Skip to content
VINDecoder360
Menu

NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2010–2023

Audi S5 Cabriolet recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns and 16 owner complaints for the Audi S5 Cabriolet, covering model years 2010 to 2023. The 2010 model year drew the most complaints (8), and Air Bags is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Audi S5 Cabriolet VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 11 recall campaigns on file
  • 16 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 11 model years with data (2010–2023)
  • most complaints: 2010 (8 for that model year)
  • top component: Air Bags (5 complaints)
  • latest recall 24V251000 (reported Apr 3, 2024)
  • 0 complaints reporting a crash (0.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a fire (0.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting an injury (0.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Audi S5 Cabriolet complaints by model year

3 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2010 model year has the most complaints: 8 of 16, or 50.0%. Next come 2011 (5) and 2013 (3).

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Audi S5 Cabriolet owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2010–2013Column chart of 16 complaints across 4 model years. The highest is 2010 with 8. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2010: 8 complaints820102011: 5 complaints520112012: 0 complaints20122013: 3 complaints32013
Audi S5 Cabriolet complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Audi S5 Cabriolet complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
201080000
201150000
201330000
All model years160000

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Audi S5 Cabriolet components

top 9 · NHTSA categories

Air Bags is the component named most often, in 5 complaints (31.3% of all 16), followed by Power Train (4) and Structure (3).

Components named most often in Audi S5 Cabriolet complaints (top 9)
Components named most often in Audi S5 Cabriolet complaints (top 9)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Air Bags531.3%
Power Train425.0%
Structure318.8%
Engine212.5%
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)16.3%
Fuel/Propulsion System16.3%
Seat Belts16.3%
Steering16.3%
Visibility/Wiper16.3%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Audi S5 Cabriolet recalls

11 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name S5 Cabriolet, newest first. The 11 campaigns cover model years 2010 to 2023. The 2021 model year appears in the most campaigns (3).

  • 11 recall campaigns
Audi S5 Cabriolet recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2010: 2 campaigns2011: 2 campaigns2012: 2 campaigns2013: no campaigns2014: no campaigns2015: no campaigns2016: no campaigns2017: 1 campaign2018: 2 campaigns2019: 1 campaign
2020: 1 campaign2021: 3 campaigns2022: 1 campaign2023: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 24V251000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger

    Model year 2023

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.

    Consequence:
    A deactivated front passenger air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the passenger seat occupant detection system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 8, 2024. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69GU.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 22V806000

    Reported

    Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Video (TOUCH)Screen/Monitor/Unit; Back Over Prevention › Display Function

    Model year 2022

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AUDI A8, A6 Allroad, E-TRON Quattro, 2022 S3, RSQ8, RS7, RS6 Avant, Q8, Q7, Q3, E-TRON Sportback Quattro, S5 Cabriolet, E-TRON GT, S5 Sportback, A7, A6, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet, A4, A4 Allroad, A3, S8, SQ7, SQ8, S6, and S4 vehicles. The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence:
    An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the infotainment main unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 91Ei.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 22V742000

    Reported

    Back Over Prevention › Display Function

    Model year 2021

    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."

    Consequence:
    A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 21V606000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor; Seat Belts

    Model year 2021

    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."

    Consequence:
    An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
    Remedy:
    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).

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 21V295000

    Reported

    Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-Powered Axle Assembly

    Model years 2020–2021

    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.

    Consequence:
    A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 19V547000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module; Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification

    Model year 2018

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2018 S5 Cabriolet, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, S4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, and 2017-2018 A4 Sedan and A4 Allroad vehicles. Oxidation on the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) connecting cable may cause the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.

    Consequence:
    A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install cable ties to the harness, free of charge. The recall began September 9, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's number for this recall is 74D9.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 19V114000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front › Shock Absorber

    Model year 2019

    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.

    Consequence:
    Loose shock absorbers may impair vehicle steering, increasing the risk of crash.
    Remedy:
    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.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 18V325000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Side/Window; Air Bags

    Model year 2018

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain Audi S5 Cabriolet vehicles equipped with Super Sport seats. The seat-mounted head/thorax air bag in the front passenger seat may have been folded incorrectly during installation.

    Consequence:
    If the air bag was not folded correctly during installation, the seat-mounted air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat-mounted head/thorax air bag, free of charge. The recall began July 13, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69W6.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 18V082000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2010–2012

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R6. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 17V150000

    Reported

    Seat Belts › Pretensioner

    Model year 2017

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. A component within the front, rear, and rear center seat belt retractor pretensioners may detach after the seatbelt retractor pretensioner is deployed in the event of a crash.

    Consequence:
    Although, the seat belt will operate as intended in the event of a crash, the pretensioner component may be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the safety belt retractors/pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began on June 28,2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for the recall is 69O8.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Show 1 more recall

  1. NHTSA campaign 16V078000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2010–2012

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

    Filed by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Audi S5 Cabriolet questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Audi S5 Cabriolet have?

NHTSA lists 11 vehicle recall campaigns for the Audi S5 Cabriolet, covering model years 2010 to 2023. The most recent, 24V251000, was reported on April 3, 2024 and is filed under “Air bags”. The 2021 model year is covered by the most campaigns (3).

Which Audi S5 Cabriolet model year has the most complaints?

The 2010 model year, with 8 of the 16 complaints in NHTSA’s file (50.0%). The next are 2011 (5) and 2013 (3). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Audi S5 Cabriolet complaint?

Air Bags is the component named most often: 5 complaints, or 31.3% of all 16. Power Train (4) and Structure (3) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Audi S5 Cabriolet?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Audi dealer.

How many Audi S5 Cabriolet complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 16 complaints, 0 report a crash, 0 a fire, 0 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Audi models

8 models · most complaints first

The Audi models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Audi VIN decoder with every Audi model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Audi A4 1995–2024 · 27 recalls · 2,893 complaints
  • Audi A6 1995–2026 · 54 recalls · 1,656 complaints
  • Audi Q5 2008–2026 · 33 recalls · 1,337 complaints
  • Audi Q7 2007–2026 · 32 recalls · 1,042 complaints
  • Audi A3 2001–2025 · 20 recalls · 728 complaints
  • Audi S4 1995–2022 · 15 recalls · 560 complaints
  • Audi A5 2008–2026 · 19 recalls · 325 complaints
  • Audi TT 2000–2023 · 12 recalls · 319 complaints

All Audi models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.