Is the 2013 Audi RS 5 reliable?

The 2013 Audi RS 5 has 5 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Audi RS 5?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (3 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (1 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Audi RS 5?

No recalls have been issued for the 2013 Audi RS 5.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Audi RS 5?

The 2013 Audi RS 5 gets 18 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2667. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Audi RS 5?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Audi RS 5 is approximately $1,971/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2013 Audi RS 5

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Audi RS 5 has 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 5. The most common issue is transmission problems (60% of all complaints), specifically: the mechatronic unit on my vehicle needed to be replaced. i was driving and a warning popped up on my dashboard saying "transmission malfunction, you may continue driving". i was quoted $5000 for the . this is a common issue not only with my model, but across all audi models with the dsg transmis.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 3 of 3)

TRANSMISSION

3 complaints

60%

• THE MECHATRONIC UNIT ON MY VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS DRIVING AND A WARNING POPPED UP ON MY DASHBOARD SAYING "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION, YOU MAY CONTINUE DRIVING". I WAS QUOTED $5000 FOR THE . THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE NOT ONLY WITH MY MODEL, BUT ACROSS ALL AUDI MODELS WITH THE DSG TRANSMIS
• Vehicle: 2013 Audi RS5 Recall Reference: 37P1 / 37K8 (Transmission Control Module Software Update) After Audi performed the TCM software update for recall 37P1/37K8, my vehicle began displaying “Transmission Overheating – Please Drive Conservatively” warnings during normal driving, especially in st
• While driving through the middle of a busy intersection, my 2013 Audi RS5 suddenly lost all power and was unable to engage any gears. The car came to a stop in active cross-traffic with vehicles approaching from multiple directions. I could not restart or move the car under its own power and had to

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“THE MECHATRONIC UNIT ON MY VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS DRIVING AND A WARNING POPPED UP ON MY DASHBOARD SAYING "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION, YOU MAY CONTINUE DRIVING". I WAS QUOTED $5000 FOR THE . THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE NOT ONLY WITH MY MODEL, BUT ACROSS ALL AUDI MODELS WITH THE DSG TRANSMIS”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Audi RS 5

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,667

Per month

$222

Per mile

22.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,001/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,087/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Audi RS 5

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,971

Full coverage / month

$164

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+18%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1971

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Audi RS 5 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

Long-interval service (LongLife) uses fully-synthetic oil. Some engines have timing belts (check owner's manual).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Audi New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion coverage is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Audi. If you're buying a used 2013 RS 5, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Audi dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 5 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: THE MECHATRONIC UNIT ON MY VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS DRIVING AND A WARNING POPPED UP ON MY DASHBOARD SAYING "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION, YOU MAY CONTINUE DRIVING". I WAS QUOTED $5000 FOR THE . THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE NOT ONLY WITH MY MODEL, BUT ACROSS ALL AUDI MODELS WITH THE DSG TRANSMIS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: While driving through the middle of a busy intersection, my 2013 Audi RS5 suddenly lost all power and was unable to engage any gears. The car came to a stop in active cross-traffic with vehicles approaching from multiple directions. I could not restart or move the car under its own power and had to
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: While driving through the middle of a busy intersection, my 2013 Audi RS5 suddenly lost all power and was unable to engage any gears. The car came to a stop in active cross-traffic with vehicles approaching from multiple directions. I could not restart or move the car under its own power and had to
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Audi RS 5 — Year Comparison

How does 2013 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

2013

5Below Average

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints: 5
Recalls: 0
Fire reports: 0
Crash reports: 0
Injury reports: 0
Segment avg: 5

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2013 Audi RS 5

Compare With

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