2013 Audi S5
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2013 Audi S5. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
16 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train · Unknown or other
NHTSA Safety Complaint DraftVehicle Information:Year/Make/Model: 2013 Audi S5 Premium Plus CoupeVIN: [XXX]: Power Train / Transmission (7-Speed Dual-Clutch S-Tronic / DSG)Description of Safety Defect:I am writing to report a severe, recurring safety defect regarding the 7-speed dual-clutch…
NHTSA Safety Complaint DraftVehicle Information:Year/Make/Model: 2013 Audi S5 Premium Plus CoupeVIN: [XXX]: Power Train / Transmission (7-Speed Dual-Clutch S-Tronic / DSG)Description of Safety Defect:I am writing to report a severe, recurring safety defect regarding the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in my 2013 Audi S5. The vehicle is experiencing catastrophic transmission issues, including sudden power loss, violent juddering, erratic shifting, and abruptly entering "limp mode" without warning.This issue presents an immediate and severe safety hazard. When the transmission abruptly loses power or forces the vehicle into limp mode while driving at highway speeds, it leaves the driver completely unable to accelerate or safely keep pace with surrounding traffic. This sudden, unpredictable loss of propulsion significantly increases the risk of a high-speed rear-end collision. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Power train
I had a very pricey service performed on my vehicle and during that service they said there was a service bulletin or recall that required a software upgrade for the transmission (Audi of El Paso, TX). Once that occurred, my transmission would shift very hard especially going from 1st to 2nd gear…
I had a very pricey service performed on my vehicle and during that service they said there was a service bulletin or recall that required a software upgrade for the transmission (Audi of El Paso, TX). Once that occurred, my transmission would shift very hard especially going from 1st to 2nd gear or downshifting from 2nd to 1st gear. My service advisor told me that my vehicle had to learn again and that it would smooth out in time. It never has. My vehicle with only 79,000 miles on it should certainly not be having any transmission issues, especially since they were non-existent until the software upgrade was applied. I have researched the issue and have found that it is a common and widely known issue in Audis with similar electronic transmissions. I was able to find well over a hundred Audi owners who documented the same issues. Due to this update my vehicle showed simultaneous warning for a TPMS failure and gearbox failure.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
I smelled a super strong gas smell from my car leaking somewhere in the engine hidden by other parts, it smells so bad it’s hard to be in the car it’s a fire hazard. Due to the fuel the car hardly starts due to the fuel not getting to the engine
- Power train
mechatronic unit failed incident : random jerking when driving had to pull the car over car lost power "gear box malfunction" code on my dashboard. after replacing the mechatornic unit had to pay 5127 dollars out of pocket to get fixed
- Power train
while driving, got a notification on the dash board "transmission malfunction, limited functionality" and a "tpms malfunction" notification. Car seemed like it was skipping 1st and 2nd gear after i continued driving.
- Power train
After the car sits over night, and IS driven w/o bring warmed up it slips going into 1ST and 2ND gear, rough downshift or slight bump when coming to a stop, and a rough idle and noise coming from the transmission when in park. Car has 87K.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2013 audi S5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at various speeds, an abnormal odor was inside the vehicle. The contact's wife drove the vehicle to the residence. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed fuel leaking in the engine compartment. Green audi…
TL* the contact owns a 2013 audi S5. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at various speeds, an abnormal odor was inside the vehicle. The contact's wife drove the vehicle to the residence. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed fuel leaking in the engine compartment. Green audi (3881 wabash ave, springfield, il 62711) was contacted and informed the contact that an appointment should be scheduled to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vin was not subjected to a recall. The vehicle was not seen or repaired. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 15v019000 (fuel system, gasoline) as a possible solution. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,618.
- Power train
My car went into limp mode where the transmission doesn't engage and come to find out it was the mechatronic unit in the transmission and a very well known problem. The car wouldn't move when I was on a busy road. It said continue to drive but I couldn't. It happened at 65K miles. I had it rebuilt for over $2000 and the car IS very well maintained.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Power train
My vehicle as well as many audis with the mechatronic system are having an issue that present a error, " mechatronic failure TPMS gearbox malfunction). It often either not drivable, even when in traffic or drives at a snail's pace when attempting to exit traffic. Audi corporate said a recall IS…
My vehicle as well as many audis with the mechatronic system are having an issue that present a error, " mechatronic failure TPMS gearbox malfunction). It often either not drivable, even when in traffic or drives at a snail's pace when attempting to exit traffic. Audi corporate said a recall IS only done when the nhtsa feel that's it a issue that can calls safety &/or death. This seem to effect, from my research, 2010 - 2014 audi S4, S5 and A5 model [n the USA and there are some europe complaints, which I have found as well] manufactored at a particular plant or provider. This type of malfunction can certainly cause 'loss of life' as it occurs in traffic. I happen to live in metro atlanta ga, with our fast pace traffic, its a serious issue. There absolutely should be a recall. The cost to repair can be up to $15K. There IS no way this should happed to a $60-$75 high-end vehicle. have video's of the dashboard with the error and can upload to you. I was offered 15% on the repair, which IS really an insult. Please look into this issue and its not hard to find others with this issue. I pray for some relief in the form of a recall. It has been happening sine 2010, from what I have learned.
- Power train
Transmission fault code popped up. Trans bogs when trying to start, almost in a limp mode for the transmission. The code comes on and off sometimes, and doesn't allow me to go into manual mode. The trans IS a dsg, and IS acting very weird. Mechatronic was told to be replaced by a european auto shop.
- Power train
Vehicle IS throwing transmission fault codes, shifting as if the trans IS in limp mode, when stopped and then going, the trans bogs, as well as between shifts. Doesn't go into manual mode either for the dsg trans my car has. A shop said the metatronic unit needs replacement.
- Steering
Electric power steering fails with either water infiltration into the controller, or with severe cold weather. This issue IS known by audi USA by they are refusing to address the issue. In mn in the month of 2/2019 3 audi dealers each told me that they each replaced 20+ steering racks due to this…
Electric power steering fails with either water infiltration into the controller, or with severe cold weather. This issue IS known by audi USA by they are refusing to address the issue. In mn in the month of 2/2019 3 audi dealers each told me that they each replaced 20+ steering racks due to this issue. this issue cause the electric assisted power steering to fail causing the car to loose all power assist for steering. This could cause accidents if you are not expecting your power steering to fail at highway speeds. the service adviser I worked with at one of the audi dealers said this personally happened to him on 2 different cars he owned. There are reports of this happening in every audi forum on the web.
- Engine
After ~106,000 miles, an error code 'transmission malfunction. You can keep driving', with error code p179d00 (per dealer). Car has hestitation at low rpm or while stopped (as at a light or heavy traffic) and occasionally jerks forward, despite brakes being firmly applied.
- Power train
I was driving on the freeway all of the sudden I lost power and felt jerky movements I had to pull over. Obviously I had check engine light come and gearbox malfunction message. The problem turns out to be a mechatronic issue with my vehicle there's a technical service bulletin on it tsb number IS…
I was driving on the freeway all of the sudden I lost power and felt jerky movements I had to pull over. Obviously I had check engine light come and gearbox malfunction message. The problem turns out to be a mechatronic issue with my vehicle there's a technical service bulletin on it tsb number IS 10054213-2278. although I tried to open a case with audi USA. My case got denied because they stated the car IS out of warranty and because it's not a known issue on the vehicle model. I can understand the warranty part but to say that IS not a known issue that qualifies as a non accurate statement since there's IS an official tsb on the matter and I take that as an insult honestly. I would like for someone to address that issue and maybe have audi acknowledge the problem more openly since it's something that's affects alot of customers and audi IS getting away with poor quality control on their vehicles. Thank you and have a good day
- Steering
While driving at highway speeds, there IS resistance at the 12 o'clock position in the steering. This resistance causes the driver to over correct and makes it difficult to keep the car driving in a straight line. This issue has been reported as the 'notch' feeling in then electric steering to dealer and manufacturer and was told no fix IS available. *tr
- Steering
I was turning into a parking lot and the steering locked up in the middle of the turn and a message came up "steering defective. do not drive". the dealer picked up the car and after researching informed me the power steering module had failed and needs to be replaced. they said they need to…
I was turning into a parking lot and the steering locked up in the middle of the turn and a message came up "steering defective. do not drive". the dealer picked up the car and after researching informed me the power steering module had failed and needs to be replaced. they said they need to order parts from germany and it will take 2-3 weeks. today IS the start of the 3RD week and they are still working on the car. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011303This bulletin provides information when the anti-theft alarm activates for no reason, or when the anti-theft alarm does not activate.
- 11011296This bulletin provides service-info relating to lithium-ion high-voltage batteries; determining energy content.
- 11011285This TSB Provides information when parking assistance provides false warnings.
- 11011282This bulletin provides information when speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference is noted.
- 11011240This bulletin provides information about professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool
- 11009983Vehicle Concerns Before Recall Repair Available
- 11009941This bulletin provides diagnostic information regarding the locking system.
- 11009928This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
- 11009375This bulletin provides information pertaining to the GFF test plan required for A/C compressore replacements, regardless of the concern.
- 11009356This bulletin provides informaion regarding zirconium inserts in the bake piston for vehicle equipped with ceramic brakes.
- 11009351This bulletin provides information regarding the general approach to brakes rubbing.
- 11009348This bulleitn provides information when there is an implausible signal in the ABS/ESC speed sensor.
- 11009347This bulletin provides information when there are vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11009327This bulletin provides information when ther is an Engine: start/stop system fault shown and start/stop system not is working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
- 11009313This bulletin provides guidance in order to provid informaiton regarding preparatoin when calling the Audi Technical Assistnce Center (TAC).
- 11009312This bulletin provides informationw hen there are car was brush bristles trapped in the seam between the headlight and fender.
- 11007354This bulletin provides service-info relating to lithium-ion high-voltage batteries; determining energy content.
- 11007345This bulletin proves information when the bluetooth does not work, adaption channel deactivated.
- 11007315This bulletin provides information vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11007305This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007301This bulletin provides information when there are functional restrictions or driving behavior due to diesel detected in petrol.
- 11007297This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 11007273This bulletin provides service-info relating to lithium-ion high-voltage batteries; determining energy content.
- 11007264This bulletin proves information when the bluetooth does not work, adaption channel deactivated.
- 11007234This bulletin provides information vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
- 11007224This bulletin offers information about the basic information needed for technical requests for gaerbox complaints.
- 11007220This bulletin provides information when there are functional restrictions or driving behavior due to diesel detected in petrol.
- 11007216This bulletin provides service information ror when the fuel tank cannot be fully filled.
- 11005935This bulletin provides informaiton when there are speaker rattles, vibrations or audio interference in the sound system.
- 11005911This bulletin provides informatin for the GFF test plan that is requied for AC compressor replacements.
- 11005884This bulletin provides service information pertaining to noises from wheel input shaft/drive shaft.
- 11005878This bulletin provides information about replacing the clutch end cover.
- 11005877This bulletin provides information about replacing the clutch end cover.
- 11005865This bulletin provides information when there are noises/vibration from the front of the vehicle while in dynamic mode.
- 11005861This bulletin provides information when there is a fault shown; Engine: start/stop system, and the start system is not working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles.
- 11005848This bulletin provides Audi technicians with information to prepare for contact to the Technical Assistance Center (TAC).
- 11003026This bulletin provides informationw hen there are optical concerns with the tail lights.
- 11003024This bulletin provides informaiton when there are speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference.A1
- 11003019This bulletin provides informaiton for when the horn sound quality is poor.
- 11002981This bulletin provides information when there are speaker rattles, vibration or audio interference.
Every Audi S5 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.