2018 Audi S4: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Audi S4? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 7 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2018 Audi S4 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2018 Audi S4.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2018 Audi S4 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated9.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
9.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Audi S4 has 7 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Audi
- Model
- S4
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 7
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 30
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Audi S4 Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Suspension Failures
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Suspension Failures, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Audi S4?
The 2018 Audi S4 looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Audi S4
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for reported issues such as stalling or performance problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, suspension, and brake components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine for reported issues such as stalling or performance problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, suspension, and brake components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Audi S4, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
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 7 NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Audi S4, issues appear concentrated in the engine, with 4 reports. Other components such as suspension, brakes, structure, transmission, and unintended acceleration each have 1 complaint. No crash-related complaints were reported, but the low complaint volume limits confidence.
- Engine Problems account for the majority of complaints (4 out of 7).
- No crash-related complaints were reported for the 2018 model year.
- The vehicle has 2 recalls, but their relation to the complaints is not specified.
- Engine Problems: 4 complaints, suggesting a potential pattern of engine-related issues.
- Suspension Failures: 1 complaint, indicating possible suspension concerns.
- Brake System: 1 complaint, highlighting brake-related issues.
All 2018 Audi S4 Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Audi S4. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Audi S4. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Water pump defect for the 3.0L ea839 turbo engine found across many Porsche and Audi models. Defect causes damage to vacuum lines, thermostat, and can eventually lead to engine failure if not resolved. No way of knowing this is happening until you start to lose coolant (which wil…
My 2018 Audi S4 has a catastrophic engine failure issue and this is common with the EA839 engine. There is a knocking in the motor that is caused by internal engine parts (rocker arms needle bearings) becoming loose and dislodged. The metal shavings travel in the motor oil and de…
PCV housing and lines failed. Caused pressure to build up thus shooting off the oil cap shooting oil everywhere! in addition to that it is a huge fire hazard considering the turbo is right next to it.
Audi Dealer inspection revealed Rear spring is broken and mounts are deteriorating. Dealer states not common and would result in accident if not repaired. Research indicates broken springs common with certain Audi vehicles (A4/S4, Q5 & Q7), especially 2018 model year. See Audi …
THE VEHICLE'S PRE SENSE AUTO-BRAKING AND BRAKING ALERT JOLT HAS BEEN ACTIVATING ERRONEOUSLY AND HAVE ALMOST CAUSED ACCIDENTS AT SPEED. THE SYSTEM CANNOT BE PERMANENTLY DISABLED, IT DEACTIVATES UPON IGNITION RESTART. THE SYSTEM HAS ERRONEOUSLY AND AGGRESSIVELY JOLTED THE BREAKS …
THERE ARE TWO LARGE "UNDERRIDE GUARD" PANELS ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE THAT ARE FASTENED BY SMALL, LOOSE-FITTING PLASTIC CLIPS. THERE IS ALSO FELT SOUND-DEADENING MATERIAL ON THE EXTERIOR SIDE OF THIS PANEL. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN IN RAIN OR SNOW, THE PANEL COLLECTS SNO…
WHEN DRIVING IN MANUAL MODE AND TRANSITION FROM ON THE THROTTLE TO OFF-THROTTLE, THERE IS A 1-2 SECOND DELAY BEFORE THE ENGINE STOPS ACCELERATING AND TRANSITIONS TO DECELERATION. ESPECIALLY IN FIRST GEAR, THIS MEANS THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE FOR THAT PERIOD OF TIM…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Audi S4.
2018 Audi S4 Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Audi S4. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Audi S4 Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Audi S4 reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 7 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Audi S4 looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 S4?▾
#1: Engine Problems (4 complaints). #2: Suspension Failures (1 complaints). #3: Brake System (1 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Audi S4?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Audi S4?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Audi S4, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 7 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Audi S4 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Audi S4. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Audi S4?▾
The 2018 Audi S4 looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. 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 S4 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Audi S4 based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
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.