2015 Audi S5 Problems: 9 Known Issues

2015 Audi S5 Problems: 9 Known Issues | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls10 recalls

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.

Campaign #24V25100003/04/2024

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 GTI, Golf R, Audi A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, S5, S6 Sportback E-Tron, 2026 Q4 Sportback E-Tron, and Q4 E-Tron vehicles. The torsion bar in one or both front seat belt retractors may have been damaged during production.

Campaign #25V63800024/09/2025

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 SQ6 E-Tron, SQ6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 Sportback E-Tron, A6, A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 E-Tron, S5, and S6 Sportback E-Tron vehicles. The automatic locking retractor may fail to engage when a child seat is installed using the seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

Campaign #25V89900019/12/2025

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."

Campaign #21V60600005/08/2021

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Audi S5 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 497+ owner reports, the 2015 Audi S5 has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Crankshaft Pulley (Harmonic Balancer) Failure (3.0T), 0B5 DL501 S tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure - PRNDS Flashing and Lost Gears, Thermostat and Water Pump Assembly Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Audi S5 reliable?

The 2015 Audi S5 has 9 known issues documented across 497+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Crankshaft Pulley (Harmonic Balancer) Failure (3.0T) 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 $150 to $6,500, 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.

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.

All 9 Known Issues

When Issues Typically Appear

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

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#

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#

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