2019 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2019 Audi A5 has 4 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $2,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2008-2023 Audi A5, water pump failures are common across all A5 and S5 generations due to plastic impeller degradation and seal leaks. Audi uses plastic impellers that crack or disintegrate over time (typically 80,000-120,000 miles), causing coolant leaks and overheating. The water pump is timing belt/chain driven in many models, so replacement during timing service saves labor. Thermostat housings also crack from heat cycling, causing coolant leaks and erratic temperature readings. Symptoms include coolant puddles under the car, overheating in traffic, and temperature gauge fluctuations. Ignoring a failed water pump can cause severe engine overheating, warped cylinder heads, and blown head gaskets ($3,000-$5,000). The 3.0T S5 also has an electric auxiliary water pump for turbo cooling that fails separately.
Replace water pump AND thermostat together ($800-$1,500). Use OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts (Rein, Hepu, Meyle)—cheap pumps fail within 20k miles. If water pump is timing chain-driven, replace during timing service to save labor. Flush cooling system and refill with OEM Audi G12++ or G13 coolant (do NOT mix types). Inspect hoses and replace if cracked. S5 owners: Replace auxiliary electric water pump separately if heater fails ($300-$600). Monitor coolant level weekly and address leaks immediately.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2008-2023 Audi A5, 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 vapors from the PCV system, which bake onto the valve backs as hard carbon deposits. Over 60,000-100,000 miles, carbon restricts airflow, causing rough idle, misfires, hesitation, and power loss. The 3.0T supercharged S5 is particularly susceptible due to higher oil vapor pressure. In severe cases, carbon deposits prevent valves from seating properly, causing compression loss and valve damage. The ONLY effective fix is walnut blasting—blasting crushed walnut shells through the intake to remove carbon. A5OC forums recommend this as preventive maintenance every 60,000 miles.
WALNUT BLASTING: Remove intake manifold and blast crushed walnut shells through intake ports to remove carbon ($700-$1,200). Requires specialized equipment—DIY not recommended unless experienced. Dealers charge $1,200-$1,800; independent Audi shops charge less. Repeat every 60,000-80,000 miles as preventive maintenance. PREVENTION: Install catch can ($300-$500) to filter PCV oil vapors before they reach intake valves—extends cleaning interval to 100k+ miles. Add Liqui Moly Intake Valve Cleaner to every oil change ($15). Perform "Italian tune-up" monthly (spirited highway driving to high RPM).
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2018-2020 Audi A5, the B9 A5 (2018-2020 Coupe, Sportback, and Cabriolet) has a design flaw where the electrical connection for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) in the front passenger seat can loosen over time. This causes the ODS control module to malfunction and incorrectly deactivate the front passenger airbag, even when an adult is seated. If the airbag is deactivated, it will NOT deploy in a crash, putting the passenger at serious risk of injury or death. The dashboard displays "AIRBAG OFF" indicator when this occurs. Audi issued RECALL 69CN (NHTSA 20V-354) affecting 208,332 vehicles. The issue is caused by vibration loosening the electrical connector under the seat. Dealers inspect and secure the connection for free.
This is covered under RECALL 69CN (NHTSA 20V-354). Contact your Audi dealer immediately to schedule free recall repair. The dealer will inspect the ODS electrical connection under the front passenger seat, secure the connector, and verify proper operation. If the control module is damaged, Audi replaces it for free. DO NOT attempt DIY repair—this is a safety-critical system. Check your VIN at Audi's recall website to confirm if your vehicle is affected. Recall repair takes 1-2 hours.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2017-2023 Audi A5, the B9 A5 (2017-2023) experiences various electrical gremlins, most commonly with the MMI infotainment system. The touchscreen freezes, reboots randomly, displays black screen, or becomes unresponsive. Owners also report interior trim rattles and squeaks from the dashboard, door panels, and center console. Other issues include backup camera failures, parking sensor malfunctions, wireless charging pad not working, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity problems. Some models experience battery drain from parasitic draw. While frustrating, most electrical issues are minor annoyances rather than safety concerns. Audi issued software updates to address some infotainment bugs. A5OC forums report mixed results—some updates help, others don't. Build quality seems inconsistent across production runs.
Infotainment issues: Perform MMI hard reset (hold power + volume up for 10 seconds). If that fails, dealer can update software ($0-$150). Persistent issues may require MMI unit replacement ($1,500-$2,500). Interior rattles: Dealer can apply felt tape or foam to trim panels under warranty. Out-of-warranty DIY fixes involve removing panels and adding foam tape. Backup camera: Check for software update first, then camera replacement ($400-$800). Battery drain: Dealer performs parasitic draw test to identify faulty module. Android Auto/CarPlay: Use high-quality USB cable (cheap cables cause disconnects). For wireless charging, clean phone case and pad.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
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."
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."
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
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 early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
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.
+ 3 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2019-2019 Audi A5 has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Front Passenger Airbag Deactivation (ODS Recall), Water Pump and Thermostat Failure, Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection). None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2019-2019 Audi A5 has 4 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Audi A5 issues range from $0 to $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The B9 A5 (2018-2020 Coupe, Sportback, and Cabriolet) has a design flaw where the electrical connection for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) in the front passenger seat can loosen over time. This causes the ODS control module to malfunction and incorrectly deactivate the front… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.
Water pump failures are common across all A5 and S5 generations due to plastic impeller degradation and seal leaks. Audi uses plastic impellers that crack or disintegrate over time (typically 80,000-120,000 miles), causing coolant leaks and overheating. The water pump is timing b… Repairs typically run $800-$1,500. Severity: medium.
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.
The B9 A5 (2017-2023) experiences various electrical gremlins, most commonly with the MMI infotainment system. The touchscreen freezes, reboots randomly, displays black screen, or becomes unresponsive. Owners also report interior trim rattles and squeaks from the dashboard, door… Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
