Premium coupe looks, mainstream running costs
The A5 occupies a sweet spot between the mainstream A4 saloon and true sports cars, offering coupe styling with everyday usability. Mk1 (2007-2016) models start from around £8,000 while Mk2 (2017-2024) examples range from £18,000 to £37,000. It ranks mid-table in What Car's sports car reliability category, ahead of the Mercedes E-Class Coupe but behind the BMW 4 Series.
We track 12 known issues across the Audi A5 range, including 2 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Audi A5? Enter the reg to see which of our 12 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
B8 (2007–2021) — Petrol options included the 1.4 TFSI, 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI, 2.9 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI, 3.2 V6 FSI, 4.2 V8 FSI, with 1.7 TDI, 2.0 TDI, 2.0 TDI BiTurbo, 2.0 TDI, 2.7 V6 TDI, 2.7 V6 TDI, 3.0 V6 TDI on the diesel side. Our database flags 12 known issues on this generation, 2 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Timing chain tensioner failure (£800–£1,800 to address).
The EA888 Gen1 and Gen2 engines use hydraulic timing chain tensioners that fail catastrophically between 50k-120k miles. The tensioner loses oil pressure, allowing the timing chain to jump teeth or snap completely. This destroys pistons, valves, and often requires complete engine replacement. The issue is most severe on 2008-2013 models and affects both 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI variants. Later EA888 Gen3 engines (2013 onwards) have revised tensioners but are not immune.
Complete timing chain failure destroys the interference engine beyond economical repair. Bent valves, damaged pistons, and cylinder head damage typically result in total engine replacement costing £4000-8000. The car is not safe to drive if timing chain rattle is present.
Listen carefully for a rattle or ticking noise from the engine on cold start — this is the most common early sign. Ask for evidence of chain replacement in the service history. On higher-mileage cars without documented replacement, budget for preventative work.
MOT data shows A5 models failing spring inspections at over 26972.7x the national fleet average, indicating a serious structural defect. Spring fractures can cause complete loss of suspension control, wheel alignment problems, and potential tyre damage. The issue affects multiple engine variants and appears across all mileage bands, suggesting a fundamental design or material problem rather than normal wear. A fractured spring is a dangerous defect that makes the vehicle unsafe to drive.
A fractured rear spring can cause complete loss of suspension control, making the vehicle dangerous to drive. The broken spring can damage the tyre, wheel arch, or other suspension components. The car should not be driven until the spring is replaced.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
EA888 Gen1 and Gen2 engines suffer from defective piston rings that allow excessive oil consumption, typically exceeding 1 litre per 1000 miles. The oil control rings become clogged with carbon deposits, failing to properly seal against the cylinder walls. This causes blue smoke on startup and acceleration, frequent low oil warnings, and potential engine seizure if oil levels drop critically. The issue is worst on 2008-2012 models and affects both 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI variants.
Continued driving with excessive oil consumption risks complete engine seizure if oil levels drop too low. Engine rebuild or replacement typically costs £3000-6000. The car requires constant monitoring of oil levels and frequent top-ups until repaired.
Check the oil level before the engine is started. Ask the seller how often they top up the oil between services. After a test drive, check the level again and look behind the car for blue or grey exhaust smoke under acceleration.
The 3.0 V6 TDI engine has its timing chain assembly located at the rear of the engine block, making access extremely difficult and expensive. The timing chain stretches over time, causing rattling noises and eventually jumping teeth which destroys the engine. This is a known weak point on high-mileage V6 TDI engines and requires complete engine removal for repair. The repair cost often exceeds the vehicle's value, making this a critical inspection point for any high-mileage V6 TDI A5.
Complete timing chain failure destroys the interference engine requiring full engine rebuild or replacement costing £6000-12000. The engine-out labour requirement makes this one of the most expensive repairs possible on the A5. The car should not be driven if timing chain noise is present.
Listen carefully for a rattle or ticking noise from the engine on cold start — this is the most common early sign. Ask for evidence of chain replacement in the service history. On higher-mileage cars without documented replacement, budget for preventative work.
EA888 engines use plastic water pump housings that are prone to cracking and failure, typically between 50k-100k miles. The plastic becomes brittle over time and develops stress cracks that cause coolant leaks and overheating. Some variants also have auxiliary electric coolant pumps that fail independently. Water pump failure can cause serious engine damage if the engine overheats, making this a critical maintenance item on all EA888-equipped A5 models.
Water pump failure causes rapid coolant loss and engine overheating. Continued driving with a failed water pump will cause head gasket failure or complete engine seizure costing £3000-8000. The car should not be driven if coolant leaks are visible or overheating occurs.
Check the coolant level and look for any white residue or staining around hoses, the expansion tank and radiator. After a test drive, check the temperature gauge stayed stable and look underneath for drips. Ask whether key cooling components have been replaced.
For the full breakdown of all 12 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Audi A5 common problems page.
Based on 691k real DVSA MOT tests, the Audi A5 fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is fluid leak at 430x the fleet average, followed by coil springs broken (71x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Audi A5 MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 10k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include timing chain service (£800–£1,500), dsg transmission fluid (£200–£300).
See the full Audi A5 service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Audi A5 has some well-documented weak points, including 2 safety-critical issues that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2013-2016 for the Mk1 (revised EA888 Gen 2 engine fixed oil consumption and tensioner issues; post-2012 facelift brought LED headlights and updated MMI). 2019-2022 for the Mk2 (facelift added Virtual Cockpit as standard, mild-hybrid 40 TFSI, and improved infotainment — best blend of tech, depreciation, and reliability).
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Audi A5, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 12 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 12 known Audi A5 issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.