2025 AUDI S5 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

Below is a detailed timeline of the problems I experienced: Intermittent starting issue Over the past few months, the car has occasionally failed to start on the first attempt. It always started on the second try, so I planned to mention it at the next service visit. Complete MMI/display blackout while driving on the highway In the middle of my trip, the entire center display and instrument cluster went completely black while I was driving at highway speed. All information disappeared (speed, fuel level, navigation, radio — everything). The car continued running, but I had no visibility into critical driving data. After pulling over and restarting the vehicle, only half the screen returned. Hours later, the second half came back on its own. Catastrophic front-right tire blowout in a remote area of Texas The following day, while driving through a very remote stretch of highway, the front-right tire suddenly exploded with a loud bang. I safely pulled over and discovered the tire was completely destroyed. No spare tire provided The trunk contained only a tire inflator kit — no spare tire or temporary spare. A new tire was required. Inadequate roadside assistance experience I called Audi Roadside Assistance twice. Both representatives appeared to be reading from a script, were located in another country, and could not understand the urgency or specifics of my situation. After repeated miscommunication, I received no meaningful help and had to resolve the situation on my own at significant personal expense. When the local tire shop inspected the vehicle, the mechanic immediately pointed out severe abnormal inner tire wear on both front tires and stated that the alignment is clearly defective. He said the left front tire was also about to fail and that the car was unsafe to drive in its current condition. Both front tires had to be replaced before I could continue.

Below is a detailed timeline of the problems I experienced: Intermittent starting issue Over the past few months, the car has occasionally failed to start on the first attempt. It always started on the second try, so I planned to mention it at the next service visit. Complete MMI/display blackout while driving on the highway In the middle of my trip, the entire center display and instrument cluster went completely black while I was driving at highway speed. All information disappeared (speed, fuel level, navigation, radio — everything). The car continued running, but I had no visibility into critical driving data. After pulling over and restarting the vehicle, only half the screen returned. Hours later, the second half came back on its own. Catastrophic front-right tire blowout in a remote area of Texas The following day, while driving through a very remote stretch of highway, the front-right tire suddenly exploded with a loud bang. I safely pulled over and discovered the tire was completely destroyed. No spare tire provided The trunk contained only a tire inflator kit — no spare tire or temporary spare. A new tire was required. Inadequate roadside assistance experience I called Audi Roadside Assistance twice. Both representatives appeared to be reading from a script, were located in another country, and could not understand the urgency or specifics of my situation. After repeated miscommunication, I received no meaningful help and had to resolve the situation on my own at significant personal expense. When the local tire shop inspected the vehicle, the mechanic immediately pointed out severe abnormal inner tire wear on both front tires and stated that the alignment is clearly defective. He said the left front tire was also about to fail and that the car was unsafe to drive in its current condition. Both front tires had to be replaced before I could continue.

Below is a detailed timeline of the problems I experienced: Intermittent starting issue Over the past few months, the car has occasionally failed to start on the first attempt. It always started on the second try, so I planned to mention it at the next service visit. Complete MMI/display blackout while driving on the highway In the middle of my trip, the entire center display and instrument cluster went completely black while I was driving at highway speed. All information disappeared (speed, fuel level, navigation, radio — everything). The car continued running, but I had no visibility into critical driving data. After pulling over and restarting the vehicle, only half the screen returned. Hours later, the second half came back on its own. Catastrophic front-right tire blowout in a remote area of Texas The following day, while driving through a very remote stretch of highway, the front-right tire suddenly exploded with a loud bang. I safely pulled over and discovered the tire was completely destroyed. No spare tire provided The trunk contained only a tire inflator kit — no spare tire or temporary spare. A new tire was required. Inadequate roadside assistance experience I called Audi Roadside Assistance twice. Both representatives appeared to be reading from a script, were located in another country, and could not understand the urgency or specifics of my situation. After repeated miscommunication, I received no meaningful help and had to resolve the situation on my own at significant personal expense. When the local tire shop inspected the vehicle, the mechanic immediately pointed out severe abnormal inner tire wear on both front tires and stated that the alignment is clearly defective. He said the left front tire was also about to fail and that the car was unsafe to drive in its current condition. Both front tires had to be replaced before I could continue.

System malfunctions for new all new 2025 Audi S5 including drive system malfunction, loose wheel, brakes limited functionality, parking break malfunction, stabilization control malfunction, driving dynamics system malfunction, hold assist malfunction.

Known-Best Assesment-Piston Skirt Defect and Non-Disclosure of Prior Issues: Approximately only three months after purchase of a brand new 2025 Audi S5 on 6/11/25 , I received a letter from Audi of America acknowledging a potential piston skirt defect/failure resulting from faulty material and/or workmanship. They extended the part warranty for 8 years or 80,000 miles but this doesn't help me feel safe driving this vehicle. I was informed the defect cannot be proactively repaired and would only be addressed after failure. This instruction is unreasonable, unsafe, and contrary to the purpose of purchasing a new vehicle. Audi has previously settled piston-related class litigation, yet no one at Audi Henderson disclosed any history of piston issues during the sale. Had I been informed of this material risk, I would not have purchased the vehicle. I now feel unable to safely or confidently use this vehicle for long-distance or out-of-state travel. Upon researching it I found this: The mileage at which a piston skirt defect will cause total failure varies widely, potentially from mere miles to tens of thousands of miles, or could last the entire life of the engine if it's a minor defect. It is highly risky to drive with a known defect, as damage accumulates over time and can lead to a complete and sudden engine failure and could lead to catastrophic, potentially deadly consequences.   Factors Affecting the Rate of Worsening :The time frame for failure depends almost entirely on the nature and severity of the initial problem, as well as driving habits. * Severity of the Defect: A small scuff might not cause issues for a long time, while a cracked or broken skirt can lead to catastrophic failure very quickly (e.g., within 5 miles or even minutes). * Maintenance: Regular oil checks and changes help manage the symptoms but cannot prevent eventual failure if the defect is significant. * Early reports: Some drivers have reported problems with low-mileage vehicles.