2015 Audi S5 Problems: 9 Known Issues

On the 2010-2017 Audi S5 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 belt shreds, disabling the supercharger (complete loss of boost), alternator and A/C compressor, and on 2010-2012 cars with hydraulic steering the power steering pump. At highway speed, this means sudden loss of supercharger boost (and power assist on those earlier cars)—a safety hazard. Audi revised the part from revision E to F, acknowledging the design flaw. Audizine and A5OC forums document numerous failures between 60,000-100,000 miles. Early models (2010-2013) are most affected. If the shredded belt or separated pulley damages the radiator, fans and other accessories, repair costs can exceed $5,000.

On the 2010-2017 Audi S5 3.0T, 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.

On the 2008-2025 Audi S5, 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.

On the 2010-2017 Audi S5 3.0L supercharged V6, 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 2012-2017 when noise is verified from the lower compressor/intake-manifold area and P052E00 is stored, identifying a possible cracked elbow. The bulletins do not support a universal failure before 100,000 miles, the former lean-code bundle, oil-change prevention or automatic water-pump/thermostat replacement.

On the 2010-2017 Audi S5, 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 display, and progresses to limp mode, loss of half the gears, no reverse, or a car that will not move. Owners also report the failure appearing after long-deferred DSG fluid services. This is transmission-specific, not engine-specific: it applies to S tronic-equipped supercharged 3.0T S5s (the Cabriolet from 2010 and the facelifted coupe from 2013); the 4.2 V8 S5 coupe was offered only with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed Tiptronic and never had the S tronic.

On the 2010-2017 Audi S5, 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-amperage pump fuse. The top then stops mid-cycle or refuses to move at all, and owners are left manually closing it. Hydraulic cylinder and line leaks are a secondary cause, but the water-killed motor is the dominant one. This is Cabriolet-only and unrelated to any engine variant.

On the 2008-2017 Audi S5, 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 footwell from the back drains. Owners frequently misdiagnose it as a windshield or door seal leak, and it is often compounded by a separate clogged A/C evaporator drain that wets the passenger side. Left alone, standing water rots carpet and soaks control modules under the seats, which is how these cars end up with strange electrical faults.

On the 2010-2025 Audi S5 3.0T, 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.

On the 2008-2017 Audi S5, the B8/B8.5 chassis uses a multi-link front end with four control arms per side (two upper, two lower) 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 with uneven inner tire wear. Surface cracking shows up as early as 30-40k miles; audible symptoms usually arrive between 70k and 100k. Because a failed ball joint changes camber and toe, this is a handling and tire-wear concern as well as a noise complaint. This is a chassis issue and applies across every B8 S5 drivetrain.