What is the 2010-2017 Audi S5 Crankshaft Pulley (Harmonic Balancer) Failure (3.0T)?

The Audi S5 (2010-2017) with the 3.0T supercharged V6 is prone to crankshaft pulley (harmonic balancer) failure. The rubber damper between the inner and outer sections of the pulley delaminates and separates, causing dangerous pulley wobble. When the pulley fails, the serpentine… Repairs typically run $800-$5,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2012 Audi S5 Takata Driver Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture - Recall 18V082 (Audi 69R6)?

S5 Cabriolet models from 2010-2012 were included in the Takata inflator recall. The propellant in the driver's frontal airbag inflator degrades with age, heat, and humidity, and on deployment the inflator can over-pressurize and burst its metal housing, spraying fragments at the… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2017 Audi S5 0B5 DL501 S tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure - PRNDS Flashing and Lost Gears?

The 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch (0B5 / DL501) fitted to quattro S5 models is a widely documented failure point. Heat cycles kill the mechatronic control board and the clutch and cooling solenoids wear mechanically. Failure begins as harsh or erratic shifts and a flashing PRNDS d… Repairs typically run $1,800-$6,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2008-2025 Audi S5 Thermostat and Water Pump Assembly Failure?

The S5 3.0T thermostat and water pump assembly uses a plastic housing that degrades over time. Leaks develop at the housing seams and O-ring seals, often around 60,000-80,000 miles. Repairs typically run $400-$1,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2025 Audi S5 3.0T Supercharger Intercooler Pump Failure?

The water-to-air intercooler system on the S5 3.0T uses an electric coolant pump that can fail, causing elevated charge air temperatures and reduced power. Heat soak becomes severe in warm climates. Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2025 Audi S5 Direct Injection Carbon Buildup?

The S5 suffers from carbon deposit accumulation on intake valves common to all Audi direct-injected engines. The performance-oriented tuning makes power loss from carbon more noticeable than in base models. Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2010-2017 Audi S5 2010-2017 S5 3.0L Crankcase-Breather P052E00 - Body/Year Diagnosis?

Audi TSB 2060033/3 covers S5 model years 2013-2016 and S5 Cabriolet model years 2010-2017 with the 3.0L engine when the MIL is on and/or noise is traced to the crankcase breather; P052E00 may be stored. Audi TSB 2060259/1 separately covers S5 and S5 Cabriolet model years 2012-201… Severity: medium.

What is the 2018 Audi S5 2018 S5 3.0L Mechanical Coolant-Pump Fault P000000/33688 - Diagnosis Required?

Audi TSB 2058890/4 applies to 2018 S5, S5 Cabriolet and S5 Sportback vehicles when the instrument cluster displays “Switch off the engine and check coolant” and the engine control module stores P000000 with symptom code 33688. The code indicates a possible malfunction of the vacu… Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2017 Audi S5 B8 Front Upper Control Arm Bushing and Ball Joint Wear - Clunk and Steering Wander?

The B8/B8.5 chassis uses a multi-link front end with four upper links per side riding on small rubber bushings. The bushings crack and the ball joints develop play, producing a clunk or rattle over bumps (worst while turning) and a vague, wandering feel at highway speed, along wi… Repairs typically run $800-$2,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2022 Audi S5 PCV Diaphragm Tear in the Valve Cover Causing Runaway Idle and Whistle (B9 3.0T)?

On the B9 3.0 TFSI the crankcase pressure regulator (PCV) is integrated into the valve cover. The rubber diaphragm tears, opening a large unmetered vacuum leak into the intake. The signature is a loud whistle under the hood at idle that stops instantly when the oil filler cap is… Repairs typically run $450-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2010-2017 Audi S5 Cabriolet Soft-Top Hydraulic Pump Motor Failure from Trunk Water Intrusion?

On the S5 Cabriolet the convertible top's hydraulic pump sits in the left rear of the trunk inside a foam enclosure. Water that gets into the trunk - from the top's own drains or from trunk seal leaks - soaks the foam, corrodes the pump motor and its connector, and blows the high… Repairs typically run $700-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2022 Audi S5 Rearview Camera Image Failure on Restart and in Reverse - Recalls 22V742 and 22V806?

Late B9 S5 models were subject to two separate rearview camera recalls in 2022. In one, a software fault leaves the camera image blank when reverse is selected; in the other, the display fails to show the camera image after the vehicle has been shut down and restarted. Either con… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2017 Audi S5 Sunroof Drain Tube Coupling Failure Flooding the Footwells and A-Pillar Trim?

B8 A5/S5 coupes route sunroof water down four drain tubes. The rubber elbow coupling where the tube meets the sunroof cassette hardens and stops sealing, and the tubes themselves clog with debris. Water then runs down the A-pillar and into the front footwell, or into the rear foo… Repairs typically run $150-$900. Severity: medium.

Audi · Known Issues

2008-2025 Audi S5 Problems: 18 Known Issues

2008-2025 model years · 497+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 497+ owner reports, the 2008-2025 Audi S5 has 18 documented known issues, with 8 rated critical. The most serious are High-Pressure Fuel Pump N276 Metering Valve Failure and Cam Follower Wear (4.2 FSI V8) ($900-$2,600 repair), Crankshaft Pulley (Harmonic Balancer) Failure (3.0T) ($800-$5,000 repair), 4.2L FSI V8 (CAUA) Excessive Oil Consumption from Carbon-Clogged Low-Tension Piston Rings ($6,000-$14,000 repair), Roller Rocker Arm Needle-Bearing Collapse Destroying Camshafts (Early B9 3.0T) ($6,000-$20,000 repair), Rear Axle Trailing Arm Eccentric Bolt Lock Nut Fracture - Recall 21V295 (Audi 42L1) ($0-$0 repair), Takata Driver Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture - Recall 18V082 (Audi 69R6) ($0-$0 repair), Seat Heater Cable Fault Disabling the Passenger Airbag (PODS) - Recall 21V874 (Audi 74E3) ($0-$0 repair) and 0B5 DL501 S tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure - PRNDS Flashing and Lost Gears. at .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Audi S5 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 497+ owner reports, the 2008-2025 Audi S5 has 18 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: High-Pressure Fuel Pump N276 Metering Valve Failure and Cam Follower Wear (4.2 FSI V8), Crankshaft Pulley (Harmonic Balancer) Failure (3.0T), 4.2L FSI V8 (CAUA) Excessive Oil Consumption from Carbon-Clogged Low-Tension Piston Rings. Of these, 8 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Audi S5 reliable?

The 2008-2025 Audi S5 has 18 known issues documented across 497+ owner reports. 8 issues are rated critical: High-Pressure Fuel Pump N276 Metering Valve Failure and Cam Follower Wear (4.2 FSI V8) and Crankshaft Pulley (Harmonic Balancer) Failure (3.0T) and 4.2L FSI V8 (CAUA) Excessive Oil Consumption from Carbon-Clogged Low-Tension Piston Rings and Roller Rocker Arm Needle-Bearing Collapse Destroying Camshafts (Early B9 3.0T) and Rear Axle Trailing Arm Eccentric Bolt Lock Nut Fracture - Recall 21V295 (Audi 42L1) and Takata Driver Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture - Recall 18V082 (Audi 69R6) and Seat Heater Cable Fault Disabling the Passenger Airbag (PODS) - Recall 21V874 (Audi 74E3) and 0B5 DL501 S tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure - PRNDS Flashing and Lost Gears. 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 S5 problems?

Repair costs for known Audi S5 issues range from $0 to $20,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, High-Pressure Fuel Pump N276 Metering Valve Failure and Cam Follower Wear (4.2 FSI V8), typically costs $900-$2,600 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Audi S5 is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Audi S5. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2008-2025 Audi S5 with 18 documented issues documented across 497+ owner reports.

All 18 Known Issues

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Audi S5 problems?

Is the Audi S5 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Audi S5 problems?

What year Audi S5 is the most reliable?

When Issues Typically Appear

Crankshaft Pulley (Harmonic Balancer) Failure (3.0T)#

4.2L FSI V8 (CAUA) Excessive Oil Consumption from Carbon-Clogged Low-Tension Piston Rings#

Roller Rocker Arm Needle-Bearing Collapse Destroying Camshafts (Early B9 3.0T)#

3.0T Supercharger Intercooler Pump Failure#

Direct Injection Carbon Buildup#

2010-2017 S5 3.0L Crankcase-Breather P052E00 - Body/Year Diagnosis#

PCV Diaphragm Tear in the Valve Cover Causing Runaway Idle and Whistle (B9 3.0T)#

Takata Driver Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture - Recall 18V082 (Audi 69R6)#

Seat Heater Cable Fault Disabling the Passenger Airbag (PODS) - Recall 21V874 (Audi 74E3)#

Rear Axle Trailing Arm Eccentric Bolt Lock Nut Fracture - Recall 21V295 (Audi 42L1)#

B8 Front Upper Control Arm Bushing and Ball Joint Wear - Clunk and Steering Wander#

High-Pressure Fuel Pump N276 Metering Valve Failure and Cam Follower Wear (4.2 FSI V8)#

0B5 DL501 S tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure - PRNDS Flashing and Lost Gears#

Thermostat and Water Pump Assembly Failure#

2018 S5 3.0L Mechanical Coolant-Pump Fault P000000/33688 - Diagnosis Required#

Cabriolet Soft-Top Hydraulic Pump Motor Failure from Trunk Water Intrusion#

Sunroof Drain Tube Coupling Failure Flooding the Footwells and A-Pillar Trim#

Rearview Camera Image Failure on Restart and in Reverse - Recalls 22V742 and 22V806#

What is the 2008-2012 Audi S5 High-Pressure Fuel Pump N276 Metering Valve Failure and Cam Follower Wear (4.2 FSI V8)?