Is the 2018 Audi A5 reliable?

The 2018 Audi A5 has 46 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Audi A5?

Top problems: ENGINE (9 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (8 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (4 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Audi A5?

Yes, there are 6 recall(s): 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. Contact any Audi dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Audi A5?

The 2018 Audi A5 gets 27 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1778. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Audi A5?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Audi A5 is approximately $2,143/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2018 Audi A5

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Audi A5 has 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.6x the segment average of 18. The most common issue is engine problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: vehical speeds forward when turning when stepping on brakes.. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year.

1 crash report 3 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

2.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

9 complaints

20%

• VEHICAL SPEEDS FORWARD WHEN TURNING WHEN STEPPING ON BRAKES.
• Large coolant leak due to faulty plastic thermostat and water pump which can cause overheating, catastrophic engine failure, and fire, putting consumers at risk. The thermostat housing has been replaced by the dealership, but not the water pump, just the water pump seal. There were no warnings prior
• The contact owns a 2018 Audi A5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the gears unexpectedly shifted. Additionally, on one occasion, the vehicle lost motive power for two full days. The vehicle was later able to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken t

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“VEHICAL SPEEDS FORWARD WHEN TURNING WHEN STEPPING ON BRAKES.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Audi A5

Based on 18 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 12K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 3K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (6)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE24/07/2019

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.

Risk: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Audi A5

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,778

Per month

$148

Per mile

14.8¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,001/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,412/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Audi A5

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,143

Full coverage / month

$179

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+28%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$2143

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Audi A5 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

Long-interval service (LongLife) uses fully-synthetic oil. Some engines have timing belts (check owner's manual).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Audi New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion coverage is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Audi. If you're buying a used 2018 A5, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Audi dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 46 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: VEHICAL SPEEDS FORWARD WHEN TURNING WHEN STEPPING ON BRAKES.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: CAR WAS IN PARK WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT ON. WHEELS TURNED TO THE RIGHT AND TIGHT TO THE CURB. SOMEHOW THE CAR ROLLED DOWN HILL AND STRUCK A TREE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE POLICE TOOK PICTURES OF THE INTERIOR SHOWING BOTH THE IN PARK LIGHT AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT ON. THERE IS NO LOGICAL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: VEHICAL SPEEDS FORWARD WHEN TURNING WHEN STEPPING ON BRAKES.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: I WAS DRIVING MY NEW 2018 AUDI A5 CABRIOLET (APPROX. 4500 MILES) ON A LOCAL ROAD. THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR WAS IN THE 'DOWN' POSITION WHEN DRIVING THIS MORNING HEADED INTO THE RISING SUN. AS THE SUN SHIFTED FROM IN FRONT OF ME TO MY LEFT SIDE, I RELEASED THE SUN VISOR FROM THE CLIP AND MOVED IT T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Audi dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)