This bulletin provides information when there are noises after selecting a ear while idling and the vehicle is stationary, or while driving.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Audi A4 powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Audi A4 have filed 5 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 A4 | 5 |
| 2015 A4 | 6 |
| 2017 A4 | 4 |
| 2018 A4 (this page) | 5 |
When does it fail?
Of the 5 powertrain complaints filed for the 2018 Audi A4, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides informatin when there is binding or vibrations in tight turns with quattro Ultra.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles are subject to various ageing effects which could lead to the energy content (energy density) being reduced. This reduction in the energy content, which is due to factors. Revised header. Added Model years
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when there are humming noises when cornering; DL-382.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when the hydraulic pump cannot be adapted - P17EF00 in gearbox control unit.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
The all-wheel-drive clutch in the vehicle had to be replaced. The symptoms were heavy vibrations or thumping when starting to drive forward from a stop with the wheels turned in either direction. A dealership - New Country Audi of Greenwich - did the repair at a cost of $4,308.85 (including tax). This drivetrain failure occurred at less than 48,000 miles. The vehicle came with a 50,000 mile or…
While driving there was an internal failure of the front differential which caused debris to fly out and the debris then punctured the transmission according to the diagnosis on an Audi dealership. The car jerked to a stop and would not move. If this happens at high speed it represents a sever safety risk to the occupants. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer and insurance…
Engine malfunction prevented the vehicle to engage and a significant lag. Correction of the failure has been attempted twice and a third attempt to correct malfunction is currently in progress with no movement as of yet. Gas tank has been drained and refilled and did not correct issue. Definitely not a gasoline type issue.
See attached document for complaint
A vehicle diagnostic scan dated 04/15/2026 at approximately 88,502 miles showed a stored transmission electronics fault: P084100, described as “Transmission fluid pressure sensor/switch A range/performance,” with status listed as passive/sporadic. This indicates a transmission / powertrain control concern involving the transmission fluid pressure sensor, transmission electronics, wiring, control…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2018 Audi A4?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2018 Audi A4?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 5 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 5 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 14,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Audi/A4.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.