What goes wrong, what it costs, and what to check before you buy a used Audi S5.
The Audi S5 occupies a niche position on the UK market.
We track 6 known issues across the Audi S5 range, with 2 classified as significant. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Audi S5? Enter the reg to see which of our 6 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
8T (2007–2016) — Engine options included the 4.2 V8 FSI, 3.0 TFSI Supercharged. We track 6 known issues on this generation, with 2 classified as significant. The most significant concern is DSG mechatronic unit failure (£2,000–£3,500 to address).
The DSG mechatronic unit is the hydraulic control module that operates clutch engagement and gear selection in the dual-clutch transmission. The unit contains solenoid valves, pressure sensors, and a control module that frequently fail due to heat cycling and contaminated transmission fluid. NHTSA data shows 15 complaints specifically mentioning mechatronic failure causing loss of drive. This issue is shared with the S4 B8 and affects all DSG-equipped S5 models. Later software updates improved reliability but did not eliminate the underlying hardware vulnerability.
Complete mechatronic failure leaves the car unable to engage any gear, requiring recovery. The transmission may enter limp mode with only one gear available. A replacement mechatronic unit costs £2,500-£4,000 including programming. Some failures can be temporarily resolved with software updates, but hardware faults require unit replacement.
Test the automatic gearbox extensively in slow traffic, car parks and on hill starts. Feel for any juddering, hesitation or clunking during gear changes. Try repeated low-speed manoeuvres as this is where problems are most apparent.
The 3.0 TFSI supercharged engine shares the S4 B8's documented cooling system vulnerabilities including thermostat housing failure, PCV valve carbon build-up, and water pump impeller degradation. The supercharger generates additional heat stress on cooling components compared to naturally aspirated engines. These issues cause overheating, oil consumption, and potential engine damage if not addressed. NHTSA data shows 4 overheating complaints and 4 water pump failures on US-spec S5 models with the same engine family.
Thermostat failure causes overheating and potential head gasket damage. Water pump failure can cause complete coolant loss and engine seizure. PCV valve failure leads to excessive oil consumption and carbon build-up on intake valves. Combined repair costs range from £300-£800 for individual components, but multiple simultaneous failures are common.
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.
MOT data shows S5 models failing suspension bush inspections at 415.4x the fleet average, particularly affecting 4.2L V8 models at 40,000-60,000 miles. The heavier V8 engine and performance-oriented suspension setup accelerate wear on control arm bushes, anti-roll bar links, and subframe mounts. This affects ride quality and handling precision but is not immediately dangerous. The trend is worsening across the model range based on 2020-2024 data.
Worn suspension bushes cause poor ride quality, imprecise handling, and accelerated tyre wear. While not immediately dangerous, severely worn bushes can affect braking stability and cornering predictability. Individual bushes cost £20-£100 each but labour-intensive replacement means total costs accumulate quickly.
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.
These faults rarely affect driveability but cause MOT emission failures.
A illuminated MIL will cause an automatic MOT failure. Most faults are emissions-related and do not affect driveability, but diagnosis is required to identify the specific component failure. Lambda sensors cost £100-£200 each, secondary air pump repairs £300-£600. Ignoring the warning can lead to catalytic converter damage costing £800-£1,500.
Check all electrical functions systematically: windows, mirrors, lights, infotainment, heated seats, air conditioning. Look for any warning lights on the dashboard. A diagnostic scan before purchase can reveal stored fault codes.
MOT data shows 3.0 TFSI models failing shock absorber tests at 415.4x the fleet average, particularly at 80,000-100,000 miles with an improving trend. The sport-tuned suspension uses higher-rate dampers that experience accelerated wear compared to standard road cars. Failure typically manifests as oil leakage from damper seals rather than complete structural failure.
Failed shock absorbers cause poor ride quality, reduced braking stability, and faster tyre wear. While not immediately dangerous, severely leaking dampers affect vehicle control in emergency manoeuvres. Replacement dampers cost £150-£400 each depending on specification, with labour charges for a full set typically £300-£600.
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.
For the full breakdown of all 6 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Audi S5 common problems page.
Based on 9k real DVSA MOT tests, the Audi S5 fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is exhaust system damage at 15x the fleet average, followed by free play in the steering, measured at the rim ... (8x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Audi S5 MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 10k miles) typically costs £120–£180 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include dsg transmission fluid and filter (£300–£400), timing chain tensioner inspection (£800–£1,200).
See the full Audi S5 service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Audi S5 is a reasonable used buy provided you check for the issues outlined above. None of the problems we track are insurmountable, but they do reward buyers who inspect thoroughly and verify the service history before committing.
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 S5, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 6 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 6 known Audi S5 issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.