NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
35 reportsMileage unknown · Jul 28, 2026
Electrical System
Turned AC on blew out cool air all of sudden the air went out hot air blowing, smelt burning and saw smoke on passenger side (not a lot,but enough to raise concerns) turned AC shut climate off, turned car off tried it again no air just heat blowing. brother in law put it on machine , gave a sensor code, replaced sensor put a ca…
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Turned AC on blew out cool air all of sudden the air went out hot air blowing, smelt burning and saw smoke on passenger side (not a lot,but enough to raise concerns) turned AC shut climate off, turned car off tried it again no air just heat blowing. brother in law put it on machine , gave a sensor code, replaced sensor put a can of air in, still blowing out hot air. and if ran too long it will smoke and burning scent.
NHTSA ODI #11753312
157,653 miles · Jul 28, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineEngine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2013 Audi A5. The contact stated that after activating the AC system, there was hot air and a burning odor coming from the passenger’s side vents. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V002000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called an independent mechanic and referenced the …
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The contact owns a 2013 Audi A5. The contact stated that after activating the AC system, there was hot air and a burning odor coming from the passenger’s side vents. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V002000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called an independent mechanic and referenced the recall campaign. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 157,653.
NHTSA ODI #11753204
Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2024
Electrical SystemPower TrainUnknown Or Other
I was having an issue with my 2013 Audi A5 starting. A call to roadside assistance was able to jump my battery and the car would start and run. However, the same issue kept happening. The EPC warning light would come on and it took a few weeks to get scheduled with a mechanic. I purchased a mobile jump starter myself because I …
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I was having an issue with my 2013 Audi A5 starting. A call to roadside assistance was able to jump my battery and the car would start and run. However, the same issue kept happening. The EPC warning light would come on and it took a few weeks to get scheduled with a mechanic. I purchased a mobile jump starter myself because I never knew when the car would or wouldn't start. After taking the car to Audi, they found the "transmission coolant valve failing internally causing coolant to migrate up connector - this is causing a short which is draining the battery. If not fixed it will continue to deplete the batter. Recommend replacing valve and and connector". [2023 Audi Inspection Report.pdf] This was verified by another mechanic who did the work and shared the faulty, corroded transmission pump connector and leaking valve. [photo: 2023 Corroded connector Transmission Coolant Valve.jpg; 2023 Transmission Coolant Valuve and connector.jpg] I won't speculate about the potential outcomes of such a failure, but I was told by my mechanic before I brought it in that I should no longer jump the car, because if what Audi found was correct, I could at minimum cause a full failure of the car's electrical system or a fire could start and recommended that I tow the car in for repair, which is what I did. An internet search shows this isn't a unique or isolated issue. Audi owners over the past 7+ years have been experiencing the same issue with the transmission coolant seeping into electrical components, causing shorts and electrical problems like mine. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] This pump and its proximity to electrical components is a dangerous risk to drivers not aware that what appears as a simple dead battery, could in fact be one jump start away from disaster. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11599581
Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion System
Couple years ago my engine failed, it was recalled and company refused to pay for it. I payed for it and afterwards my radio modul failed, camera failed, the check engine light is on since I bought the car and recently my car stopped on the highway fast lane without warning. It was no shoulder and I stopped on the highway. I was…
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Couple years ago my engine failed, it was recalled and company refused to pay for it. I payed for it and afterwards my radio modul failed, camera failed, the check engine light is on since I bought the car and recently my car stopped on the highway fast lane without warning. It was no shoulder and I stopped on the highway. I was lucky I didn’t get rear ended n killed
NHTSA ODI #11536603
Mileage unknown · Apr 19, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
I have experienced several failures and 3 recalls with my vehicle since I purchased it brand new. I have paid out thousands of dollars over the years for repairs that I feel were faulty being that I am on the only owner of the vehicle. I have approximately a little under 75k miles on my vehicle although I purchased in 2012 (20…
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I have experienced several failures and 3 recalls with my vehicle since I purchased it brand new. I have paid out thousands of dollars over the years for repairs that I feel were faulty being that I am on the only owner of the vehicle. I have approximately a little under 75k miles on my vehicle although I purchased in 2012 (2013 vehicle) only to take it to dealerships and pay for this and that but most recently my major complaint is my car has stopped on me 4 times and I paid originally for what the dealership stated was the problem only to take it back 3 times and now they state the FUEL PUMP is the problem and there is no recalls. Audi is known to have recalls on FUEL PUMPs but at this time do not reflect on my vehicle. However, my car has not been in an accident, I am the only owner, the mileage is under 100k and there is no explanation as to why the fuel pump needs replacing. Please look into this. Thank you.
NHTSA ODI #11517813
Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2023
EngineUnknown Or Other
Water pump leaking
NHTSA ODI #11515613
83,000 miles · Jun 14, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
The contact's cousin owns a 2013 Audi A5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to overheat. The warning message "Pull Over and Check Coolant" was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road and upon checking the coolant reservoir, the contact noticed that the coolant was leaking. …
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The contact's cousin owns a 2013 Audi A5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to overheat. The warning message "Pull Over and Check Coolant" was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road and upon checking the coolant reservoir, the contact noticed that the coolant was leaking. The contact added coolant and was able to continue driving. However, the failure reoccurred increasingly. The contact stated that the coolant would leak onto the ground while refilling the coolant reservoir. The contact stated that the vehicle was no longer drivable. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. However, as the contact's friend was picking up the vehicle on his behalf, he noticed that there was no coolant in the vehicle. The dealer then added coolant however, the failure recurred while driving. The dealer was notified and advised the contact that the failure was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the coolant pump sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred a month later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the dealer had already marked the recall as completed. Additionally, the contact stated that the interior lights of the vehicle would fail to operate intermittently. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
NHTSA ODI #11469169
Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2021
Steering
About 3 weeks ago I noticed the beginning of a steering problem. I first noticed that the wheel seemed to require more than normal force to turn, especially in about the 10 and 2 o’clock position. It would behave pretty normally most of the time, but then, unpredictably, this would happen. Now it seems to be pretty constant. The…
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About 3 weeks ago I noticed the beginning of a steering problem. I first noticed that the wheel seemed to require more than normal force to turn, especially in about the 10 and 2 o’clock position. It would behave pretty normally most of the time, but then, unpredictably, this would happen. Now it seems to be pretty constant. The steering wheel now requires much more force than usual, but only when in certain positions. Otherwise, everything appears normal. A couple of days ago I needed to try an evasive maneuver, which required sudden, hard steering. However, the response of the car was not what I expected under similar conditions with other Audi’s I own. This is an obvious safety concern. There appears to be a repair bulletin by Audi, but only Audis that are still under warranty will be fixed for free by Audi. I strongly believe this is a serious safety issue that deserves a safety recall of all affected Audi’s, and repair at Audi expense.
NHTSA ODI #11428294
61,800 miles · Apr 23, 2021
Steering
THERE'S 1000S OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND AUDI GROUP THREADS REPORTING AND EXPERIENCING POWER STEERING LOSS OF POWER OR STIFFNESS WHILE DRIVING, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER CAR MODELS INCLUDE 2013 A4,A5, S5,A6, Q5, SQ5. AUDI KNOWS THE PROBLEM BUT HAVE NOT CORRECTED OR RECALL ONLY THE 2018 SQ5 NO OTHER VEHICLES WITH ELECTRONI…
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THERE'S 1000S OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND AUDI GROUP THREADS REPORTING AND EXPERIENCING POWER STEERING LOSS OF POWER OR STIFFNESS WHILE DRIVING, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER CAR MODELS INCLUDE 2013 A4,A5, S5,A6, Q5, SQ5. AUDI KNOWS THE PROBLEM BUT HAVE NOT CORRECTED OR RECALL ONLY THE 2018 SQ5 NO OTHER VEHICLES WITH ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. DEALERS EVEN ARE AWARE OF ISSUE. AUDI SAYS IT COULD A STEERING SENSOR, BUT HAVE NOT OFFERED REMEDY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE LOSS OF LIFE DUE TO ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI #11413505
18,937 miles · Jul 8, 2020
Service Brakes
GOING DOWN HILL, ACCELERATING, RED LIGHT, APPLY BRAKES, HARD, ENGINE REVS UP TRYING TO OVER POWER BRAKES, BARELY STOPS, BUT ENGINE KEEPS ON CREEPING CAR FORWARD INTO TRAFFIC, MOVE SHIFTER TO PARK AND REVERSE TWICE, ENGINE SLOWS DOWN BUT ACCELERATES AGAIN WHEN BACK IN DRIVE, LIGHT CHANGES, DRIVE AWAY WITH NO PROBLEMS.
NHTSA ODI #11338283
Official recalls
3Apr 11, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4. Note: This recall is in additional to the coolant pump software update applied as a remedy under recall 17V002.
Oct 5, 2017
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The Recall began November 27, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 80C5 and 80C6.
Jan 3, 2017
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 19M1.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗