2011 S5 Reliability Issues

[ghoffner]

I created this thread because I would like to hear from current/previous S5 owners and even others. I would like to get some input and advice regarding all of the issues I have had with my S5 in the previous 9 months, because I find myself in a situation of thinking about keeping it or parting ways with Audi all together.
It started earlier this year when I had to bring my car in 3 separate times regarding how squeaky the brakes are in the morning and how squeaky they become when they get wet. It was so embarrassing to drive the car that my girlfriend even stated "you realize my Kia doesn't even sound this bad, right?" The problem was fixed after the 3rd visit, but I was back again a short time later with a whole other issue. It is important to note that after the brake issue, my warranty expired on March 19th, due to time and not mileage (the car only has 24,000 miles on it). I began experiencing unexplainable power loss issues that caused my entire car to freak out. The car was brought in and both high pressure fuel pumps were replaced for $1,600 and I managed to get Audi to cover this cost for me considering the relative time to my warranty expiring (I believe this issue was around late May). Not even a month later, I experienced the same problems. I took the car to an Autozone and a 3rd party mechanic to get their input and they both said it looked like it was related to the alternator and that the battery tested good. I came into the dealership and made it aware that I thought this could be the problem, but I was told it checked out okay. I was eventually told the battery needed replaced as well as the oxygen sensor. This bill was around $1200 and I paid for it. Before leaving the dealership I even told my service advisor that I did not believe this was the problem and I was correct. I experienced the exact same issue a few days later and brought the car back in. Finally I was told that the voltage regulator needed replaced and that was around $1100 I believe, but I was insisted the prior repairs were needed and not offered any type of refund for those.
The previous problems were fixed finally in August and now I find myself currently back at the dealership waiting to have my right rear shock replaced and also the fuel pump sensor, which will run around $2,000. In the 7 months since my warranty has expired, I have incurred enough costs to pay for almost 1.5 times what an extended warranty would have cost me. You might think, "you should have bought something newer or a CPO vehicle". I bought the 2011 S5 because it was a low mileage, 1 owner and because I wanted the V8 and not the supercharged V6. I believed that Audi was very reliable and that because this was a low mileage car that I wouldn't have these types of issues.
I emailed the service manager today and made him aware of my ongoing problems. My request was, "Could Audi give me some type of 18-24 month & 10,000 mile warranty in return for all the repairs I have already paid for". Is this unreasonable?
This is my first Audi and yes, it was a used car when I bought it...so you might think "why does Audi owe you anything?" I am only 26 years old and I want to build a relationship with a dealer and I could see myself owning Audi's my entire life. But man, these recent issues have made me really question Audi reliability and they have caused me to start looking around at other vehicles.

Any input or advice?

[milesed]

I have a 2011 S5 with 27k miles and zero problems so far, but my warranty expires in 2 months.

Mine was CPO and I bought it with 9k miles. All service records show no issues for previous owner either.

[ghoffner]

I have a 2011 S5 with 27k miles and zero problems so far, but my warranty expires in 2 months.

Mine was CPO and I bought it with 9k miles. All service records show no issues for previous owner either.

Yeah, I was planning on purchasing a CPO but when I came across this one it was exactly what I wanted. It's just been an absolute nightmare lately...
Audi CPO is an extra 2 years and 24k miles of warranty coverage?

[JoshDub]

You are screwing your self by going to the dealer. You have paid an exorbitant amount for almost no work. Work that would have taken me half a day in the garage.

You need to find an Indy. You aren't going to get anything out of "building a relationship" with your dealer. The fact that they keep charging you for thousands worth of misdiagnosis is insane.

[quattro16]

Sounds like the dealer is the problem. If they cant fix it right the first time than don't blame the car.....

[HazeMyth]

Having worked for dealerships in the past, I can honestly tell you that they really don't give a shit about their relationships with customers beyond the money they get from you, except for maybe a handful of people at the dealership that genuinely do care. You're not going to get a better price on a new car just because you've spent X amount of money with the dealership on repairs over a certain period of time. Sure, if you've bought more cars through a specific dealership there's a higher likelihood that you have a "go to" person at the dealership, but you don't need to piss away your money on over-priced diagnostics and repair to build that relationship.

With the car out of warranty you need to worry less about building a relationship with the local dealer by blowing money, and more about finding a reputable, honest mechanic with reasonable pricing. It doesn't hurt to have a strong relationship with several auto shops either, because it allows you to shop around on prices a bit more.

[SKinBhamAL]

I'd be ticked about the $1200 battery and oxygen sensor. If too much time has passed, not really sure what your recourse is on that. Maybe play nice at first and take it up with dealer management. You probably are about breakeven on CPO car and the repairs you have now. Hopefully you won't have any more problems. As HazeMyth said, find an independent repair shop for your future needs.

Is it too late to "shop" the new repairs at an independent? $2,000 seems ridiculous.

[Reggie]

Look in the local forum for recommendations for a independent garage. Either here or the other Audi Forums

[ghoffner]

Just got word from my service advisor and he said Audi is going to cover both repairs. I think that's a great gesture.

But I agree with all of you, I need to do my homework and find a local shop to Houston who I can start a relationship with. Good advice.

[Gonzoe11]

If you decide to move away from Audi, don't go BMW. They are way worse. I can only
speak for my self and have bought 6 CPO BMW's. All low mileage 3 series and X5's. The e36 and 46were great cars. Very reliable. The e92 was a POS and so was my last X5.. Many unresolved issues and lots of fighting with dealers. Switched to Audi and so far so good. Prior CPO S6 was a great car, no issues. My current 2011 S5 has had some minor issues, window regulator, thermostat and that's it.
But I am now also out of original warranty and use an Indy shop. Find a good shop and make that a good relationship.

[FaceSmA5h]

Wow. I can't believe I just read this whole thread. I too purchased my first S5 when I was around 26. I also purchased it used (4,000 miles though). You're experiencing issues I did not think would be possible at that mileage. However, when I purchased the car, i ignored the carbon build up, sticky clutch, and mpg others were experiencing (when deciding to purchase). After owning for about 7 months, I decided to sell the car and cut my losses short.

I did not experience power loss due to the car being new. However, as more post came up, I became more aware of the carbon issue. However, the sticky clutch situation did put me out of commission for a week. And to be honest, the problem didn't "completely" go away, but it was better than before and that was a plus. Factoring these 3 items, I was like man, I'm just going to sell it and buy a 3.0 if it was ever available.

Did your original owner service his car at Audi or paid for Audi Care? I'm wondering if the person you bought the car from even took care of it. Sounds like way too many issues for a low mileage car.

And to answer your last question, what you're asking is 100% reasonable. A free 2 year extended warranty for what you have already paid.