Used Audi A5 Sportback 2016-present reliability

Check that the seats lower and raise as they should, and take a look at the alloy wheels for any kerb damage. Also check the front and rear of this long car for any scuffs and bodywork dings.

The number of reported faults on the A5 Sportback is relatively low, although problems with the car’s infotainment system are a cause for concern, with phones not connecting properly and flickering screens being the main complaints. The latest software from Audi can cure some of these ills.

And despite the A5’s reputation for having a great interior, there have been some issues with rattling parcel shelves and buzzing from interior trims.

Airbags and seatbelt tensioners

There have been two recalls relating to airbags. The first one is due to a manufacturing error that could prevent both the airbags and seatbelt tensioners from working correctly in a collision and applies to examples made between 1 May and 31 October 2016. The second is due to the passenger airbag being loose of a small number of A5s built between 1 February 2017 and 31 July 2017. Speak to an Audi dealer because in both cases, your car will need to be inspected before repairs can be carried out

Shock absorber fork

A problem with the casting process of the shock absorber forks used on the suspension of some A5s manufactured from 26 February 2019 and 14 March 2019 could lead to the forks failing. Find out from an Audi dealer if your A5 is affected since it will need to have replacement forks fitted to prevent future issues.

The A5 coupé and A5 Sportback managed a respectable score in the most recent What Car? Reliability Survey, and came in ninth place out of 15 models in their class. Beyond that, Audi’s reliability reputation could be better, because the marque finished in 21st place out of 32 manufacturers in our most recent reliability survey.

If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.