2018 Audi A5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2018 Audi A5 has a complaint index of 94, ranking 2nd-worst of 18 model years, with 38 complaints and 6 recalls. Engine problems lead at 24% of complaints, with median failure mileage of 9,550 miles for that area, giving it an Avoid verdict.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 94/100
- #2 of 18 A5 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 38
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 27
- 24 city / 34 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2018 Audi A5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine9 (24%)
- Other8 (21%)
- Electrical System5 (13%)
- Brakes4 (11%)
- Structure & Body4 (11%)
- Visibility & Wipers4 (11%)
- Airbags3 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (8%)
- Steering2 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine coolant leaks from a faulty thermostat and water pump, raising overheating and fire risk.
- Owners report the Engine Control Unit failing, causing unexpected gear shifts and a full loss of power for two days.
- Oil leaks appear around 49,000 miles, with owners noting Audi issued a technical notice but no warranty extension.
- The passenger airbag on/off indicator randomly toggles while driving, even after a prior recall repair.
- Panoramic sunroof glass has shattered without warning while driving at highway speed.
- The electronic trunk/hatch has failed to stop closing, striking an occupant and causing injury.
2018 Audi A5 recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V874000Nov 10, 2021Airbags208,332 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
Risk: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 74E3. This recall is an expansion of Recall 19V-547 (74D9). Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-547 will need to return for the new remedy.
- NHTSA 19V547000Jul 24, 2019Airbags145,337 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2018 S5 Cabriolet, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, S4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, and 2017-2018 A4 Sedan and A4 Allroad vehicles. Oxidation on the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) connecting cable may cause the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
Risk: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install cable ties to the harness, free of charge. The recall began September 9, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's number for this recall is 74D9.
- NHTSA 18V893000Dec 17, 2018Suspension, Wheels & Tires36 vehicles
Suspension:front
Volkswagen Group of North America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A5 Sportback vehicles. The front suspension fasteners may not have been sufficiently tightened during vehicle production, possibly resulting in a front wheel becoming loose.
Risk: A loose front wheel may increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the front suspension fasteners, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 23, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40O2.
2018 Audi A5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24 MPG
- Highway
- 34 MPG
- Combined
- 27 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other A5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Audi A5 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2018 A5 ranks 2nd-worst among 18 model years with a complaint index of 94 and is rated Avoid relative to other A5 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Audi A5?
- Engine issues make up 24% of complaints (9 of 38), followed by electrical system problems at 13% and brakes at 11%. Engine-related failures show a median mileage of 9,550 miles.
- Does the 2018 Audi A5 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2018 A5, covering airbags, front suspension fasteners, a passenger airbag mounting screw, curtain airbag deployment, and loose door trim. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2018 A5 compare to other years?
- The 2018 model's complaint index of 94 is much higher than 2015 and 2016, which are rated Best with indexes of 18 and 12, and higher than 2019's index of 47.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Audi A5?
- EPA rates the 2018 Audi A5 at 27 mpg combined (24 city/34 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950.