2018 Audi S5 Safety Report

2018 Audi S5 faces significant engine reliability concerns and critical airbag recalls, with no official crash test ratings.

26Complaints
2Recalls
55/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
1Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (8)Unknown Or Other (5)Air Bags,Seat Belts,Seats (1)Parking Brake,Air Bags,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Power Train,Engine (1)Air Bags,Forward Collision Avoidance,Lane Departure (1)Suspension (1)Steering (1)Electrical System,Electronic Stability Control (Esc),Visibility/Wiper (1)Visibility/Wiper (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Audi S5

The 2018 Audi S5 presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to a concerning pattern of engine-related complaints and two significant airbag recalls, despite a relatively low overall complaint count. With 26 total complaints to NHTSA, the vehicle has reported 2 crashes, 0 fires, and 1 injury. A substantial portion of these complaints, 8 out of 26 (30.8%), are directed at the ENGINE component, indicating a potential systemic issue. These engine complaints frequently describe severe problems such as water pump failures leading to coolant leaks and overheating, rocker arm failures, and even complete engine failures requiring costly repairs, sometimes at mileages as low as 57,000 to 86,000 miles. Beyond the engine, the vehicle has two recalls related to the passenger airbag system. Both recalls, NHTSA Campaign Numbers 21V874000 and 21V874, address a disabled passenger airbag due to a faulty Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) wiring connection. This issue significantly increases the risk of injury in a crash, as the airbag may not deploy even when the seat is occupied. Several complaints directly reference this airbag issue, with owners reporting the 'Passenger Airbag Off' warning message. Other notable, though less frequent, complaints include sunroof explosions (reported multiple times), parking brake malfunctions leading to crashes, and issues with advanced safety systems like forward collision avoidance. NHTSA has not provided overall crash test ratings for the 2018 Audi S5, making it difficult to assess its performance in controlled crash scenarios. However, the reported crash incidents (2 total) and the single injury, combined with the critical airbag recalls, highlight areas of concern. The recurring engine problems, particularly those involving overheating and mechanical failure, pose both a reliability and potential safety risk if they lead to sudden vehicle disablement. The sunroof explosions, while not directly impacting crashworthiness, represent a significant safety hazard due to flying debris.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Audi S5 receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2018 Audi S5

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Audi S5:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Failure/Overheating
Multiple reports of water pump failure leading to coolant leaks, overheating, rocker arm failure, and complete engine failure, often requiring expensive repairs.		 High Common 57000-86000 miles
Passenger Airbag Deactivation
Recalls (21V874000, 21V874) for faulty Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) wiring, causing the passenger airbag to deactivate even when occupied, increasing injury risk.		 High Common N/A miles
Sunroof Explosion
Several complaints describe the sunroof spontaneously shattering or exploding while driving, causing debris and potential injury.		 Medium Occasional N/A miles
Parking Brake Malfunction
One complaint details the parking brake failing to disengage, leading to an accident, and another mentions the gearbox and parking brake releasing while in park, causing the vehicle to roll away.		 High Rare N/A miles
Forward Collision Avoidance System Failure
One report indicates the 'Pre Sense City' system failed to warn or act to prevent a rear-end collision with a stationary car.		 High Rare N/A 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 S5:

Engine 30% of complaints

Frequent complaints about water pump failure, coolant leaks, overheating, rocker arm issues, and complete engine failure.

Air Bags 7% of complaints

Issues related to passenger airbag deactivation, often linked to the recall for the Passenger Occupant Detection System.

Unknown Or Other 19% of complaints

Includes various issues like sunroof explosions, electronic reliability concerns, and camera malfunctions.

Visibility/Wiper 7% of complaints

Complaints related to sunroof explosions and camera system malfunctions.

Power Train 3% of complaints

One complaint noted a transmission error and car shutting off while driving.

Suspension 3% of complaints

One report of a broken rear spring and damaged shock.

Steering 3% of complaints

One complaint about the steering column locking lever falling off.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Audi S5

Is the 2018 Audi S5 safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Audi S5 has a concerning safety profile. While overall complaint numbers are low (26 total), a significant portion (8 complaints) points to severe engine issues like overheating and failure. More critically, there are two recalls (21V874000, 21V874) for a faulty passenger airbag system that can prevent deployment, increasing injury risk in a crash. NHTSA has not provided crash test ratings for this model, making a full assessment of its crashworthiness difficult.

What are common problems with the 2018 Audi S5?

The most reported issues for the 2018 Audi S5 are engine-related, accounting for 30.8% of all complaints. These include water pump failures, coolant leaks, overheating, rocker arm issues, and complete engine failures. Additionally, there are common problems related to the passenger airbag system due to a recall, and several reports of sunroof explosions.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 Audi S5?

Yes, the 2018 Audi S5 has two active recalls. Both recalls (NHTSA Campaign Numbers 21V874000 and 21V874) address a critical issue where the passenger airbag may not deploy due to a faulty Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) wiring connection, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

How does the 2018 Audi S5 perform in crash tests?

NHTSA has not provided specific overall, frontal, side, or rollover crash test ratings for the 2018 Audi S5. Therefore, its performance in controlled crash scenarios cannot be assessed based on official government ratings.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2018 Audi S5?

When considering a used 2018 Audi S5, prioritize verifying that both airbag recalls (21V874000, 21V874) have been completed. Thoroughly inspect the engine for any signs of coolant leaks, listen for unusual noises (like ticking), and review service records for water pump or rocker arm replacements. Also, check the sunroof for any signs of prior damage or repair.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the significant engine reliability concerns and critical airbag recalls, potential buyers should proceed with caution, ensure all recalls are addressed, and conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine and airbag system.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Audi S5

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Audi S5. The data includes 26 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, 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.