Pictured: the B8 RS 5 (2013).
RS 5 Coupe B8 · 2013–2015
High-revving 450 hp V-8, 7-speed S tronic, quattro.
RS 5 Competition B9 · 2023–2025
Twin-turbo V-6, 444 hp, 8-speed automatic, quattro.
B8 RS 5 · 2013–2015
Coupe, Cabriolet, 2013–2015. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.
450 hpat 8,250 rpm
450 hpat 8,250 rpm
4.2-liter V-8, naturally aspirated
Engine's YouTube owner tone 54/100 (videos about the Audi 4.2 FSI V8 in every car that uses it, so it differs from this car's own tone below)
Audi 4.2 FSI V8 engine page →Why the engine page shows fewer: it counts only the 0 owner complaints and 0 recalls for 2013–2015 that name this engine or a version that only had it. This page counts all 14 complaints and 0 recall campaigns NHTSA files under "Rs5" for those years, other engines included.
Direct injection means fuel never washes the intake valves, so carbon builds up. Signs are weak acceleration, misfires and higher fuel use.
Fix: Pull the intake manifold and clean the valves; one shop lists $1,295 and up for an RS 5.
An owner FAQ reports injectors that fail suddenly and can flood a cylinder; one car threw a cylinder 3 misfire at about 62,000 miles.
Fix: Replace the injectors; that owner replaced all eight.
The two PCV valves use rubber diaphragms that can tear, per an owner FAQ.
Nothing stands out.
Share of the 175 most-watched B8 RS 5 videos that praise or criticize each topic (a praise or trouble word near it in the title or transcript).
B9 RS 5 · 2018–2025
Coupe, Sportback, 2018–2025. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.
444 hpat 5,700–6,700 rpm
444 hp
444 hpat 5,700–6,700 rpm
444 hp
Coilovers 10 mm lower, louder exhaust, Corsa tires, 180 mph limiter.
2.9-liter V-6, twin-turbo
A parts seller says the turbo oil feed line can leak, mainly when oil changes are stretched.
Fix: The seller advises oil changes about every 5,000 miles.
The same seller lists heat-related wear on hoses and intercooler parts in the tightly packed engine.
PCV and crankcase pressure faults can cause a rough idle, per the same seller.
Direct injection and short trips lead to carbon on the intake side, noticeable past 60,000 miles on B9 cars, the seller says.
Nothing stands out.
Share of the 175 most-watched B9 RS 5 videos that praise or criticize each topic (a praise or trouble word near it in the title or transcript).
RS 5 vs BMW M4See it →
RS 5 vs Mercedes-AMG C63See it →
RS 5 vs Lexus RC FSee it →
RS 5 vs Cadillac ATS-VComing soonShowing the years only ().Showing every year.
NHTSA files the Coupe, Cabriolet and Sportback under RS5 / RS 5, so these counts include every body style.
No Lemon Index for the RS 5: the index is complaints per car sold, and sales by trim aren't published. These are raw counts.
B8: 14 complaints for 2013–2015.
B9: 6 complaints for 2018–2025.
B8 · 2013–2015
B9 · 2018–2025
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Source: NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov). Check a VIN for open recalls on one car.
The B9 RS 5 Competition makes 444 hp and 442 lb-ft. The maker quotes 0–60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Top speed: 180 mph (limited).
The B9 RS 5 (2018–2025) uses the Audi 2.9 TFSI V6, a 2.9-liter V-6, twin-turbo. Older generations: B8: Audi 4.2 FSI V8.
Updated · Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
. Get the data
The Lemon Index
