2021 Audi S5 Safety Report
2021 Audi S5 Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Audi S5
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 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 (5) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (1) | 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 | Suspension | Compare suspension issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2016 | Compare against the 2016 Audi S5 with 1 complaints and 0 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. |
| 2023 Audi S5 | 3 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Audi S5 | 5 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Audi S5 | 26 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2025 Audi S5 | 4 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Audi S5 | 1 | 0 | Use as a comparable safety baseline. |
2021 Audi S5 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 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.
Suspension
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension issues Audi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Audi S5
Reliability Score
The 2021 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 2021 Audi S5
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Audi S5:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension: Rear: Axle: Non-Powered Axle Assembly Defects in the non-powered axle assembly can cause loss of vehicle control, especially at higher speeds. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Seat Belts: Rear/Other: Retractor Rear seat belt retractors may fail, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a collision. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Exterior Lighting: Tail Lights Tail lights not meeting safety standards can reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents. |
Low | Common | 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 2021 Audi S5:
Suspension issues are a common problem, affecting 23% of the vehicle.
Recall Details for the 2021 Audi S5
The following 5 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Audi S5 by NHTSA:
Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rear...
Consequence: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
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. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate ear...
Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
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 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2020-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The wiring harness for the rear lights could be missing the anti-abrasion protection in the area of the spare wheel well.
Consequence: Without the scuff protection, the wires may become damaged during a rear crash, disabling the doors from being opened from the outside, causing a loss of hazard lights, and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will apply scuff protection, free of charge. The recall began January 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EU.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Audi S5
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Audi S5 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The contact owns a 2021 Audi S5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V295000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The con...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Audi S5
Has the 2021 AUDI S5 been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 AUDI S5 has 5 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 AUDI S5 have?
The 2021 AUDI S5 has 1 complaint filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 AUDI S5?
The 2021 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 2021 AUDI S5?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 AUDI S5 involve suspension (1 complaints).
How many crash reports does the 2021 AUDI S5 have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2021 AUDI S5 in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2021 AUDI S5 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 AUDI S5 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 AUDI S5?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 AUDI S5.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 AUDI S5?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 AUDI S5.
Should I buy a 2021 AUDI S5?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 AUDI S5 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 1 complaints, 5 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 AUDI S5?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 AUDI S5 are: 1. SUSPENSION (1 complaints). SUSPENSION is the single most-reported problem area with 1 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 AUDI S5?
Be aware of potential suspension and seat belt issues, and ensure all exterior lights are functioning properly. The 2021 AUDI S5 has 1 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2021 AUDI S5?
The 2021 AUDI S5 receives a reliability score of 87/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 1 owner complaints, 5 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Suspension: Rear: Axle: Non-Powered Axle Assembly and Seat Belts: Rear/Other: Retractor.
What are the known issues with the 2021 AUDI S5?
Known issues with the 2021 AUDI S5 include: Suspension: Rear: Axle: Non-Powered Axle Assembly, Seat Belts: Rear/Other: Retractor, Exterior Lighting: Tail Lights. These are based on patterns found across 1 NHTSA complaints. 5 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any known issues with the 2021 Audi S5?
Yes, there are known issues with the suspension and seat belts, as well as exterior lighting.
What should I do if I notice any issues with my 2021 Audi S5?
Contact a certified Audi dealer for inspection and repair.
Is the recall for the 2021 Audi S5 related to the suspension issue?
Yes, the recall is related to the suspension issue, specifically the non-powered axle assembly.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential suspension and seat belt issues, and ensure all exterior lights are functioning properly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Audi S5
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Audi S5. The data includes 1 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 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