2019 Audi S5 Safety Report
2019 Audi S5 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2019 Audi S5
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2019 Audi S5. 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 (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (5) | 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 | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Audi S5 with 1 complaints and 5 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Audi S5 before buying across this generation. |
Audi S5 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 S5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Audi S5 | 25 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Audi S5 | 26 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Audi S5 | 1 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Audi S5 | 1 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2023 Audi S5 | 3 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Audi S5 | 2 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2019 Audi S5 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2019 Audi S5, 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.
Engine
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Audi onlyFuel/Propulsion System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Audi onlyWheels
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Wheels issues Audi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Audi S5
Reliability Score
The 2019 Audi S5 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 2019 Audi S5
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Audi S5:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Overheating The EA839 3.0T engine can overheat, leading to coolant migration and potential water pump failure. This issue has been reported in various Audi models. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel Level Sensor Failure The fuel level sensor is faulty, causing the check engine and fuel light to be permanently on and making it impossible to gauge the fuel level. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System Failure The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) did not function as required, leading to dangerously low tire pressure and significant tire damage. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Recalled Suspension Components Recalled rear and front suspension components, including the non-powered axle assembly and shock absorbers, have been identified in certain Audi models. |
Medium | Occasional | 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 2019 Audi S5:
Engine overheating and coolant migration issues are the most common problems.
Fuel level sensor failure is a common issue, leading to permanent check engine and fuel light.
Recalled suspension components, including the rear and front axle assemblies and shock absorbers, are a common concern.
Tire pressure monitoring system failure can lead to dangerous tire conditions.
Recall Details for the 2019 Audi S5
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Audi S5 by NHTSA:
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
Consequence: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 74E3. This recall is an expansion of Recall 19V-547 (74D9). Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-547 will need to return for the new reme...
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Consequence: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Q7, Q8, S5 Cabriolet, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The front shock absorber forks may develop cracks allowing the shock absorbers to loosen.
Consequence: Loose shock absorbers may impair vehicle steering, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the shock absorber forks, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 40O4.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2019 Audi S5
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2019 Audi S5 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
I am writing to file a formal safety defect complaint regarding the EA839 3.0T turbocharged V6 engine installed in various Audi models, including but not limited to the B9/B9.5 S4 and S5, C8 A6 and A7, and 4M/4M.5 Q7 and Q8 (model years approximately 2017 onward). This engine has a well-documented issue with piston skirt wear and failure, which I believe constitutes a significant safety hazard due...
Upon starting the vehicle while parked on 10/18/2025, dashboard displayed warning: "Turn off engine and check coolant level. See owner's manual." Visual inspection revealed coolant residue on mechanical coolant pump switching valve N649 on cylinder head bank 1, indicating water pump internal seal failure allowing coolant to leak into vacuum control system. Component failed: Water pump (EA839 3.0T...
Water pump failure due to coolant migration.
Our gas tank fuel level sensor is faulty so we can no longer tell how much gas is in our car. The check engine and fuel light are permanently on. This fuel sensor malfunction caused me to run out of gas in the middle of the road. The only way to fix it is to replace the entire gas tank at great expense. We were quoted $3500-$4000. We only have 44K miles on the vehicle.
THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) DID NOT FUNCTION AS REQUIRED, AND PRESSURE WAS DANGEROUSLY LOW WHICH SIGNIFICANTLY DAMAGED THE TIRES OVER A VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME (2-6 WEEKS). I AM CONCERNED GOING FORWARD IF THE TPMS UTILIZED ON THE S5 DOES NOT FUNCTION AS SHOULD BE EXPECTED PER FEDERAL REGULATIONS. PER 49 CFR 571.138 WHEN PRESSURE OF 1 TIRE UP TO 4 TIRES IS < 25% BELOW COLD INFLATIO...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Audi S5
Has the 2019 AUDI S5 been recalled?
Yes, the 2019 AUDI S5 has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2019 AUDI S5 have?
The 2019 AUDI S5 has 5 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2019 AUDI S5?
The 2019 AUDI S5 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 2019 AUDI S5?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 AUDI S5 involve engine (3 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (1 complaints), wheels (1 complaints).
How many crash reports does the 2019 AUDI S5 have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2019 AUDI S5 in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2019 AUDI S5 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2019 AUDI S5 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2019 AUDI S5?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 AUDI S5.
How many injuries are reported for the 2019 AUDI S5?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 AUDI S5.
Should I buy a 2019 AUDI S5?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 AUDI S5 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 5 complaints, 4 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2019 AUDI S5?
The components with the most failures on the 2019 AUDI S5 are: 1. ENGINE (3 complaints), 2. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints), 3. WHEELS (1 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 3 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2019 AUDI S5?
Be aware of potential engine overheating and fuel system issues, and regularly check tire pressure and TPMS function. The 2019 AUDI S5 has 5 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2019 AUDI S5?
The 2019 AUDI S5 receives a reliability score of 87/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 5 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine Overheating and Fuel Level Sensor Failure.
What are the known issues with the 2019 AUDI S5?
Known issues with the 2019 AUDI S5 include: Engine Overheating, Fuel Level Sensor Failure, Tire Pressure Monitoring System Failure, Recalled Suspension Components. These are based on patterns found across 5 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Can the engine overheat in the 2019 Audi S5?
Yes, the EA839 3.0T engine can overheat, leading to coolant migration and potential water pump failure.
What should I do if my fuel light is permanently on?
Check the fuel level sensor and consider replacing it if it is faulty.
Are there any recalls for the 2019 Audi S5?
Yes, there are recalls for rear and front suspension components, including the non-powered axle assembly and shock absorbers.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential engine overheating and fuel system issues, and regularly check tire pressure and TPMS function.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Audi S5
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Audi S5. The data includes 5 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 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