2017 Audi A5 Problems: 3 Known Issues

2017 Audi A5 Problems: 3 Known Issues | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls8 recalls

TIRES

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.

Campaign #22V03400026/01/2022

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

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.

Campaign #21V29500026/04/2021

SEATS

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.

Campaign #21V87400010/11/2021

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #21V82500020/10/2021

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #22V80600026/10/2022

+ 3 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Audi A5 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,400+ owner reports, the 2017 Audi A5 has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure, S-Tronic/DSG Mechatronic Unit Failure, Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Audi A5 reliable?

The 2017 Audi A5 has 3 known issues documented across 3,400+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure and S-Tronic/DSG Mechatronic Unit Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Audi A5 problems?

Repair costs for known Audi A5 issues range from $700 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure, typically costs $1,500-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2008-2017 Audi A5 EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure?

The A5 shares the B8/B8.5 platform with the A4 and inherits the same EA888 2.0T timing chain tensioner weakness. The original tensioner design allows the chain to slacken on cold starts, eventually jumping teeth and causing catastrophic valve-to-piston contact. Pre-2013 engines a… Repairs typically run $1,500-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2008-2017 Audi A5 S-Tronic/DSG Mechatronic Unit Failure?

The 7-speed S-Tronic (DL501) dual-clutch transmission in the A5 suffers from mechatronic unit failures. The mechatronic unit is the electro-hydraulic control module that manages gear selection and clutch engagement. Internal solenoid and valve body wear causes erratic shifting, s… Repairs typically run $1,500-$5,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2008-2023 Audi A5 Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)?

All direct-injection engines in the A5 and S5 (2.0 TFSI, 3.0T, and 3.2L V6) suffer from severe carbon buildup on intake valves. In direct-injection engines, fuel sprays directly into the cylinder, bypassing the intake valves. This means intake valves are only exposed to oil vapor… Repairs typically run $700-$1,800. Severity: medium.

2017 Audi A5 Problems: 3 Known Issues

All 3 Known Issues

When Issues Typically Appear

2008-2017 Audi A5: EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2008-2023 Audi A5: Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2008-2017 Audi A5: S-Tronic/DSG Mechatronic Unit Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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Other Audi Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Audi A5 problems?

Is the Audi A5 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Audi A5 problems?

What is the 2008-2017 Audi A5 EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure?

What is the 2008-2017 Audi A5 S-Tronic/DSG Mechatronic Unit Failure?

What is the 2008-2023 Audi A5 Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)?