Audi A5 Cabriolet Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 44 consumer complaints across the 3 model years of the Audi A5 Cabriolet (2010–2012) that have at least 5 complaints. 2010 has the most, with 16. Across all years, the part named most often is air bags (40 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All A5 Cabriolet model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 14 | 63,000 | 2 | 1,103 | — | Not enough data |
| 2011 | 14 | 63,000 | 2 | 977 | — | Not enough data |
| 2010 | 16 | 53,500 | 2 | 827 | — | Stable |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Air bags40 91%
- Engine3 6.8%
- Other or unknown1 2.3%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2010: “Takata recall the passenger side airbags have been recalled in april of 2016. Now its end of march 2017 Audi has not replaced the airbag. They have not communicated or responded to my enquiries. I think and it is enough time for Audi to take care of problem without further risk to consumer. I request NHTSA to intervene. Thank you for your time.”
NHTSA complaint #10968493, filed 2017-03, 41,300 miles2011: “My 2011 Audi a5 2.0t has experienced low compression on piston number 1 which is a sign of engine failure and requires the engine to be redone. Since then I have checked with Audi mechanics and online reviews and it seems like my model of Audi has a common problem with the engine. The fact that many a5's have experienced engine failures begs the question of why Audi has not recalled this vehicle and why the engines were allowed to be released that are obviously sub optimal and weak!”
NHTSA complaint #11112964, filed 2018-07, 59,000 miles2012: “My car has had the add oil light on many times to which I have taken it to the dealer. First time they told me it was a water pump failure. I replaced and paid for the water pump. Second time a year later I returned to hear that the water pump failed again only this time it was the cam bearing ladder that failed which in turn caused the water pump to fail. Both times I asked if the water pump is replaced should I replace the timing belt, I am told it is a timing chain and does not need to be replaced. Then the light comes on again I take it back to the dealer to be checked they say it is fine. …”
NHTSA complaint #11102635, filed 2018-06, 106,000 milesOther Audi models
2,893 complaintsAudi A6
1,653 complaintsAudi Q5
1,348 complaintsAudi Q7
1,052 complaintsAudi A3
727 complaintsAudi S4
577 complaintsAudi A5
324 complaintsAudi TT
306 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology