Research · Subcompact Cars
2013 Audi S5 CabrioletRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints for the 2013 Audi S5 Cabriolet. Most complaints involve steering (1) and air bags (1). The EPA rates it 21 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
21mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
3
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$3,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2013 Audi S5 Cabriolet as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
3 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2017 – Aug 2018
- Steering1
- Air bags1
- Seat belts1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Steering
1 report
“I WAS DRIVING THE CAR DOWN A SIDE ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE CAR HAD A MESSAGE 'POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION. DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE'. LUCKILY FOR ME, I WAS NOT GOING VERY FAST OR ON A BUSY ROAD, AND COULD STOP THE CAR SAFELY. THE WHEEL WAS EFFECTIVELY USELESS AND I COULD NOT MANEUVER THE VEHICLE AT ALL. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO AUDI AND BECAUSE THERE IS NO 'KNOWN' ISSUE WITH THIS HAPPENING AND THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY, THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BESIDES QUOTE ME $3200 FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE POWER STEERING RACK. IF SOMEONE WAS DRIVING ON A CURVED ROAD OR ON THE HIGHWAY, I WOULD HATE TO IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN. IT WAS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE AT ALL. THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF STEERING PROBLEMS ON AUDI FORUMS AND A COUPLE OF CASES JUST LIKE MINE BUT NO FORMAL INVESTIGATION OR RECALL YET. I HOPE AUDI ACTS BEFORE ANYONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT.”
Air bags
1 report
“THE AIRBAG LIGHT IN MY CAR CAME ON ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO. ACCORDINGLY THE CAR FAILED MASSACHUSETTS INSPECTION IN DEC. 2017. AUDI DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS 'DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG INJECTOR'. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET MY DEALER TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY HAVE NOT DONE SO DUE TO UNAVAILABILITY OF A REPLACEMENT AIRBAG AND INJECTOR. I CANNOT LEGALLY DRIVE MY CAR (NO CURRENT INSPECTION STICKER) AND AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. MY AUDI DEALER AND AUDI USA HAVE NOT OFFERED ANY SOLUTION E.G. A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE UNTIL A REPLACEMENT AIRBAG CAN BE INSTALLED (ESTIMATED AT LONGER THAN 4 MONTHS). AUDI IS NOT STANDING BY THEIR PRODUCT IN THIS CASE A $70,000 VEHICLE.”
Seat belts
1 report
“COMPLAINT ON AUDI'S FAULTY SEATBELT MECHANISM. THE VEHICLE IS A 2013 AUDI S5 CABRIOLET VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT LOCKED AND COULD NOT BE RELEASED. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO AN AUDI DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND FOUND THAT THE SEATBELT WAS FAULTY AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED FROM OTHER AUDI OWNERS TO INCLUDE THIS MODEL. AUDI'S FAULTY SEATBELT MECHANISM IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. THE SEATBELT COULDN'T BE USED AND IS LOCKED WITH NO WAY TO BE SECURED. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN THE SEATBELT COULDN'T BE ENGAGED AND THE PASSENGER WAS NOT ABLE TO INSTALL/USE THE SEATBELT. I WAS CHARGED OVER $1,200 TO REPLACE THE SEATBELT MECHANISM FOR A SAFETY ISSUE. RECOMMEND A RESEARCH IS CONDUCTED TO PERFORM AUDI'S VEHICLES WITH FAULTY SEATBELT ISSUES.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged
- 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 Nov 8, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S5 Cabriolet Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,700 | 429 |
- 21mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 Audi S5 Cabriolet as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2013 S5 Cabriolet questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Audi S5 Cabriolet have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 8, 2026.
What are the most common 2013 Audi S5 Cabriolet problems?
Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (1), air bags (1), seat belts (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2013 Audi S5 Cabriolet get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Audi S5 Cabriolet at 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026