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2021 Audi A5 VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2021 Audi A5 has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 7 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Audi A5. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (2), Electrical System (2), Power Train (1).

A5 reliability snapshot

71/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$739
Avg annual repair cost

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Audi A5 before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2021 Audi A5 issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Unknown Or Other2
  • Electrical System2
  • Power Train1
  • Air Bags1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance1

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Audi A5

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Check transmission for metal debris and shifting issues
  • Verify airbag system functionality and recall completion (74E3)
  • Test backup camera for consistent operation
  • Inspect instrument panel for flickering or failure
  • Ensure no water damage under rear seat affecting electrical components

2021 A5 recalls (5)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 A5. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 22V742000Oct 5, 2022

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.

  2. TIRES, SUSPENSIONNHTSA 22V034000Jan 26, 2022

    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.

    Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.

  3. SEAT BELTSNHTSA 21V606000Aug 5, 2021

    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."

    Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).

  4. SUSPENSIONNHTSA 21V295000Apr 26, 2021

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.

    Consequence: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.

  5. EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 20V737000Nov 25, 2020

    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.

    Consequence: Without the scuff protection, the wires may become damaged during a rear crash, disabling the doors from being opened from the outside, causing a loss of hazard lights, and increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    Audi will notify owners, and dealers will apply scuff protection, free of charge. The recall began January 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EU.

2021 Audi A5 on the road

17,128 2021 Audi A5 units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2021 Audi A5 stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2021 Audi A5

The 2021 Audi A5 scores a 71 out of 100, placing it slightly above the segment average of 69. This suggests moderate reliability, with a performance that generally aligns with segment expectations. The vehicle has five recalls, which is an elevated number, indicating some systemic issues that Audi has addressed.

Complaints are relatively few and distributed across various categories, with no single area dominating. This spread suggests that while there are issues, they are not concentrated in one specific component, reducing the likelihood of a major systemic flaw.

Overall, the 2021 Audi A5 carries a moderate reliability risk, with a diverse but limited set of concerns that prospective buyers should consider.

What you get in a 2021 Audi A5 report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2021 Audi A5 — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Audi A5 reliable?

The 2021 Audi A5 scores a 71 out of 100, placing it slightly above the segment average of 69. This suggests moderate reliability, with a performance that generally aligns with segment expectations. The vehicle has five recalls, which is an elevated number, indicating some systemic issues that Audi has addressed.

How many recalls does the 2021 Audi A5 have?

5 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Audi A5. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2021 Audi A5 problems?

The most-reported 2021 Audi A5 problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (2), Electrical System (2), Power Train (1).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Audi A5?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Audi A5, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.