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ProblemsByVinFile / 2018-AUDI-A5NHTSA data synced 3 days ago
Audi
2018 Audi A5 problems
The 2018 Audi A5 has 6 active recall campaigns on file and only 7 owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.
The 2018 Audi A5 has 7 NHTSA owner complaints and 6 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 3 complaints (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Limited NHTSA data — only 7 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 6 active recalls on file.
0
Critical
6
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2018 A5?
Not enough data for a verdict
Only 7 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 6 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first.
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2018 A5· engine
I own a 2018 Audi A5. Many critical cooling system parts — including the thermostat housing, water pump housing, radiator end tanks, breather tubes, and quick-connect hoses — are made of plastic and sit in constant exposure to coolant temperatures over 200°F. Over time, these…
The water pump failed on my vehicle. Initially reported 2/2025 at Authorized Audi Service Center. They claimed it was normal for coolant to dip. Audi USA Confirmed I have a settlement class vehicle in 03/2025. Mentioned an 80K Mileage limit. (Car only had 69K miles at the…
My 2018 Audi A5 Sportback previously received Audi Safety Recall 74E3 on January 27, 2023. The recall repair documentation indicates a seat POD (Passenger Occupant Detection System) update was performed. Several years later, the vehicle developed another passenger airbag fault.…
The vehicle has 36000 miles on it and the oil cooler has failed. The car is meticulously maintained. This failure compromises the ability for the engine to cool properly. Because of the failure, coolant is then forced into the engine oil potentially destroying the engine.…
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A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: 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.
A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Volkswagen Group of North America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A5 Sportback vehicles
A loose front wheel may increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Limited NHTSA data. Only 7 owner complaints have been filed for the 2018 Audi A5, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.
Should you avoid the 2018 Audi A5?
Only 7 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 6 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2018 Audi A5 without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.
What should I check before buying a used 2018 Audi A5?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2018 Audi A5 to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.
Is the 2018 Audi A5 a good used car to buy?
Hard to say from federal data alone — only 7 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2018 Audi A5?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 3 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Audi A5 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2018 Audi A5?
Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 7 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Audi/A5.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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