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2018
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Audi A5

EPA MPG: 27 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
View 2018 Audi A5 gallery
Front 3/4, facing to the left view of 2018 Audi A5 Rear 3/4, facing to the right view of 2018 Audi A5
Side Profile, facing to left view of 2018 Audi A5 Front (full) view of 2018 Audi A5
Rear (full) view of 2018 Audi A5 Front 3/4, facing to the right view of 2018 Audi A5
Drivers Dash view of 2018 Audi A5

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2018 A5 is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2018 Audi A5 has been recalled 8 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2018 Potential Trouble Spots

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Audi A5 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Bushings

"Bushin on upper control arm wore out prematurely"

Anonymous, WA (2018 Audi A5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"The bushings are worn and need to be replaced. The repair cost is high."

Anonymous, TX (2018 Audi A5 3.0T 3.0-L V6 turbo)
Springs or torsion bars

"I had a coil on the left rear tire rust and break. It happened a few weeks ago, this is the only time. I am working with the dealer to get it serviced."

Anonymous, NY (2018 Audi A5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Tire wear is uneven

"Excessive tire wear on the inside of the tires was told by Costco tie shop that it needed an alignment took to independent shop and car was perfectly aalligned. Shop said these cars are known for inside tire wear."

Anonymous, WA (2018 Audi A5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Load more

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

12V battery

"Battery was replaced two years ago and died last fall within one year."

Anonymous, NJ (2018 Audi A5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Body control module

"Every warning light on the dashboard came on and I received a message that the car was undriveable. After replacing various wiring, the entire steering column and its electronics had to be replaced. It took an Audi dealership nearly two months to diagnose and resolve the issue."

Anonymous A., NY (2018 Audi A5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Other electrical system problem

"Battery failed after being replaced. Convertible top stopped working motor had to be replaced."

Anonymous, NJ (2018 Audi A5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Warning lights

"Every warning light on the dashboard came on and wouldn't clear until the entire steering column was replaced."

Anonymous A., NY (2018 Audi A5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Load more

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine mounts

""Dealer diagnosed leaking engine mounts at 40,000. Audi declined to repair under warranty as four years had passed.""

Anonymous A., CA (2018 Audi A5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Oil leaks

"The oil cooler developed a leak that was very costly to replace."

Anonymous, TX (2018 Audi A5 3.0T 3.0-L V6 turbo)

""To address the oil leak, both the engine and the transmission had to be removed to access the faulty valve. This made a simple oil leak extremely costly!""

Anonymous, TX (2018 Audi A5 3.0T 3.0-L V6 turbo)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"The engine mount brackets had to be replaced. Not huge but was a fair amount of money."

Anonymous, PA (2018 Audi A5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Trunk release switch"

Anonymous, MD (2018 Audi A5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Side mirrors are a hazard. They are way too big and block sight"

Anonymous, NJ (2018 Audi A5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"Air conditioning doesn't work. They couldn't figure out why not. I've decided not to fix it."

Anonymous, (2018 Audi A5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Evaporator

"Vehicle was not cooling on passenger side. The windshield and dashboard were removed to install the evaporator at a cost of $4500. Please note this vehicle is a Audi A5 Sportback."

Anonymous, FL (2018 Audi A5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Refrigerant leaks

""Strangely, the refrigerant level showed that it was normal, but intermittently the temperature level would max out while driving, only to go back to normal a couple of seconds later. Mechanic found a very slow leak as the cause of the problem.""

Anonymous, TX (2018 Audi A5 3.0T 3.0-L V6 turbo)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Backup or other camera/sensors

""From time to time, the backup camera fails to display a view when car is placed in reverse. In one instance, this was a contributing factor while backing and being lightly, (but $3,500) bumped by another vehicle which was also backing from an unexpected perpendicular angle.""

Anonymous, NY (2018 Audi A5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

""Connecting wit the iPhone almost always requires going to the screens which take you through the "reconnect" procedure, even though the name of the phone is shown on the display it requires reconnection each time I reenter the car. Perhaps this is just the way it is supposed to work, but it is delaying having to repeat this procedure for each use.""

Anonymous, NY (2018 Audi A5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

What Owners Say

Water pump

""Discovered water pump leaking at 44,191 miles. Paid to have it replaced.""

Anonymous A., CA (2018 Audi A5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"front tow hook panel fell off"

Anonymous, ID (2018 Audi A5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Windows

"Power window on front passenger door required replacement."

Anonymous, TX (2018 Audi A5 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

2018 Sports Cars & Convertibles Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Audi vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY Provided by NHTSA
AIR BAGS, SEATS
Nov 10, 2021
A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Volkswagen 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 should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V874000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 208332
Hide Recall Details
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 09, 2020
In the event of a rear crash, the incorrect cover can cause the 12-volt power supply to be compromised, preventing the vehicle doors from being opened from the outside, or the hazard warning lights from functioning, increasing risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi RS5 Coupe vehicles. An incorrect positive battery terminal cover was installed.
What should you do:
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive terminal cover, free of charge. The recall began January 19, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 27i6.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V760000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2355
Hide Recall Details
AIR BAGS
Jul 24, 2019
A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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 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 should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V547000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 145337
Hide Recall Details
SUSPENSION
Dec 17, 2018
A loose front wheel may increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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 in a front wheel becoming loose.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V893000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 36
Hide Recall Details
AIR BAGS
Nov 27, 2018
If the air bag does not deploy correctly in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of an injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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, possibly affecting the deployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.
What should you do:
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag mounting screw, tightening or replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y4.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V836000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 12
Hide Recall Details
AIR BAGS
May 16, 2018
If the air bag was not folded correctly during installation, the seat-mounted air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain Audi S5 Cabriolet vehicles equipped with Super Sport seats. The seat-mounted head/thorax air bag in the front passenger seat may have been folded incorrectly during installation.
What should you do:
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat-mounted head/thorax air bag, free of charge. The recall began July 13, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69W6.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V325000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 548
Hide Recall Details
AIR BAGS
Dec 20, 2017
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the head curtain air bag, if the air bag does not deploy properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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 fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
What should you do:
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will modify the head curtain air bags so that they deploy properly, free of charge. The recall began on January 18, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 11-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69T7.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V822000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 8037
Hide Recall Details
STRUCTURE
Oct 25, 2017
The sharp edges of the speaker trim increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Volkswagen 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.
What should you do:
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the speaker cover aluminum trim, free of charge. The recall began March 13, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 70G6.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V675000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 31323
Hide Recall Details
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