2019 Audi A5 Safety Report

2019 Audi A5: Low complaint volume but critical steering and collision avoidance issues, multiple recalls.

12Complaints
3Recalls
65/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
Most reported components: Vehicle Speed Control (3)Steering (2)Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Electrical System,Back Over Prevention (1)Air Bags,Seats (1)Latches/Locks/Linkages (1)Steering,Suspension,Wheels (1)Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Structure (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Audi A5

The 2019 Audi A5 presents a mixed safety picture, with a low number of overall complaints but several critical issues reported. With only 12 total complaints, 1 crash, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths, the raw numbers suggest a relatively safe vehicle. However, a closer look at the complaints reveals concerning patterns, particularly with the 'VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL' component, which accounts for 3 complaints, and 'STEERING' with 2 complaints. Specific incidents include sudden electric power steering failure at 55 mph, leading to a near-crash, and malfunctions with the auto start/stop and cruise control systems making the car unsafe to drive. The 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' system also has 3 complaints, with drivers reporting unintended automatic emergency braking in dangerous situations, such as during left turns in intersections or on expressways at 75 mph, nearly causing collisions. The recall history for the 2019 Audi A5 includes three significant campaigns. One recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V874000) addresses a potential issue with the passenger air bag, where a disabled air bag increases the risk of injury in a crash. Another recall concerns 'TIRES' and 'SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY', where rear axle misalignment or a broken lock nut could lead to premature tire wear or a loss of control, increasing crash risk. It's notable that one complaint specifically mentions a driver losing control and hitting a curb due to rear car vibration and fishtailing, which aligns with the suspension recall. NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2019 Audi A5 are not available (N/A) for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover categories, which limits a comprehensive assessment of its crashworthiness. Despite the low complaint volume, the nature of the reported issues – particularly steering failure and problematic forward collision avoidance – suggests potential critical safety flaws that buyers should be aware of. The recalls, especially those related to suspension and airbags, further underscore areas of concern that require manufacturer attention and owner compliance.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Audi A5 receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2019 Audi A5

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Audi A5:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Electric Power Steering Failure
Sudden loss of electric power steering while driving, making the steering wheel stiff and difficult to turn, nearly causing crashes.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Unintended Automatic Emergency Braking (Pre-Sense)
Forward collision avoidance system (Pre-Sense) activating unexpectedly in safe driving situations (e.g., during left turns, on expressways), causing sudden braking and creating dangerous situations.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Auto Start/Stop And Cruise Control Malfunction
Malfunctions causing the engine to cut off while driving or coming to a stop, and cruise control issues, making the vehicle unsafe.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Rear Axle Misalignment/Suspension Issues
Rear axle misalignment or broken lock nuts can lead to premature tire wear, loss of control, and crashes. One complaint describes rear vibration and fishtailing leading to a crash.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Disabled Passenger Air Bag
A defect that can disable the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Subject of a recall (21V874000).		 High Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Audi A5:

Vehicle Speed Control 25% of complaints

Malfunctions with auto start/stop and cruise control systems, leading to unsafe driving conditions.

Forward Collision Avoidance 25% of complaints

Unintended activation of automatic emergency braking (Pre-Sense) in safe driving scenarios, creating dangerous situations.

Steering 16% of complaints

Sudden loss of electric power steering, making the vehicle difficult to control.

Air Bags 8% of complaints

Potential for disabled passenger air bag, increasing injury risk in a crash (subject to recall).

Suspension 8% of complaints

Rear axle issues leading to loss of control and crashes (subject to recall).

Electrical System 8% of complaints

Issues like 'SOS System Deactivated' messages, inoperable rearview camera, and doors locking independently.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Audi A5

Is the 2019 Audi A5 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Audi A5 has a low number of total complaints (12), but these include critical safety issues like sudden steering failure and unintended automatic emergency braking. There are also 3 recalls, addressing significant concerns such as disabled passenger airbags and rear axle misalignment. NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for this model year.

What are common problems with the 2019 Audi A5?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Audi A5 include malfunctions with vehicle speed control (25% of complaints), unintended activation of the forward collision avoidance system (25%), and sudden electric power steering failure (16.67%). Other problems involve electrical system glitches and suspension issues.

Are there any recalls for the 2019 Audi A5?

Yes, the 2019 Audi A5 has 3 recalls. These include issues with tires/rear axle misalignment, a potentially disabled passenger air bag, and a broken lock nut in the rear axle assembly that could lead to a loss of control.

How does the 2019 Audi A5 perform in crash tests?

NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2019 Audi A5 are not available (N/A) for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover categories, so its crash test performance cannot be assessed through this data.

What should I know about the forward collision avoidance system?

The forward collision avoidance system (Pre-Sense) has been a source of concern, with multiple complaints (25% of total) about unintended braking. Drivers reported the system activating inappropriately during left turns or on expressways, creating dangerous situations by suddenly stopping the vehicle.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the critical safety complaints regarding steering failure and unintended braking, along with multiple recalls, potential buyers should ensure all recalls have been addressed and thoroughly test drive the vehicle, paying close attention to steering feel and the behavior of driver-assist systems.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Audi A5

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Audi A5. The data includes 12 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 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.