Is the 2020 Audi S5 reliable?

The 2020 Audi S5 has 50 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS problems.

What are common problems with the 2020 Audi S5?

Top problems: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (24 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (14 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (12 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2020 Audi S5?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): TIRES, SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY, SEATS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS. Contact any Audi dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Audi S5?

The 2020 Audi S5 gets 23 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2087. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2020 Audi S5?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2020 Audi S5 is approximately $2,143/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.

2020 Audi S5

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2020 Audi S5 has 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.5x the segment average of 20. The most common issue is driver assist/cameras problems (48% of all complaints), specifically: audi completed an over the air update and now the mmi screen reboots randomly, making it very dangerous when reversing using the backup camera and relying on parking sensors. following navigation and it rebooting and having to utilize my cell phone making it difficult to also pay attention to the ro. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

2.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 3 of 3)

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

24 complaints

48%

• Audi completed an over the air update and now the mmi screen reboots randomly, making it very dangerous when reversing using the backup camera and relying on parking sensors. Following navigation and it rebooting and having to utilize my cell phone making it difficult to also pay attention to the ro
• Audi completed an over the air update and now the mmi screen reboots randomly, making it very dangerous when reversing using the backup camera and relying on parking sensors. Following navigation and it rebooting and having to utilize my cell phone making it difficult to also pay attention to the ro
• Regularly my MMI will restart, screen goes blank, comes back and says I'm not the registered user. Then bluetooth won't work and I get park aid errors and no rear cross traffic or anything. Happens at least 2 times each way to and from work ( 45min ). I usually have to hard reset it twice to get thi

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

“Audi completed an over the air update and now the mmi screen reboots randomly, making it very dangerous when reversing using the backup camera and relying on parking sensors. Following navigation and it rebooting and having to utilize my cell phone making it difficult to also pay attention to the ro”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (4)

TIRES26/01/2022

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Audi S5

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,087

Per month

$174

Per mile

17.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/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 2020 Audi S5

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

$2,143

Full coverage / month

$179

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+28%

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 age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$2143

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

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Audi S5 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 2020 S5, 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

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 50 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: Audi completed an over the air update and now the mmi screen reboots randomly, making it very dangerous when reversing using the backup camera and relying on parking sensors. Following navigation and it rebooting and having to utilize my cell phone making it difficult to also pay attention to the ro
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: The Emergency Call Module Control Unit has now failed for the second time. If the vehicle were to be involved in a crash, the system will not be able to automatically call for assistance. Vehicle is already subject to Audi service campaign 90T2 to reflash emergency call module control unit, however
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: SOS, Bluetooth hands free are all failing to operate
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Audi dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)