VehicleVerdict

2018 Audi S5 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 40 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.2 times the median S5 year — the 2018 model ranks #2 of 16 S5 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (9), other (8), and airbags (3), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

40

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other S5 years?

S5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted50 complaints2008: 3 complaints2010: 26 complaints2011: 9 complaints2012: 10 complaints2013: 20 complaints2014: 7 complaints2015: 4 complaints2016: 3 complaints2018: 40 complaints2019: 6 complaints2020: 50 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 2 complaints2023: 3 complaints2024: 2 complaints2025: 22 complaints
S5 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S5 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Audi S5 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine923%
Other820%
Electrical System38%
Airbags38%
Brakes38%
Visibility & Wipers38%
Seat Belts25%
Transmission25%
Driver Assistance25%
Body & Structure13%
Suspension13%
Fuel System13%
Seats13%
Steering13%

Does the 2018 Audi S5 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V874000AirbagsNovember 10, 2021 · 208,332 units

Defect

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 remedy.

19V547000AirbagsJuly 24, 2019 · 145,337 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The 2018 year for the Audi S5 has a notorious rocker arm failure within the engine. Audi is aware of this problem because they have revised the part for later build dates. However, they have failed to remedy the issue for the vehicles that fall within the problematic build dates. Once this failure…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 23, 2022

“FORWARD COLLISION WARNING AND MITIGATION SYSTEM (PRE SENSE CITY) DID NOT WORK TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT WHERE I REAR ENDED A CAR THAT WAS STATIONARY. NO WARNING OR ACTION WAS TAKEN BY THE CAR. POLICE REPORT ATTACHED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 26, 2018 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 AUDI S5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEARBOX AND PARKING BRAKE RELEASED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 19, 2019 · crash

“DURING A DRIVE ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY IN TENNESSEE ON12/27/19, THE SUNROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED. SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 75-80 MPH ON A CLOUDY DAY WITH THE TEMPERATURE IN THE LOW 60'S F. WITHOUT ANY PRIOR INDICATIONS, THERE WAS A LOUD BOOM. A SECTION OF THE SUNROOF APPROX 18' IN DIAMETER SEPARATED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 27, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 AUDI S5. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SEAT BELT WARNING CHIME CONTINUOUSLY SOUNDED EVEN WITH THE SEAT BELT ENGAGED AND IN USE. THE SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATOR ALSO REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO AUDI BIRMINGHAM MICHIGAN (34602…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 28, 2019

2018 Audi S5 — common questions

Is the 2018 Audi S5 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 40 complaints put the 2018 model at #2 of 16 S5 years. It is one of the S5 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 S5 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (9 complaints), other (8 complaints), airbags (3 complaints).

Does the 2018 Audi S5 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Audi S5. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi S5 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S5 years to avoid are 2020, 2018. The cleanest record among S5 years belongs to 2021.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.