
Recall Details for the 2016 Audi A5
The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Audi A5 by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Audi A5
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Audi A5 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Immediately after taking it home from a dealership, I noticed the MMI system wasn’t turning on. I figured it would fix itself, but it’s been 4 days and nothing has happened. The screen stays black when starting the car. When I reset the MMI by holding the volume knob for 10 seconds, it briefly turns on but shuts itself off right after.
On August 3, 2025, my wife and I came home from dinner and I couldn’t get out of the driver’s side door. I took it to Naples Audi where I bought the car and delt with its Assistant Service Manager and Service Advisor. Audi estimated the repair to be over $1,300. I called Audi USA Regional Customer Service and Mike B opened a Case 06968056 for me. He got back to me today, August 7, and said Au...
Car went into limp mode and check engine light came on.
Electromechanical steering rack has gone out. Had this completely failed while driving myself and others could be put in serious harm of a collision or crash. There are many online complaints and issues with the audi steering racks. No other warnings then it just went out at the same time it tells you stop driving.
The drive chain broke, causing permanent damage to the engine which requires a complete engine replacement. The car was 5 + years old with 38,000 miles on it and well maintained.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A5. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS MAKING A THREE POINT TURN WITH THE SHIFTER IN THE REVERSE POSITION, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND MOVED APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 5 FEET WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT PROPERLY ACCELERATE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINE...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 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 CONTACT DID NOT CONTACT A LOCAL DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A ...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Audi A5
Has the 2016 AUDI A5 been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 AUDI A5 has 3 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 AUDI A5 have?
The 2016 AUDI A5 has 7 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 AUDI A5?
The 2016 AUDI A5 does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 AUDI A5?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 AUDI A5 involve power train,engine (2 complaints), unknown or other (1 complaints), structure (1 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system, steering, engine.
How many crash reports does the 2016 AUDI A5 have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2016 AUDI A5 in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2016 AUDI A5 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2016 AUDI A5 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 AUDI A5?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 AUDI A5.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 AUDI A5?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 AUDI A5.
Should I buy a 2016 AUDI A5?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 AUDI A5 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 7 complaints, 3 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 AUDI A5?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 AUDI A5 are: 1. POWER TRAIN,ENGINE (2 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints), 3. STRUCTURE (1 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints), 5. STEERING (1 complaints). POWER TRAIN,ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 2 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 AUDI A5?
Be aware of potential engine cooling and electrical system issues, and regularly check the steering and drive chain for signs of wear. The 2016 AUDI A5 has 7 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2016 AUDI A5?
The 2016 AUDI A5 receives a reliability score of 87/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 7 owner complaints, 3 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine Cooling System and Electrical System.
What are the known issues with the 2016 AUDI A5?
Known issues with the 2016 AUDI A5 include: Engine Cooling System, Electrical System, Steering, Drive Chain. These are based on patterns found across 7 NHTSA complaints. 3 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Audi A5?
Yes, there are recalls for engine cooling and electrical system issues.
What are the most common issues with the 2016 Audi A5?
Common issues include engine cooling system problems, electrical system failures, steering issues, and drive chain breakage.
How can I prevent drive chain breakage in my 2016 Audi A5?
Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent drive chain breakage.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential engine cooling and electrical system issues, and regularly check the steering and drive chain for signs of wear.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Audi A5
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Audi A5. The data includes 7 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13