Before you buy
This 2018 Audi A5 has 6 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2018 Audi A5 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2018 Audi A5 trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2018 Audi A5 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2018 Audi A5 2 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
AUDI A5 2018 has 6 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls. Engine problems lead with 3 complaints, followed by electrical faults (2) and transmission issues (1). Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Audi
- Model
- A5
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 6
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 27
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 24 / 33
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2018 Audi A5 problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2018 Audi A5?
The 2018 Audi A5 may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the low complaint count means patterns are unclear. Proceed with caution and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Engine and electrical issues can lead to costly repairs, so understanding these patterns helps avoid unexpected expenses.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize style and performance and are willing to accept some risk due to limited data.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking maximum reliability and minimal risk should consider other years with more favorable data.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2018 Audi A5
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for signs of problems, such as unusual noises or leaks.
- Check electrical systems, including infotainment and lighting.
- Test transmission for smooth shifting and drivetrain for vibrations.
Before You Close the Deal
- Pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine and electrical systems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, electrical, and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Audi A5, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Audi A5 has 6 total complaints and 6 recalls, with engine problems being the most reported issue (3 complaints). Electrical faults (2 complaints) and transmission/drivetrain (1 complaint) are also noted. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, the 2018 A5 has a low complaint count, but the confidence level is low due to the small sample size.
Recall context: With 6 recalls, it is essential to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Engine problems account for 3 of the 6 total complaints.
- Electrical faults account for 2 of the 6 total complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues account for 1 complaint.
- Engine Problems (3 complaints)
- Electrical Faults (2 complaints)
- Transmission / Drivetrain (1 complaint)
Full breakdown
All 2018 Audi A5 complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Audi A5. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Audi A5. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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…
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 com…
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)…
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. Eng…
Engine shuts off occasionally whilst cornering at very low speed. No warning. Been happening for several years.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Audi A5.
Safety recalls
2018 Audi A5 recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Audi A5. With 6 recalls, it is essential to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SUSPENSION:FRONT
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
SEATS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2018 Audi A5 buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Audi A5 reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 6 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Audi A5 may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the low complaint count means patterns are unclear. Proceed with caution and a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Audi A5?▾
#1: Engine Problems (3 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (2 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (1 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Audi A5?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Audi A5?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Audi A5, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 6 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Audi A5 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Audi A5. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. With 6 recalls, it is essential to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Audi A5?▾
The 2018 Audi A5 may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the low complaint count means patterns are unclear. Proceed with caution and a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Engine and electrical issues can lead to costly repairs, so understanding these patterns helps avoid unexpected expenses. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Audi A5 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Audi A5 based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.