Audi · Known Issues
2012 Audi S5 Problems: 12 Known Issues
2012 model year · 497+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2012 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2012 model year · 497+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2012 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 497+ owner reports, the 2012 Audi S5 has 12 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are Crankshaft Pulley (Harmonic Balancer) Failure (3.0T) ($800-$5,000 repair), High-Pressure Fuel Pump N276 Metering Valve Failure and Cam Follower Wear (4.2 FSI V8) ($900-$2,600 repair), 4.2L FSI V8 (CAUA) Excessive Oil Consumption from Carbon-Clogged Low-Tension Piston Rings ($6,000-$14,000 repair), Takata Driver Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture - Recall 18V082 (Audi 69R6) ($0-$0 repair) and 0B5 DL501 S tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure - PRNDS Flashing and Lost Gears ($1,800-$6,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Thermostat and Water Pump Assembly Failure with 211 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $14,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
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.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2025 GTI, Golf R, Audi A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, S5, S6 Sportback E-Tron, 2026 Q4 Sportback E-Tron, and Q4 E-Tron vehicles. The torsion bar in one or both front seat belt retractors may have been damaged during production.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2025 SQ6 E-Tron, SQ6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 Sportback E-Tron, A6, A5, A6 Sportback E-Tron, Q6 E-Tron, S5, and S6 Sportback E-Tron vehicles. The automatic locking retractor may fail to engage when a child seat is installed using the seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8 and S8, 2022 Audi A5 Sportback, A4 Sedan, E-Tron GT, Q3, Q5, RS6 Avant, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RSQ8, SQ7, SQ8, and S3 Sedan vehicles. A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT
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."
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According to Au7o's analysis of 497+ owner reports, the 2012 Audi S5 has 12 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Crankshaft Pulley (Harmonic Balancer) Failure (3.0T), High-Pressure Fuel Pump N276 Metering Valve Failure and Cam Follower Wear (4.2 FSI V8), 4.2L FSI V8 (CAUA) Excessive Oil Consumption from Carbon-Clogged Low-Tension Piston Rings. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2012 Audi S5 has 12 known issues documented across 497+ owner reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Crankshaft Pulley (Harmonic Balancer) Failure (3.0T) and High-Pressure Fuel Pump N276 Metering Valve Failure and Cam Follower Wear (4.2 FSI V8) and 4.2L FSI V8 (CAUA) Excessive Oil Consumption from Carbon-Clogged Low-Tension Piston Rings and Takata Driver Frontal Airbag Inflator Rupture - Recall 18V082 (Audi 69R6) and 0B5 DL501 S tronic Mechatronic Unit Failure - PRNDS Flashing and Lost Gears. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Audi S5 issues range from $0 to $14,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Crankshaft Pulley (Harmonic Balancer) Failure (3.0T), typically costs $800-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The Audi S5 (2010-2017) with the 3.0T supercharged V6 is prone to crankshaft pulley (harmonic balancer) failure. The rubber damper between the inner and outer sections of the pulley delaminates and separates, causing dangerous pulley wobble. When the pulley fails, the serpentine… Repairs typically run $800-$5,000. Severity: high.
The 4.2 FSI V8 runs two camshaft-driven high-pressure fuel pumps. The N276 fuel metering/pressure regulator solenoid integrated into the pump is a documented failure point, and the solenoid is not sold separately, so a failure condemns the whole pump. Separately, the steel cam fo… Repairs typically run $900-$2,600. Severity: high.
The B8 S5's 4.2L FSI V8 uses low-tension oil control rings that coke up with carbon over time, letting oil past the rings and into the combustion chamber. Owners report burning roughly a quart every 1,000-3,000 miles, and in advanced cases the trapped carbon and oil dilution lead… Repairs typically run $6,000-$14,000. Severity: high.
S5 Cabriolet models from 2010-2012 were included in the Takata inflator recall. The propellant in the driver's frontal airbag inflator degrades with age, heat, and humidity, and on deployment the inflator can over-pressurize and burst its metal housing, spraying fragments at the… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
The 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch (0B5 / DL501) fitted to quattro S5 models is a widely documented failure point. Heat cycles kill the mechatronic control board and the clutch and cooling solenoids wear mechanically. Failure begins as harsh or erratic shifts and a flashing PRNDS d… Repairs typically run $1,800-$6,500. Severity: high.
The S5 3.0T thermostat and water pump assembly uses a plastic housing that degrades over time. Leaks develop at the housing seams and O-ring seals, often around 60,000-80,000 miles. Repairs typically run $400-$1,000. Severity: medium.
The water-to-air intercooler system on the S5 3.0T uses an electric coolant pump that can fail, causing elevated charge air temperatures and reduced power. Heat soak becomes severe in warm climates. Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: medium.
The S5 suffers from carbon deposit accumulation on intake valves common to all Audi direct-injected engines. The performance-oriented tuning makes power loss from carbon more noticeable than in base models. Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: medium.
The B8/B8.5 chassis uses a multi-link front end with four upper links per side riding on small rubber bushings. The bushings crack and the ball joints develop play, producing a clunk or rattle over bumps (worst while turning) and a vague, wandering feel at highway speed, along wi… Repairs typically run $800-$2,200. Severity: medium.
On the S5 Cabriolet the convertible top's hydraulic pump sits in the left rear of the trunk inside a foam enclosure. Water that gets into the trunk - from the top's own drains or from trunk seal leaks - soaks the foam, corrodes the pump motor and its connector, and blows the high… Repairs typically run $700-$2,500. Severity: medium.
B8 A5/S5 coupes route sunroof water down four drain tubes. The rubber elbow coupling where the tube meets the sunroof cassette hardens and stops sealing, and the tubes themselves clog with debris. Water then runs down the A-pillar and into the front footwell, or into the rear foo… Repairs typically run $150-$900. Severity: medium.
Audi TSB 2060033/3 covers S5 model years 2013-2016 and S5 Cabriolet model years 2010-2017 with the 3.0L engine when the MIL is on and/or noise is traced to the crankcase breather; P052E00 may be stored. Audi TSB 2060259/1 separately covers S5 and S5 Cabriolet model years 2012-201… Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.