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2018 Audi A5: common problems and reliability
· F5An average A5 year.
9 owner complaints, most about power train. 6 recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 A5?The 2018 Audi A5 has 9 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. Owners most often flag water pump failure (plastic housing cracking).
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Audi A5 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other A5 years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the A5?
Across the 18 A5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2017) to 120 (2020). With 9 complaints, the 2018 A5 sits about the same as the 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
Recalls affecting the 2018 A5
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.
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.
suspension:front
Campaign 18V893000Volkswagen 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.
air bags:side/window
Campaign 17V822000Volkswagen 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 fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Show 2 more recalls
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.
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.
What owners report on the F5 A5
Owners generally view the F5 A5 as a reliable, enjoyable daily driver when properly maintained, with the EA888 2.0T engine and DSG transmission frequently praised as proven and durable.
- RecurrentWater pump failure (plastic housing cracking)
- RecurrentEngine mounts failing (around 45k-65k miles)
- RecurrentWater accumulation in side sills (plugged drain ports, sloshing water sound)
- IsolatedDSG transmission issues (two full repairs on one 2021 example; rough idle/first gear behavior on 2018)
- IsolatedSunroof getting stuck or not opening fully (resolved with reset procedure)
Owner insights for the F5 A5. Read the full F5 owner report.
Typical used price
Used A5 listings typically run $13,405–$37,676.
Other A5 model years
Compare every A5 year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the A5 against its rivals
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