Research · Subcompact Cars

2013 Audi RS5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints for the 2013 Audi RS5. Most complaints involve power train (5) and electrical system (1). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
18mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
7
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$4,400est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2013 Audi RS5 as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

7 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2014 – Nov 2025
  1. Power train5
  2. Electrical system1
  3. Engine1
  4. Steering1
  5. Service brakes1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each RS5 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20137
20145
20152
20181
20193
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

5 reports
“While driving through the middle of a busy intersection, my 2013 Audi RS5 suddenly lost all power and was unable to engage any gears. The car came to a stop in active cross-traffic with vehicles approaching from multiple directions. I could not restart or move the car under its own power and had to push it to safety with the help of a passerby. Component that failed: Transmission / Power Train – specifically the DL501 S-Tronic Mechatronic Unit (Transmission Control Module). The part is still available for inspection at the dealership. Safety risk: This failure caused a complete loss of propulsion in active traffic, putting both myself and other drivers at risk of a collision. Dealer confirmation: The issue has been inspected and confirmed by an Audi dealership (Audi North Houston). The diagnostic code was P060A00 – “Internal Control Module Processor Performance.” Manufacturer documentation: Audi has previously issued Technical Service Bulletins 35-13-15 and 37-13-17, which identify this same defect as an internal circuit board failure and delamination in the DL501 mechatronic unit. Manufacturer response: Audi of America declined goodwill assistance despite…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 11, 2025Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11698821

Electrical system

1 report

Engine

1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Subcompact Cars
Engines
4.2L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (AM-S7)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
RS 5
Auto (AM-S7), 8 cyl, 4.2 L · All-Wheel Drive
162318$4,400480
RS 5 Cabriolet
Auto (AM-S7), 8 cyl, 4.2 L · All-Wheel Drive
162218$4,400486
  • RS 5
    Auto (AM-S7), 8 cyl, 4.2 L
    16 city · 23 hwy · $4,400/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • RS 5 Cabriolet
    Auto (AM-S7), 8 cyl, 4.2 L
    16 city · 22 hwy · $4,400/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

3 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 Audi RS5 as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 7709Vehicle 7639Vehicle 7636
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2013 RS5 questions

How many recalls does the 2013 Audi RS5 have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.

What are the most common 2013 Audi RS5 problems?

Owners filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (5), electrical system (1), engine (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2013 Audi RS5 get?

The EPA rates the 2013 Audi RS5 at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026