2018 Audi A5 Safety Report
2018 Audi A5 Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Audi A5
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Audi A5. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (6) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (6) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Electrical System | Compare electrical system issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2017 | Compare against the 2017 Audi A5 with 2 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2020 | Check the 2020 Audi A5 before buying across this generation. |
Audi A5 Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Audi A5 years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Audi A5 | 12 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Audi A5 | 2 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Audi A5 | 60 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Audi A5 | 7 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Audi A5 | 7 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Audi A5 | 9 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2018 Audi A5 Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Audi A5, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Electrical System
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Audi onlyEngine
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Audi onlyEngine And Engine Cooling
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine And Engine Cooling issues Audi onlyPower Train
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Audi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Audi A5
Reliability Score
The 2018 Audi A5 receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2018 Audi A5
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Audi A5:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System The MMI system randomly reboots, causing distractions and potential safety issues. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Engine malfunctions and shutdowns during cornering can occur, posing safety risks. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Cooling System Cooling system failures, including the water pump and oil cooler, can lead to engine overheating and failure. |
High | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Air Bags Front passenger side air bag inflator module recalls have been issued, posing potential safety risks. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Audi A5:
Issues with the electrical system, such as the MMI system rebooting, are common.
Engine malfunctions and shutdowns are a recurring issue.
Cooling system failures, including the water pump and oil cooler, are frequent.
Air bag recalls are a common issue, particularly for the front passenger side.
Recall Details for the 2018 Audi A5
The following 6 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Audi A5 by NHTSA:
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.
Consequence: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: 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 reme...
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.
Consequence: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence: A loose front wheel may increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence: If the air bag does not deploy correctly in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of an injury.
Remedy: 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.
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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence: The sharp edges of the speaker trim increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Audi A5
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Audi A5 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The MMI ( main screen) system randomly reboots every 5 minutes, even when using CarPlay, which is unsafe. Please check it out. Thank you!
I turned on my car and several malfunctions came on the dash,and would not start and went in limp mode. A local mechanic stated it's the electrical component of the coolant pump causing malfunction. He also stated that could lead the car catching fire if overheats since the 5V is dipping below due to the faulty coolant /water pump. Ultimately forcing the car in limp mode for safety precautions. T...
I own a 2018 Audi A5. Many critical cooling system parts — including the thermostat housing, water pump housing, radiator end tanks, breather tubes, and quick-connect hoses — are made of plastic and sit in constant exposure to coolant temperatures over 200°F. Over time, these components become brittle, crack, and fail prematurely. Recently, the plastic breather/return hose between the coolant res...
The water pump failed on my vehicle. Initially reported 2/2025 at Authorized Audi Service Center. They claimed it was normal for coolant to dip. Audi USA Confirmed I have a settlement class vehicle in 03/2025. Mentioned an 80K Mileage limit. (Car only had 69K miles at the time) When the issue persisted I reached out for repair in accordance to Water Pump Settlement. McKenna Audi Service center...
The vehicle has 36000 miles on it and the oil cooler has failed. The car is meticulously maintained. This failure compromises the ability for the engine to cool properly. Because of the failure, coolant is then forced into the engine oil potentially destroying the engine. Engine replacements are 10,000 for these types of cars. Audi is aware of this issue and should repair all vehicles with t...
Engine shuts off occasionally whilst cornering at very low speed. No warning. Been happening for several years.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Audi A5
Has the 2018 AUDI A5 been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 AUDI A5 has 6 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 AUDI A5 have?
The 2018 AUDI A5 has 6 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 AUDI A5?
The 2018 AUDI A5 does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 AUDI A5?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 AUDI A5 involve electrical system (2 complaints), engine (2 complaints), engine and engine cooling (1 complaints). Other affected components include power train.
How many crash reports does the 2018 AUDI A5 have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2018 AUDI A5 in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2018 AUDI A5 have?
There are no fire reports for the 2018 AUDI A5 in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 AUDI A5?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 AUDI A5.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 AUDI A5?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 AUDI A5.
Should I buy a 2018 AUDI A5?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 AUDI A5 is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 6 complaints, 6 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 AUDI A5?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 AUDI A5 are: 1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints), 2. ENGINE (2 complaints), 3. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (1 complaints). ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 2 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 AUDI A5?
Be aware of potential electrical and engine issues, and regularly check the cooling system for signs of failure. The 2018 AUDI A5 has 6 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2018 AUDI A5?
The 2018 AUDI A5 receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 6 owner complaints, 6 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Electrical System and Engine.
What are the known issues with the 2018 AUDI A5?
Known issues with the 2018 AUDI A5 include: Electrical System, Engine, Cooling System, Air Bags. These are based on patterns found across 6 NHTSA complaints. 6 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Audi A5?
Yes, there are recalls for the electrical system, engine, and air bags.
What are the common issues with the cooling system?
The water pump and oil cooler have failed in some vehicles, leading to engine overheating.
Can the electrical system issues affect the car's performance?
Yes, the MMI system rebooting can cause distractions and potentially affect the car's performance.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential electrical and engine issues, and regularly check the cooling system for signs of failure.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Audi A5
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Audi A5. The data includes 6 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-13