Audi A5 Sensor Chaos: Multiple System Failures Explained

I had a very similar electronic issue with my 2014 Audi A4 last summer. As someone with moderate experience working on cars, I initially thought it might be a major sensor failure requiring expensive replacements. The driving assistance systems were acting up exactly like yours, multiple warning lights, radar-based safety systems completely offline, and the adaptive cruise control stopped functioning. After taking it to a workshop, the diagnosis revealed something quite simple: the front radar sensor was just heavily contaminated with road debris and dirt. The fix was straightforward, they performed a thorough sensor cleaning and radar calibration. Total repair time was about an hour, costing 45 Euro for the service. The technician mentioned this is actually a common issue with these models, especially when driving in dusty conditions or after long periods without maintenance. Before you head to a workshop, could you share: Are there any specific error codes showing up? Did these issues start suddenly or develop gradually? Have you recently driven through particularly dirty conditions? Does your A5 have the full driver assistance package? This information would help determine if your issue is similar to what I experienced or if it might be a different sensor-related problem.

Thanks for sharing that feedback. Just had my 68828 KM service done last month, and these issues started shortly after. Your experience with the contaminated sensor seems promising, especially since my automotive sensors started failing quite suddenly during a rainy period. The diagnostic scan shows error code P0480, and all driving assistance features are impacted. The collision avoidance system warns about sensor blockage, and the safety systems trigger unusual warnings. The workshop quoted 480 Euro for a complete sensor replacement, but based on your experience, I might request they check for contamination first. Appreciate the tip about sensor cleaning and calibration as a first step. Will update once I get this resolved.

Thanks for the update on your A5. The timing of these sensor issues right after your service is interesting, I had a similar situation with my A5 where problems started after routine maintenance. Your error code and symptoms match the typical radar sensor malfunction pattern these models can show. While my initial fix with cleaning worked temporarily, I eventually discovered that water had actually seeped into the sensor housing during the rainy period, causing intermittent electronic issues with the collision avoidance system. The workshop ultimately found that the sensor seal had degraded, allowing moisture to affect the radar sensor functionality. The total repair involved: Replacing the sensor seal (120 Euro), Cleaning and drying the housing, Full sensor calibration, Testing all driving assistance systems My complete repair came to 280 Euro, significantly less than a full sensor replacement. Given your similar symptoms, you might want to have them check the sensor seals before committing to the 480 Euro replacement. The driving rain exposure combined with the timing post-service suggests this could be your issue too. Ask them specifically about checking the seals and water ingress around the radar sensor housing.

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies. I contacted the workshop and showed them this thread, they agreed to inspect the sensor seals and check for water damage before proceeding with a full replacement. They found similar issues to what was described, compromised seals had allowed moisture to affect the radar calibration system. The total repair came to 295 Euro including: New sensor seals, Complete sensor cleaning, System calibration, Testing of all driving assistance features All collision avoidance and adaptive cruise functions are now working perfectly. The unusual sensor malfunction warnings have completely stopped. Much better than paying 480 Euro for an unnecessary full replacement. Will keep an eye on the seals during future services to prevent this from happening again. Thanks for helping me save on repair costs while still getting the issue properly fixed at a professional workshop.