Recall history

Audi A5 recall history: what has been recalled and why

Audi A5 recall history: which model years were affected, what was fixed, and how to check your own car.

Updated 4th September 2026 DVSA data: Across 125,503 recorded MOT tests, 19.4% failed.

Audi A5
Image via Wikipedia, CC-licensed.

The Audi A5 has experienced several recalls over the years, primarily concerning issues with the fuel system, electrical components, and safety features. Affected build years include 2007 to 2021. Most recalls have been resolved, but it’s essential for owners to check if their vehicle is impacted.

Recall Overview

The Audi A5 has been subject to multiple recalls since its introduction in 2007. These recalls address various safety and performance issues that could affect the vehicle’s operation. The recalls are primarily focused on ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers, as well as maintaining the vehicle’s reliability.

The recalls typically involve inspections, repairs, or replacements of faulty components. Audi has been proactive in addressing these issues, often notifying owners directly and providing necessary repairs at no cost. Keeping track of recalls is crucial for A5 owners to ensure their vehicles remain safe and compliant with regulations.

Key Recalls and Issues

One of the most significant recalls for the Audi A5 involved problems with the fuel system. Certain models were found to have a risk of fuel leakage, which could potentially lead to a fire hazard. This issue affected models manufactured between 2007 and 2011.

This issue was particularly prevalent in models produced between 2012 and 2016. Such failures could significantly impair visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.

Affected Build Years

The recalls for the Audi A5 span various build years, with significant attention given to models produced between 2007 and 2021. Each recall has specific criteria for affected vehicles, often based on production dates and VIN numbers. Owners are encouraged to check their vehicle’s registration details to determine if their model is included in any recall.

Models manufactured in the early years of production, particularly from 2007 to 2011, have seen a higher number of recalls compared to newer models. This trend reflects Audi’s commitment to rectifying issues as they arise, ensuring that newer models benefit from improved safety and reliability.

Current Recall Status

As of now, most recalls associated with the Audi A5 have been resolved, with manufacturers completing necessary repairs and replacements. Audi has established a robust system for notifying affected owners, ensuring they are aware of any outstanding recalls.

Owners can verify the current status of recalls through the DVSA’s official channels or by contacting Audi directly. It is advisable for A5 owners to remain vigilant and regularly check for any updates regarding their vehicle’s recall status, especially if they have not yet addressed previous recalls.

Importance of Addressing Recalls

Addressing recalls is crucial for maintaining vehicle safety and performance. Ignoring recall notifications can lead to serious consequences, including accidents or further damage to the vehicle. Audi A5 owners should prioritise any recall work to ensure their vehicles operate safely and efficiently.

Additionally, completing recall repairs can positively impact the vehicle’s resale value. Prospective buyers often look for well-maintained vehicles with a clean recall history. By ensuring all recalls are addressed, owners can enhance their vehicle’s appeal in the used car market.

Resources for Audi A5 Owners

Audi A5 owners have several resources available to stay informed about recalls. The DVSA provides an online database where owners can check for any outstanding recalls based on their vehicle’s registration number. This tool is invaluable for ensuring that owners are aware of any potential safety issues.

This resource can help owners understand the typical issues associated with their vehicle model and encourage proactive maintenance.

Regular communication with Audi dealerships can also provide updates on recalls and any new developments. Audi’s customer service is equipped to assist owners in understanding their vehicle’s recall status and arranging necessary repairs.

Audi A5 recall record

20 recalls have been issued for the Audi A5, between 2014 and 2025.

  1. Stop-drive TAKATA PSAN

    R/2025/387

    Issued 8 August 2025

    Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Affected vehicles were originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Certain front airbags contain an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.

    Remedy:Affected airbags will be be replaced. You can contact Audi's dedicated Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM.

    Affects cars built Jul 2009 to Jul 2011

  2. Replacing rear seat backrest

    R/2025/110

    Issued 19 March 2025

    The rear seat backrest may not comply with crash safety requirements due to an inadequate weld joint. This means that there is an increased risk of rear seat passengers being injured in the event of a frontal collision if heavy loads are being transported in the luggage compartment. Until the repair has been performed we request that you do not transport any heavy loads in the luggage compartment.

    Remedy:For safety reasons it is necessary to replace the right rear seat backrest.

    Affects cars built Nov 2024 to Jan 2025

  3. If a front airbag is deployed it is possible that the gas generator housing in which the propellant is generated may burst on vehicles manufactured within a limited period.

    R/2023/052

    Issued 6 February 2023

    If a front airbag is deployed it is possible that the gas generator housing in which the propellant is generated may burst on vehicles manufactured within a limited period.

    Remedy:As a precautionary safety measure it is necessary to replace the airbag unit on the driver side.

    Affects cars built Sept 2009 to Mar 2010

  4. FOLLOWING A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN THE TOE AND/OR CAMBER VALUES ON THE REAR AXLE MAY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES INCORRECTLY BE CHANGED WITHOUT THIS BEING NOTICED

    R/2022/036

    Issued 14 February 2022

    Following a previous campaign the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without this being noticed.

    Remedy:The wheel alignment must be checked and if necessary the suspension must be serviced on the affected vehicles.

    Affects cars built Nov 2019 to Feb 2021

  5. REAR AXLE SUSPENSION LINKS NUTS DO NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS

    R/2021/236

    Issued 25 June 2021

    One or more nuts which do not meet the specifications may have been fitted on the rear axle suspension links.

    Remedy:The affected nuts on the rear axle will be replaced on affected vehicles.

    Affects cars built Nov 2019 to Feb 2021

  6. VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN FITTED WITH A HINGED TOWING BRACKET ON WHICH THE LOCKING MECHANISM IN THE HINGE MODULE COULD BE FAULTY

    R/2021/204

    Issued 7 June 2021

    Vehicles may have been fitted with a hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.

    Remedy:The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and where necessary replaced on the vehicles affected.

    Affects cars built Dec 2015 to Dec 2018

  7. SEAT FRAME MAY NOT BE BOLTED CORRECTLY TO THE RAIL ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES

    R/2020/302

    Issued 26 October 2020

    The seat frame may not have been bolted correctly to the seat rail on the driver and/or front passenger side

    Remedy:Check the affected seat frame connection and replace the frame if required.

    Affects cars built Jul 2020 to Jul 2020

  8. MOISTURE MAY ENTER THE BELT-DRIVEN STARTER-ALTERNATOR

    R/2020/138

    Issued 30 June 2020

    It is possible that moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator.

    Remedy:The starter-alternator must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

    Affects cars built Jun 2017 to Mar 2020

  9. THE LOCKING MECHANISM IN THE HINGED TOWING BRACKET COULD BE FAULTY

    R/2019/175

    Issued 3 June 2019

    Hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.

    Remedy:The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and replaced if required.

    Affects cars built Dec 2015 to Dec 2018

  10. AN ERROR IN THE CASTING PROCESS MAY AFFECT THE RIGIDITY OF THE SHOCK ABSORBER FORK

    R/2019/149

    Issued 9 May 2019

    An error in the casting process may affect the rigidity of the shock absorber fork.

    Remedy:The corresponding shock absorber forks must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

    Affects cars built Feb 2019 to Mar 2019

  11. FUEL MAY ESCAPE FROM ONE OR BOTH FUEL RAILS

    R/2019/099

    Issued 18 March 2019

    It is possible that fuel may escape from one or both fuel rails (low-pressure side).

    Remedy:The fuel rails for the low-pressure side of both cylinder banks must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

    Affects cars built Feb 2014 to Sept 2016

  12. PASSENGER AIRBAG MODULE BOLTS SECURING TO THE DASH PANEL MAY BE INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED

    R/2018/365

    Issued 14 December 2018

    Air bag securing bolts may not be to the correct torque.

    Remedy:Check and replace bolts as required.

    Affects cars built Feb 2017 to Jul 2017

8 older recalls not shown.

A recall applies to a build range, not to every car of this model. Check a registration to see whether one specific vehicle has an outstanding recall.

Audi A5 MOT record

From 125,503 recorded MOT tests, 19.4% failed.

MOT pass and failure rates by year of first registration
RegisteredTestsFailedMedian mileage
20232186.4%27,068 mi
20224,3439.3%27,504 mi
20215,19010.6%34,542 mi
20204,73511.6%41,507 mi
20199,71614.6%47,998 mi
201811,26016.9%57,267 mi
201713,66018.1%68,286 mi
20168,21318.3%77,264 mi

Most common reasons for failure

  1. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements31.6%
  2. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn26.4%
  3. A tyre seriously damaged18.5%
  4. A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened12.0%
  5. a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm11.5%

Figures cover every Audi A5 tested in the DVSA dataset, not this specific car. Check a registration for the actual history of one vehicle.

Audi A5 official figures

Median across 26 variants on sale, diesel, diesel electric, electricity / petrol, petrol, petrol electric.

Combined economy
41.5 mpg
WLTP median across variants
CO2 emissions
154.5 g/km
Sets the first-year tax rate

Official figures for new cars. Real economy varies with driving, load and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Has the Audi A5 been recalled in the UK?

Recalls are issued against individual vehicles rather than a model as a whole, so a model-level yes or no would be guesswork. Enter the registration on Honest Car Check and we check the DVSA record for that specific car. Where DVSA holds no status, confirm it with a franchised dealer using the VIN.

What are common reasons for Audi A5 recalls?

Recalls are issued against individual vehicles rather than a model as a whole, so a model-level yes or no would be guesswork. Enter the registration on Honest Car Check and we check the DVSA record for that specific car. Where DVSA holds no status, confirm it with a franchised dealer using the VIN.

How can I find out if my Audi A5 is affected by a recall?

Recalls are issued against individual vehicles rather than a model as a whole, so a model-level yes or no would be guesswork. Enter the registration on Honest Car Check and we check the DVSA record for that specific car. Where DVSA holds no status, confirm it with a franchised dealer using the VIN.

What should I do if my Audi A5 is recalled?

Recalls are issued against individual vehicles rather than a model as a whole, so a model-level yes or no would be guesswork. Enter the registration on Honest Car Check and we check the DVSA record for that specific car. Where DVSA holds no status, confirm it with a franchised dealer using the VIN.

Are recalls for the Audi A5 free of charge?

Recalls are issued against individual vehicles rather than a model as a whole, so a model-level yes or no would be guesswork. Enter the registration on Honest Car Check and we check the DVSA record for that specific car. Where DVSA holds no status, confirm it with a franchised dealer using the VIN.

How often does Audi issue recalls for the A5?

Recalls are issued against individual vehicles rather than a model as a whole, so a model-level yes or no would be guesswork. Enter the registration on Honest Car Check and we check the DVSA record for that specific car. Where DVSA holds no status, confirm it with a franchised dealer using the VIN.

Can I sell my Audi A5 if it has an outstanding recall?

Recalls are issued against individual vehicles rather than a model as a whole, so a model-level yes or no would be guesswork. Enter the registration on Honest Car Check and we check the DVSA record for that specific car. Where DVSA holds no status, confirm it with a franchised dealer using the VIN.

Where can I find more information about Audi A5 recalls?

Recalls are issued against individual vehicles rather than a model as a whole, so a model-level yes or no would be guesswork. Enter the registration on Honest Car Check and we check the DVSA record for that specific car. Where DVSA holds no status, confirm it with a franchised dealer using the VIN.

Sources