Makes›Audi›S5›2021

2021 Audi S5

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Audi S5
Pictured: 2018 Audi S5 sedan front 4.11.18. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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)
23 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
Length
185.4–187.8 in
Curb weight
3,605–4,233 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 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.
  • 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 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 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 2% worse than the 2021 subcompact car average of 23.4 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.

What changed for 2021

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 S5 — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 S5 →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2dr Convertible185.4 in72.8 in53.9 in108.7 in62.6 / 61.8 in4,233 lb56/44
2dr Coupe185.4 in72.8 in53.9 in108.7 in62.6 / 61.8 in3,605 lb56/44
Sportback187.8 in72.4 in54.3 in111.4 in62.6 / 61.8 in3,704 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
S53.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23-2%$3,550380
S5 Sportback3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23-16%$3,550380
S5 Cabriolet3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22-6%$3,750393
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $5,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.4 MPG2021 Subcompact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Audi S5.

Similar 2021 subcompact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Audi S5 (this car)23 MPGNot rated5
2021 BMW 3 Series30 MPG★★★★★0
2021 BMW 5 Series28 MPGNot rated0
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class26 MPG★★★★★0
2021 Lexus IS25 MPGNot rated0
2021 Audi A428 MPGNot rated4
2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class27 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (5)

Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Oct 5, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V742000 · 170,296 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
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.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor · Aug 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V606000 · 45,496 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
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.
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights · Nov 25, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V737000 · 5,426 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2020-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The wiring harness for the rear lights could be missing the anti-abrasion protection in the area of the spare wheel well.
Risk
Without the scuff protection, the wires may become damaged during a rear crash, disabling the doors from being opened from the outside, causing a loss of hazard lights, and increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will apply scuff protection, free of charge. The recall began January 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EU.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Audi S5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
Suspension1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Audi S5 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Suspension — 1 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  3. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Audi S5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other S5 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 S523–Not rated00
2026 S523190.2 inNot rated01
2025 S523185.4 inNot rated211
2024 S524185.4 inNot rated02
2023 S524185.4 inNot rated13
2022 S524185.4 inNot rated21
2020 S523184.6 inNot rated425
2019 S524184.6 inNot rated46
2018 S524184.6 inNot rated326
2017 S521182.7 inNot rated10
2016 S521182.7 inNot rated01
2015 S521182.7 inNot rated02

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →