2018 Audi A5: common problems and reliability

The 2018 Audi A5 has 6 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine. Owners most often flag excessive oil consumption (1 liter every 1000-2000 km): very frequent. reported across multiple discussions, especially on pre-facelift models; facelift models are said to be improved.

Safety record for the 2018 model year

6
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Audi A5 vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2018 a good year for the A5?

Across the 15 A5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2017) to 120 (2020). With 6 complaints, the 2018 A5 sits belowthe model's median of 11.

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

electrical system
2
engine
2
engine and engine cooling
1
power train
1

Recalls affecting the 2018 A5

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 19V547000

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…

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 18V836000

Volkswagen 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, possi…

suspension:front

Campaign 18V893000

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 i…

air bags:side/window

Campaign 17V822000

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A5 Coupe vehicles. The affected vehicles were built with head curtain air bag assemblies that may not unfold properly. As such, these vehicle …

What owners report on the 8T3 A5

Owners generally praise the 8T3 A5 as a desirable, good-looking car with strong performance and refinement, especially in 2.0T Quattro form. However, the generation is heavily criticized for serious mechanical issues, particularly oil consumption, timing chain

  • Excessive oil consumption (1 liter every 1000-2000 km): Very frequent. Reported across multiple discussions, especially on pre-facelift models; facelift models are said to be improved.
  • Timing chain tensioner failure / timing chain slap on cold start: Very frequent. Multiple owners warn of this as a known issue that can destroy the engine if not addressed.
  • Water pump failure: Recurrent. Mentioned as a common failure point, with an extended warranty available from a lawsuit.
  • Steering module failure: Recurrent. Also covered by an extended warranty from a lawsuit.
  • Control arm bushing weakness (groaning at low speeds while turning): Recurrent. Described as a common issue by multiple owners.

Owner insights for the 8T3 A5. Read the full 8T3 owner report.

Typical used price

Used A5 listings typically run $17,438–$49,560 across 2013 to 2026 model years.

Other A5 model years

Compare every A5 year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.

2025 A52024 A52020 A52019 A52017 A52016 A52015 A52014 A52013 A52012 A52011 A52010 A52009 A52008 A5

Compare the A5 against its rivals

A5 vs BMW 2 SeriesA5 vs BMW 3 SeriesA5 vs BMW 5 SeriesA5 vs Genesis G70
Full Audi A5 owner reportCompare against another car