Research · Midsize Cars · 2 NHTSA variants

2025 Audi S5Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 11 owner complaints for the 2025 Audi S5. Most complaints involve lane departure (5) and forward collision avoidance (5). The EPA rates it 22–23 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
22–23mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Dec 2025
Owner complaints
11
Top: lane departure
Fuel cost / yr
$3,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Seat belts: rear

Free remedy

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 SQ6 E-Tron, SQ6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 Sportback E-Tron, A6, A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 E-Tron, S5, and S6 Sportback E-Tron vehicles. The automatic locking retractor may fail to engage when a child seat is installed using the seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

Seat beltsReported Dec 19, 2025NHTSA 25V899000

Seat belts: retractor

Free remedy

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 GTI, Golf R, Audi A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, S5, S6 Sportback E-Tron, 2026 Q4 Sportback E-Tron, and Q4 E-Tron vehicles. The torsion bar in one or both front seat belt retractors may have been damaged during production.

Seat beltsReported Sep 24, 2025NHTSA 25V638000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

11 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2025 – Sep 2026
  1. Lane departure5
  2. Forward collision avoidance5
  3. Electrical system5
  4. Service brakes2
  5. Engine2
  6. Back over prevention1
  7. Suspension1
  8. Wheels1
  9. Vehicle speed control1

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 S5 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20083
201020
20118
201210
201316
20146
20152
20161
201826
20196
202025
20211
20242
202511
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Lane departure

5 reports
“I am filing this safety complaint regarding my 2025 Audi S5, VIN [XXX]. Since taking delivery on [XXX], the vehicle has experienced repeated and intermittent malfunctions involving the driver-assistance and steering systems. On numerous occasions, the Lane Departure Warning/Lane Assist system has applied unexpected and excessive steering input. When attempting to change lanes, including while using the turn signal, the vehicle has at times attempted to steer back toward the original lane. The system has also made intrusive steering corrections while I am already traveling within my lane. These events can be unpredictable and create concern that the vehicle may unexpectedly alter my intended steering direction. The vehicle also repeatedly displays warnings stating that driver-assistance systems are currently limited or unavailable. These warnings have occurred in both rainy and clear/dry conditions and have occurred while the vehicle is being driven at highway speeds. In addition, I have repeatedly experienced a clunking sensation/noise through the steering/front axle area during sharp turns, full-lock steering, parking maneuvers, and roundabouts. The vehicle…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 6, 2026Lane departure, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11762424

Forward collision avoidance

5 reports
“I was making a left hand turn at an intersection with no cars in immediate proximity to my car and the emergency braking system activated violently causing the car to shut off. The pre sense light came on the dashboard. This happened 3 different times. I went to Freehold Audi and they stated the pre sense was doing its job. I reported this to Audi Headquarters last week and a report was written. Other electrical issues started happening, the lane change sensor was going off randomly, the windshield wipers were going off randomly. I traded the car in yesterday to Lexus of Eatontown. They said they were going to sell the Audi retail, I’m thinking to the auction. The car has less than 10,000 miles on it. I informed them about the issues I was having with the car but I’m worried they will sell it to someone without repairing the pre sense issue. I do not want anyone to get hurt in this vehicle. I hurt my neck and chest when the car violently stopped, so did my son. Someone could have easily rear ended me.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 21, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11745428

Electrical system

5 reports
“Since the day of delivery, this 2025 Audi S5 has experienced daily electronic and safety system failures. At least once per day, on startup, the vehicle throws 10 or more warning codes disabling safety-critical systems including blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, forward collision avoidance, rear traffic alert, and adaptive lighting. These failures occur without warning and persist for varying durations before clearing on their own. Additionally, on 5 occasions the adaptive cruise control refused to activate, displaying a false "door open" warning with all doors and trunk confirmed closed. On 4 occasions the power trunk failed to latch using the electronic controls. The 360-degree parking camera system intermittently stops rendering surroundings, displaying only the vehicle graphic with no camera feed. The vehicle was brought to the selling dealer for service. After one hour, the dealer stated no issue was found. A battery diagnostic was requested based on a documented case of an identical 2025 S5 with the same symptoms traced to a faulty 12V battery. The dealer declined to cover the diagnostic under warranty. The service manager later acknowledged…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 24, 2026Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Lane departureODI 11733676
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S8) · 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 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
S5 Sportback
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
202923$3,450384
S5
Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
192822$3,600397
  • S5 Sportback
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    20 city · 29 hwy · $3,450/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • S5
    Auto (AM-S7), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    19 city · 28 hwy · $3,600/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2025 Audi S5 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 20846
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

2025 S5 questions

How many recalls does the 2025 Audi S5 have?

2 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2025 Audi S5 problems?

Owners filed 11 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are lane departure (5), forward collision avoidance (5), electrical system (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2025 Audi S5 get?

The EPA rates the 2025 Audi S5 at 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026