Research · Subcompact Cars
2013 Audi S5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 16 owner complaints for the 2013 Audi S5. Most complaints involve power train (10) and engine (3). The EPA rates it 20–21 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
20–21mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
16
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$3,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2013 Audi S5 as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
16 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2013 – Jun 2026
- Power train10
- Engine3
- Steering3
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Electronic stability control (esc)1
- Other / unknown1
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 Oct 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
10 reports
“NHTSA Safety Complaint DraftVehicle Information:Year/Make/Model: 2013 Audi S5 Premium Plus CoupeVIN: [XXX]: Power Train / Transmission (7-Speed Dual-Clutch S-Tronic / DSG)Description of Safety Defect:I am writing to report a severe, recurring safety defect regarding the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in my 2013 Audi S5. The vehicle is experiencing catastrophic transmission issues, including sudden power loss, violent juddering, erratic shifting, and abruptly entering "limp mode" without warning.This issue presents an immediate and severe safety hazard. When the transmission abruptly loses power or forces the vehicle into limp mode while driving at highway speeds, it leaves the driver completely unable to accelerate or safely keep pace with surrounding traffic. This sudden, unpredictable loss of propulsion significantly increases the risk of a high-speed rear-end collision.”
Engine
3 reports
“I smelled a super strong gas smell from my car leaking somewhere in the engine hidden by other parts, it smells so bad it’s hard to be in the car it’s a fire hazard. Due to the fuel the car hardly starts due to the fuel not getting to the engine”
Steering
3 reports
“ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILS WITH EITHER WATER INFILTRATION INTO THE CONTROLLER, OR WITH SEVERE COLD WEATHER. THIS ISSUE IS KNOWN BY AUDI USA BY THEY ARE REFUSING TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. IN MN IN THE MONTH OF 2/2019 3 AUDI DEALERS EACH TOLD ME THAT THEY EACH REPLACED 20+ STEERING RACKS DUE TO THIS ISSUE. THIS ISSUE CAUSE THE ELECTRIC ASSISTED POWER STEERING TO FAIL CAUSING THE CAR TO LOOSE ALL POWER ASSIST FOR STEERING. THIS COULD CAUSE ACCIDENTS IF YOU ARE NOT EXPECTING YOUR POWER STEERING TO FAIL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE SERVICE ADVISER I WORKED WITH AT ONE OF THE AUDI DEALERS SAID THIS PERSONALLY HAPPENED TO HIM ON 2 DIFFERENT CARS HE OWNED. THERE ARE REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING IN EVERY AUDI FORUM ON THE WEB.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AM-S7) · Manual 6-spd
- 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 29, 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 Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 21 | $3,800 | 413 |
| S5 Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $4,000 | 439 |
- 21mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
3 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 Audi S5 as of Oct 29, 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 questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Audi S5 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 29, 2026.
What are the most common 2013 Audi S5 problems?
Owners filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (10), engine (3), steering (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2013 Audi S5 get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Audi S5 at 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026