DecodedCars2016 Audi A5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Cabriolet 2.0 Tfsi Quattro, 2dr Coupe 2.0 Tfsi Quattro
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 220 hp
- Transmission
- automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 22 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 182.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,583–4,046 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Audi A5 is a subcompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 183 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,046 lb (2dr Cabriolet 2.0 Tfsi Quattro).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 32 highway), 10% better than the 2016 subcompact car average of 23.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 A5 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 A5 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Ingolstadt, Germany · Neckarsulm, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2016 A5 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Cabriolet 2.0 Tfsi Quattro | 182.7 in | 72.8 in | 53.9 in | 108.3 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 4,046 lb | 52/48 |
| 2dr Coupe 2.0 Tfsi Quattro | 182.7 in | 72.8 in | 53.9 in | 108.3 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,583 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A5 quattro | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | +10% | $3,150 | 343 |
| A5 quattro FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | +1% | $3,400 | 364 |
| A5 Cabriolet quattro FFV | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +1% | $3,400 | 372 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Audi A5.
Similar 2016 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Audi A5 (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 BMW 3 Series | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2016 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Audi A4 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Audi A3 | 39 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2016 BMW i8 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Volvo S60 | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (3)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System · Apr 11, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V229000 · 342,867 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System › Wiring · Oct 5, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V622000 · 216,913 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System · Jan 3, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V002000 · 342,867 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2016 Audi A5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Audi A5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Steering — 1 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 35,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Audi A5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other A5 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 A5 | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 A5 | 26 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 A5 | 29 | 185 in | Not rated | 2 | 9 |
| 2024 A5 | 30 | 185 in | Not rated | 0 | 8 |
| 2023 A5 | 28 | 185 in | Not rated | 0 | 8 |
| 2022 A5 | 29 | 185 in | Not rated | 2 | 7 |
| 2021 A5 | 28 | 185 in | Not rated | 5 | 8 |
| 2020 A5 | 27 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 60 |
| 2019 A5 | 27 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 12 |
| 2018 A5 | 27 | 183.9 in | Not rated | 6 | 38 |
| 2017 A5 | 26 | 182.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 2 |
| 2015 A5 | 26 | 182.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 9 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →