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 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 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 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

2011 Audi S5 Problems: 12 Known Issues

2011 model year · 497+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 497+ owner reports, the 2011 Audi S5 has 12 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are Crankshaft Pulley (Harmonic Balancer) Failure (3.0T) ($800-$5,000 repair), High-Pressure Fuel Pump N276 Metering Valve Failure and Cam Follower Wear (4.2 FSI V8) ($900-$2,600 repair), 4.2L FSI V8 (CAUA) Excessive Oil Consumption from Carbon-Clogged Low-Tension Piston Rings ($6,000-$14,000 repair), Takata Driver Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture - Recall 18V082 (Audi 69R6) ($0-$0 repair) and 0B5 DL501 S tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure - PRNDS Flashing and Lost Gears ($1,800-$6,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Thermostat and Water Pump Assembly Failure with 211 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $14,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Audi S5 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 497+ owner reports, the 2011 Audi S5 has 12 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Crankshaft Pulley (Harmonic Balancer) Failure (3.0T), High-Pressure Fuel Pump N276 Metering Valve Failure and Cam Follower Wear (4.2 FSI V8), 4.2L FSI V8 (CAUA) Excessive Oil Consumption from Carbon-Clogged Low-Tension Piston Rings. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Audi S5 reliable?

The 2011 Audi S5 has 12 known issues documented across 497+ owner reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Crankshaft Pulley (Harmonic Balancer) Failure (3.0T) and High-Pressure Fuel Pump N276 Metering Valve Failure and Cam Follower Wear (4.2 FSI V8) and 4.2L FSI V8 (CAUA) Excessive Oil Consumption from Carbon-Clogged Low-Tension Piston Rings and Takata Driver Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture - Recall 18V082 (Audi 69R6) 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 $14,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Crankshaft Pulley (Harmonic Balancer) Failure (3.0T), typically costs $800-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

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.

All 12 Known Issues

Other Audi Models

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

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

When Issues Typically Appear

2010-2017 Audi S5: Crankshaft Pulley (Harmonic Balancer) Failure (3.0T)#

2008-2012 Audi S5: 4.2L FSI V8 (CAUA) Excessive Oil Consumption from Carbon-Clogged Low-Tension Piston Rings#

2008-2025 Audi S5: 3.0T Supercharger Intercooler Pump Failure#

2008-2025 Audi S5: Direct Injection Carbon Buildup#

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

2008-2012 Audi S5: High-Pressure Fuel Pump N276 Metering Valve Failure and Cam Follower Wear (4.2 FSI V8)#

2010-2012 Audi S5: Takata Driver Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture - Recall 18V082 (Audi 69R6)#

2010-2017 Audi S5: 0B5 DL501 S tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure - PRNDS Flashing and Lost Gears#

2010-2017 Audi S5: Cabriolet Soft-Top Hydraulic Pump Motor Failure from Trunk Water Intrusion#

2008-2017 Audi S5: Sunroof Drain Tube Coupling Failure Flooding the Footwells and A-Pillar Trim#

2008-2025 Audi S5: Thermostat and Water Pump Assembly Failure#

2008-2017 Audi S5: B8 Front Upper Control Arm Bushing and Ball Joint Wear - Clunk and Steering Wander#

What is the 2008-2012 Audi S5 4.2L FSI V8 (CAUA) Excessive Oil Consumption from Carbon-Clogged Low-Tension Piston Rings?