Audi · A5 · 2011
2
Recalls
38
Complaints
N/A
NCAP overall
The 2011 Audi A5 has 2 recalls and 38 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most frequent stored component label: air bags (25 reports).
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet C FWD NCAP Vehicle ID: 6
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
If you're researching an engine problem with the 2011 Audi A5, use the NHTSA complaint categories and full owner-report log below as evidence to investigate, not as a diagnosis of one specific fault.
Source: NHTSA Public Records
NHTSA source checks for this vehicle year
Checks are recorded separately for each dataset, not for the whole page. Dates use UTC. A missing check date does not mean no records exist.
Vehicle import recorded: Aug 31, 2026. This is the stored import date, not confirmation that every source was successfully refreshed.
The 2011 Audi A5 page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most frequent complete stored component label is air bags with 25 reported complaints.
If this page matches the question you searched for, these guides usually make the next step clearer before you compare nearby years or decide what to check on a specific vehicle.
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
Engine-related owner reports can help identify repeated symptoms, but they do not establish one universal defect or replace a vehicle-specific inspection.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Remedy Status
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Remedy Status
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Unknown
Earlier models were recalled for defective air bag modules. My 2011 A5 was not recalled but the air bag module failed in exactly the same way as earlier models. The modules were not upgraded and perhaps the newer models should be included in recall. I have an invoice for $1443.45...
Preview excerpt
There was a fuel odor permeating in the vehicle, and the further I drove, the more intense was the gasoline smell. I pulled into a strip mall and turned off the engine for fear of a fire or explosion. I immediately called and requested the car be towed to my mechanic. My mechan...
Preview excerpt
Audi has recalled a5 until 2009 for defective air bag modules, ie power supply. My 2011 has the same problem but not covered by recall. Why not? Very dangerous condition. Thank you.
Driving down the road, my sunroof "exploded" today. Only damage was to the sunroof itself but very scary. Felt like an explosion, fortunately did no have any accident associated with this. Less likely anything dropped from above. Weather was good today.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A SECOND VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH, THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. NO POLICE RE...
Preview excerpt
TAKATA RECALL: UNABLE TO GET MY VEHICLE FIXED BECAUSE THEY CANNOT GET THE PARTS NEEDED. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE TEAM CAN'T PROVIDE AN ETA AND CANNOT PROVIDE ANY ALTERNATE SOLUTIONS IN THE MEANTIME. WHAT OPTIONS DO I HAVE TO ENSURE OUR SAFETY WHILE WE WAIT?
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...
Preview excerpt
TAKATA RECALL - HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THE RECALL DONE FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS. AUDI HAS STOPPED MAKING REPAIRS AND HAS BEEN SAYING THEY ARE COMING OUT WITH A FINAL REPAIR SHORTLY. THIS HAS NOT CHANGED IN MONTHS. HOW DO I GET A COMMITMENT FROM AUDI ON GETTING THIS CAR REPAIRED?
TAKATA RECALL. AUDI OF AMERICA INC. KEEPS SENDING OUT RECALL NOTICES AND THE DEALER KEEPS CLAIMING THERE ARE NO REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS AVAILABLE. ENOUGH ALREADY, EITHER MAKE REPLACEMENTS AVAILABLE OR STOP SENDING NOTICES.
Showing 10 recent complaints from 38 total
View Full Complaint LogThe strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2011 Audi models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
This page lists owner reports submitted to NHTSA for the 2011 Audi A5 and groups them by affected system. Review the engine-related complaint details alongside recalls and other categories, but do not treat an individual report as a confirmed diagnosis for every vehicle.
The 2011 Audi A5 has 2 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 38 owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Audi A5.
An overall NHTSA safety rating is not available in our current dataset for the 2011 Audi A5. Individual crash-test results may still be available.
The most frequent complete stored component labels for the 2011 Audi A5 are air bags (25 reports), engine (7 reports), unknown or other (3 reports). These are exact-label counts, not broader component-group totals or confirmed defects.
Yes. NHTSA has 2 recalls on record for the 2011 Audi A5. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.