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2018 Audi A4: common problems and reliability
· 2015-2025An average A4 year.
51 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 A4?The 2018 Audi A4 has 51 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and structure. Owners most often flag excessive oil consumption (1 quart per 500 miles or per week): many owners report burning oil rapidly, with one spending $3,500 on camshaft replacement with only partial improvement.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Audi A4 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other A4 years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the A4?
Across the 28 A4 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2023) to 673 (2007). With 51 complaints, the 2018 A4 sits below the model's median of 110.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2018 A4
seats
Campaign 21V874000Volkswagen 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.
structure:body:door:hinge and attachments
Campaign 17V675000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad, and 2018 A5 Sportback vehicles. The aluminum trim on the front and rear doors can come loose from around the door speakers, leaving sharp edges exposed.
air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Campaign 18V836000Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A5 Sportback and 2017-2018 Audi A4 Allroad vehicles. A passenger air bag module mounting screw may not have been sufficiently tightened, possibly affecting the deployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.
air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Campaign 19V547000Volkswagen 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.
What owners report on the 2015-2025 A4
Owners of the 2015-2025 Audi A4 express a deeply divided sentiment. Many praise the car as fun to drive, comfortable, and reliable when properly maintained, with several reporting trouble-free ownership up to 110,000 miles or more.
- Very frequentExcessive oil consumption (1 quart per 500 miles or per week)
Many owners report burning oil rapidly, with one spending $3,500 on camshaft replacement with only partial improvement.
- RecurrentCatastrophic engine failure requiring full engine replacement
Multiple owners report the engine "offing itself" around 100,000-110,000 miles, with one needing a new engine and another reporting an exhaust valve failure.
- RecurrentTiming chain tensioner failure
Owners mention timing chain replacement as a common high-mileage necessity, with one reporting failure at 180,000 km.
- RecurrentTurbo failure
Multiple owners report turbocharger failure, with one quoting $800 labor for replacement.
- RecurrentWater pump and thermostat failure
Listed as a proactive replacement item around 120,000-160,000 km.
Owner insights for the 2015-2025 A4. Read the full 2015-2025 owner report.
Typical used price
Used A4 listings typically run $12,444–$21,675 across 2007 to 2024 model years.
Other A4 model years
Compare every A4 year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the A4 against its rivals
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