2018 Audi S4: common problems and reliability
· B9An average S4 year.
7 owner complaints, most about engine. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 S4?The 2018 Audi S4 has 7 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and suspension. Owners most often flag rocker arm wear leading to engine failure, particularly on 2018 and early 2019 cars.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Audi S4 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other S4 years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the S4?
Across the 18 S4 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2022) to 148 (2000). With 7 complaints, the 2018 S4 sits below the model's median of 22.
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 S4
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.
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 B9 S4
Owners of the B9 S4 generally describe it as a well-built, fun-to-drive, and solid car when properly maintained, with praise for its design, dynamic mode, and the strong low-RPM torque of the 3.0T engine.
- Very frequentRocker arm wear leading to engine failure, particularly on 2018 and early 2019 cars
- Very frequentCatastrophic engine failure with low compression or cylinder 6 damage, often on tuned cars
- RecurrentWater pump and thermostat failure, sometimes sending coolant into the vacuum system
- RecurrentPCV valve failure
- RecurrentCarbon buildup
Owner insights for the B9 S4. Read the full B9 owner report.
Typical used price
Used S4 listings typically run $18,495–$33,900 across 2010 to 2023 model years.
Other S4 model years
Compare every S4 year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the S4 against its rivals
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