2019 Audi S5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.

- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible, 2dr Coupe, Sportback
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 184.6–187 in
- Curb weight
- 3,605–4,233 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 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 36 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 Audi S5 is a subcompact car offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,233 lb (2dr Convertible).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 30 highway), 2% better than the 2019 subcompact car average of 23.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2019
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2018 S5 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 S5 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Convertible | 184.6 in | 72.8 in | 53.9 in | 108.7 in | 62.6 / 61.8 in | 4,233 lb | 56/44 |
| 2dr Coupe | 184.6 in | 72.8 in | 53.9 in | 108.7 in | 62.6 / 61.8 in | 3,605 lb | 56/44 |
| Sportback | 187 in | 72.4 in | 54.3 in | 111.4 in | 62.6 / 61.8 in | 3,704 lb | 57/43 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S5 | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | +2% | $3,400 | 371 |
| S5 Cabriolet | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +2% | $3,400 | 377 |
| S5 Sportback | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | -15% | $3,400 | 371 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2019 Audi S5.
Similar 2019 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Audi S5 (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2019 BMW 3 Series | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2019 BMW 5 Series | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2019 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2019 Audi A4 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (4)
Tires · Jan 26, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V034000 · 31,058 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
- Risk
- Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Nov 10, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V874000 · 208,332 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
- Risk
- A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 74E3. This recall is an expansion of Recall 19V-547 (74D9). Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-547 will need to return for the new remedy.
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-Powered Axle Assembly · Apr 26, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V295000 · 40,993 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
- Risk
- A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Suspension › Front › Shock Absorber · Feb 20, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V114000 · 34 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019 Q7, Q8, S5 Cabriolet, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The front shock absorber forks may develop cracks allowing the shock absorbers to loosen.
- Risk
- Loose shock absorbers may impair vehicle steering, increasing the risk of crash.
- Fix
- Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the shock absorber forks, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 40O4.
Not every 2019 Audi S5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Audi S5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 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.
- Wheels — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 75,600 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 2019 Audi S5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S5 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 S5 | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 S5 | 23 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 S5 | 23 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 11 |
| 2024 S5 | 24 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2023 S5 | 24 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2022 S5 | 24 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2021 S5 | 23 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 5 | 1 |
| 2020 S5 | 23 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 25 |
| 2018 S5 | 24 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 26 |
| 2017 S5 | 21 | 182.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2016 S5 | 21 | 182.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2015 S5 | 21 | 182.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →