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2013 Audi A5 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2013 Audi A5 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 3safety recalls
- 38owner complaints
- 3crash reports
- 2fire reports
- 24%fail the UK MOT
38 complaints, against an average of 15 for the other 14 Audi A5 model years.
Every Audi A5 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2013 Audi A5?
The components named most often in the 38 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2013 Audi A5 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 38 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2013 Audi A5 been recalled?
3 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Cooling System 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.
Risk: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Electrical System: Wiring 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.
Risk: The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Cooling System 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.
Risk: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2013 Audi A5 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAStop-drive TAKATA PSAN
Risk: Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Affected vehicles were originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Certain front airbags contain an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.
Fix: Affected airbags will be be replaced. You can contact Audi's dedicated Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM.
UK DVSAReplacing TAKATA passenger airbag gas generator
Risk: If a front airbag is deployed it is possible that the gas generator housing in which the propellant is generated may burst on vehicles manufactured within a limited period.
Fix: As a precautionary safety measure it is necessary to replace the airbag unit on the driver side.
UK DVSARisk of overheating and failure of additional coolant pump
Risk: On affected vehicles moisture may enter the electronic components and cause overheating and failure of the additional coolant pump. localised smoulder damage cannot be ruled out and in individual cases may cause vehicle to catch fire.
Fix: The additional coolant pump must be replaced and in addition a software update of the engine control unit must be carried out
UK DVSAAuxilliary heater element in air conditioning may fail and/or overheat
Risk: The auxiliary heater element in the air conditioner may fail as the result of overheating in the area of the connectors. This can lead to smoulder damage or potentially a fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and change the auxiliary heater element for one with optimised electrical connectors.
UK DVSAAuxilliary heater element in air conditioning may fail and/or overheat
Risk: The auxilliary heater element in the air conditioner may fail as a result of overheating in the area of the connectors in conjunction with smoulder damage or potential fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and fit an auxilliary heater element with opimised electrical connectors. The activation of the electric auxilliary heater must be adjusted by updating the software for the air conditioning control console.
UK DVSACoolant pump may overheat
Risk: Foreign particles in the engine coolant can lead to a blockage in the additional coolant pump and cause the pump to overheat.Foreign particles in the coolant can lead to a blockage in the additional coolant pump and cause the pump to overheat.
Fix: Recall the machines that are likely to be affected and update the software which will deactivate the additional coolant pump in the event of malfunction. If there has been a malfunction of the additional water pump it will be replaced.
UK DVSAReduction in braking performance
Risk: On affected vehicles engine oil may in isolated instances enter the brake servo via the vacuum feed lie.This may cause the brake servo diaphragm to rupture and loss of brake servo assistance.
Fix: Replace vacuum line on affected vehicles.
EU Safety GateThe driver airbag inflator may cause uncontrolled inflation and release metal fragments when the airbag is activated, which can cause…The driver airbag inflator may cause uncontrolled inflation and release metal fragments when the airbag is activated, which can cause injury to the occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe airbag may deteriorate over time and if deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments…The airbag may deteriorate over time and if deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe vehicles are equipped with control software regarded as unauthorised by the competent authorities.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 23/04/2021
EU Safety GateThe handheld control unit for throttle and brake may develop a fracture in a welded joint in the relay mechanism.If this damage occurs this may lead to impaired functioning or even failure of the brake and gas control via the manual control device.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIn certain vehicles, fuel can leak onto the engine fuel rail.Fuel leakage close to a source of ignition may increase the risk of the vehicle catching fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe auxiliary coolant pump may seize up.This could lead to the pump overheating after the engine has been switched off with the risk that the vehicle could catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe additional coolant pump can block due to foreign particles in the cooling system.This can result in the pump overheating which could lead to a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIt is possible that, in isolated cases, oil arrives into the brake force amplifier through the vacuum hoses.This can lead to damage of the amplifier membrane and consequently to reduction of brake force, which could lead to an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2013 Audi A5 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2013, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2013 Audi A5 owners report?
12 of the 38 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The contact owns a 2013 Audi A5. The contact stated that after activating the AC system, there was hot air and a burning odor coming from the passenger’s side vents. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V002000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called an independent mechanic and referenced the recall campaign. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 157,653.
Turned AC on blew out cool air all of sudden the air went out hot air blowing, smelt burning and saw smoke on passenger side (not a lot,but enough to raise concerns) turned AC shut climate off, turned car off tried it again no air just heat blowing. brother in law put it on machine , gave a sensor code, replaced sensor put a can of air in, still blowing out hot air. and if ran too long it will smoke and burning scent.
I was having an issue with my 2013 Audi A5 starting. A call to roadside assistance was able to jump my battery and the car would start and run. However, the same issue kept happening. The EPC warning light would come on and it took a few weeks to get scheduled with a mechanic. I purchased a mobile jump starter myself because I never knew when the car would or wouldn't start. After taking the car to Audi, they found the "transmission coolant valve failing internally causing coolant to migrate up connector - this is causing a short which is draining the battery. If not fixed it will continue to…
Couple years ago my engine failed, it was recalled and company refused to pay for it. I payed for it and afterwards my radio modul failed, camera failed, the check engine light is on since I bought the car and recently my car stopped on the highway fast lane without warning. It was no shoulder and I stopped on the highway. I was lucky I didn’t get rear ended n killed
I have experienced several failures and 3 recalls with my vehicle since I purchased it brand new. I have paid out thousands of dollars over the years for repairs that I feel were faulty being that I am on the only owner of the vehicle. I have approximately a little under 75k miles on my vehicle although I purchased in 2012 (2013 vehicle) only to take it to dealerships and pay for this and that but most recently my major complaint is my car has stopped on me 4 times and I paid originally for what the dealership stated was the problem only to take it back 3 times and now they state the FUEL PUMP…
The contact's cousin owns a 2013 Audi A5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to overheat. The warning message "Pull Over and Check Coolant" was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road and upon checking the coolant reservoir, the contact noticed that the coolant was leaking. The contact added coolant and was able to continue driving. However, the failure reoccurred increasingly. The contact stated that the coolant would leak onto the ground while refilling the coolant reservoir. The contact stated that the vehicle was no longer drivable…
About 3 weeks ago I noticed the beginning of a steering problem. I first noticed that the wheel seemed to require more than normal force to turn, especially in about the 10 and 2 o’clock position. It would behave pretty normally most of the time, but then, unpredictably, this would happen. Now it seems to be pretty constant. The steering wheel now requires much more force than usual, but only when in certain positions. Otherwise, everything appears normal. A couple of days ago I needed to try an evasive maneuver, which required sudden, hard steering. However, the response of the car was not…
THERE'S 1000S OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND AUDI GROUP THREADS REPORTING AND EXPERIENCING POWER STEERING LOSS OF POWER OR STIFFNESS WHILE DRIVING, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER CAR MODELS INCLUDE 2013 A4,A5, S5,A6, Q5, SQ5. AUDI KNOWS THE PROBLEM BUT HAVE NOT CORRECTED OR RECALL ONLY THE 2018 SQ5 NO OTHER VEHICLES WITH ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. DEALERS EVEN ARE AWARE OF ISSUE. AUDI SAYS IT COULD A STEERING SENSOR, BUT HAVE NOT OFFERED REMEDY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE LOSS OF LIFE DUE TO ACCIDENT.
GOING DOWN HILL, ACCELERATING, RED LIGHT, APPLY BRAKES, HARD, ENGINE REVS UP TRYING TO OVER POWER BRAKES, BARELY STOPS, BUT ENGINE KEEPS ON CREEPING CAR FORWARD INTO TRAFFIC, MOVE SHIFTER TO PARK AND REVERSE TWICE, ENGINE SLOWS DOWN BUT ACCELERATES AGAIN WHEN BACK IN DRIVE, LIGHT CHANGES, DRIVE AWAY WITH NO PROBLEMS.
LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING. I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR LOST POWER AND STARTED SHUDDERING, EPC WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND IT SEEMED LIKE IT MIGHT STALL. SINCE I WAS DRIVING I PUSHED IN THE CLUTCH AND COASTED TO A STOP. I SHUT IT OFF AND RESTARTED IT AND IT WORKED NORMALLY SO I DROVE HOME. I DROVE IT THE NEXT DAY AND HAD NO PROBLEMS. ON A FOLLOWING DAY IT DID THE SAME THING, LOSS OF POWER, SHAKING, NOT WORKING RIGHT. SOMETIMES IT SEEMED JUST FINE OTHER TIMES IT HAD PROBLEMS. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP TO HAVE DIAGNOSIS AND THEY DISCOVERED WATER IN THE ENGINE COMPUTER CONNECTOR AND TRACED IT TO A COOLING…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT A SECOND NOTICE WOULD BE SENT WHEN THE PART BECAME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
VEHICLE INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT-COLLISION WITH A LIGHT POLE HEAD ON AIR BAG DID NOT INFLATE - CAR A TOTAL LOSS. DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES. UPDATED 06/29/17*LJ *CN
2013 Audi A5: questions owners ask
Is the 2013 Audi A5 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 38 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Audi A5; the most common categories were engine (14, 36.8%), electrical system (9, 23.7%), steering (8, 21.1%). There are 3 safety recalls. 3 complaints mention a crash, 2 mention a fire, 3 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Audi A5?
Across 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (36.8% of complaints), electrical system (23.7% of complaints), steering (21.1% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (10.5% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (7.9% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2013 Audi A5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 Audi A5; the most recent (campaign 18V229000, 2018-04-11) concerns Engine And Engine Cooling: Cooling System. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2013 Audi A5 overheat?
3 of the 38 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Audi A5 (7.9%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. 3 related recalls exist: campaign 18V229000 (engine and engine cooling: cooling system). The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Nhtsa recall 17v-002 cooling pump overheating. on friday may 26, 2017 on are about 0645 i received a call from the base police stating that my car was on fire in the parking lot." (NHTSA complaint 10992366, May 2017). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Have any 2013 Audi A5 vehicles caught fire?
3 of the 38 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 Audi A5 (7.9%) describe the car catching fire or melting wiring. One owner wrote: "Nhtsa recall 17v-002 cooling pump overheating. on friday may 26, 2017 on are about 0645 i received a call from the base police stating that my car was on fire in the parking lot." (NHTSA complaint 10992366, May 2017). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own A5
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2013 only.