2018 Audi A5 problems
The Audi A5 is a series of compact executive coupé cars produced by the German automobile manufacturer Audi since June 2007. The A5 range additionally comprises the coupe, cabriolet, and "Sportback" (a five-door liftback with a fastback roofline) version of the Audi A4 saloon and estate models.
Under Audi's internal platform numbering convention, the A5 is a member of the B-platform series of vehicles, sharing its platform designation with the A4 saloon and Avant. The first generation A5 (Type 8T) is therefore a member of the B8 family, whilst the second generation model (Type 8W6) is based on the B9. Both are derived from the Volkswagen MLB (Modular Longitudinal Matrix) architecture.
First generation (2007)
Initial release
When presented at the March 2007 Geneva Motor Show, the A5 marked Audi's return to the compact executive coupé market since the (B3/B4) Audi 80 based coupé model ended production in 1996. On May 10, 2006, Audi confirmed that the A5 would go into production. The B6/B7 A4 spawned a convertible variant but not a coupé. For the fourth-generation A4 (B8), Audi decided to spin off the cabriolet, along with a new coupé and 4-door fastback sedan, into a nameplate of its own as the A5.
The A5 was the first of the B8 family of vehicles to be released (the others being the A4 and the Q5 crossover SUV), all based on the Audi MLP platform (Modular Longitudinal Platform) which underpin the next generation A6 and A8.
The A5 is the third coupé in Audi's line up, following the second generation TT and the R8. The A5 adopted design elements of the Nuvolari quattro concept car. The A5 debuted with the 3.2 litre FSI V6 engine delivering 195 kW (265 PS; 261 hp).
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Common 2018 Audi A5 problems
The 2018 Audi A5 has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. The most significant issues are related to miscellaneous problems, accessories - interior, and engine problems.
- Excessive Oil Consumption and Turbo Failure: One of the most serious problems reported is excessive oil consumption, which can lead to the destruction of the turbocharger. This issue has affected numerous 2018 Audi A5 owners, with an average cost to fix of $20,000 and typically occurring around 24,000 miles.
- Sun Visor Problems: Another common issue with the 2018 Audi A5 is the sun visor. Some owners have reported that the sun visor falls off, while others have experienced broken sun visors. These problems typically occur around 14,000 miles and 13,000 miles, respectively, and there is no reported average cost to fix for these issues.
- Infotainment System Issues: The infotainment system in the 2018 Audi A5 has also been reported to have several problems. These issues include the MMI screen going blank or freezing, the system failing to power on or off, and difficulties recognizing CDs or DVDs. The 2010 A5 model has the highest reported problems in this category, but it's essential to note that these issues can affect all Audi A5 models.
- Multitronic Gearbox Problems: Early Audi A5 models, particularly those produced between 2007 and 2016, have had more reported instances of Multitronic gearbox problems. These issues include transmission failure, power loss or immobility, shuddering, jerking, and unusual noises during acceleration or cruising. Overheating is another problem, particularly during demanding driving conditions or towing heavy loads.
- Airbag Issues: Airbag problems can impact all Audi A5 models. The water pump is crucial in circulating coolant throughout the engine to maintain optimal temperature. When the water pump fails, circulation is disrupted, resulting in the engine overheating and the potential for severe damage to your vehicle.
- Carbon Build-Up: Carbon build-up issues have been reported in Audi A5 vehicles. Excessive carbon build-up can result in engine misfires, leading to poor performance and decreased fuel efficiency. It’s worth noting that this problem can impact all Audi A5 models.
In summary, the 2018 Audi A5 has several common problems that owners have reported. These issues include excessive oil consumption and turbo failure, sun visor problems, infotainment system issues, Multitronic gearbox problems, airbag issues, and carbon build-up. While these problems can affect all Audi A5 models, the 2018 model seems to have a higher prevalence of certain issues, such as excessive oil consumption and turbo failure. It is essential for potential buyers to be aware of these problems and consider the potential costs of repairs when purchasing a 2018 Audi A5.
What is the common problem with Audi A5?
Carbon build-up issues have been reported in Audi A5 vehicles. Excessive carbon build-up can result in engine misfires, leading to poor performance and decreased fuel efficiency. It's worth noting that this problem can impact all Audi A5 models.
Is an Audi A5 expensive to maintain?
An Audi A5 will cost about $8,687 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for luxury hatchback models by $2,668. There is also a 25.29% chance that an A5 will require a major repair during that time.
Is Audi A5 a reliable car?
Quality and Reliability 72.0/100
The 2023 Audi A5 has a predicted reliability score of 72 out of 100.
Is an Audi A5 expensive to run?
That means despite relatively high sticker prices the A5 should be a relatively inexpensive car to run. That's driven by not just assured high residual values when you've finished with it and tax reduction chasing emissions and economy, but also the option of fixed price servicing packages.
What is the common problem with Audi A5?
Carbon build-up issues have been reported in Audi A5 vehicles. Excessive carbon build-up can result in engine misfires, leading to poor performance and decreased fuel efficiency. It's worth noting that this problem can impact all Audi A5 models.
Is an Audi A5 expensive to maintain?
An Audi A5 will cost about $8,687 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for luxury hatchback models by $2,668. There is also a 25.29% chance that an A5 will require a major repair during that time.
Is Audi A5 a reliable car?
Quality and Reliability 72.0/100
The 2023 Audi A5 has a predicted reliability score of 72 out of 100.
Is an Audi A5 expensive to run?
That means despite relatively high sticker prices the A5 should be a relatively inexpensive car to run. That's driven by not just assured high residual values when you've finished with it and tax reduction chasing emissions and economy, but also the option of fixed price servicing packages.
2018 Audi A5 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Audi A5.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2018 Audi A5 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2018 Audi A5.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of North America (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A5 Sportback vehicles. The front suspension fasteners may not have been sufficiently tightened during vehicle production, possibly resulting in a front wheel becoming loose.
- Consequence: A loose front wheel may increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the front suspension fasteners, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 23, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 40O2.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A5 Sportback and 2017-2018 Audi A4 Allroad vehicles. A passenger air bag module mounting screw may not have been sufficiently tightened, possibly affecting the deployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.
- Consequence: If the air bag does not deploy correctly in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of an injury.
- Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag mounting screw, tightening or replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y4.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A5 Coupe vehicles. The affected vehicles were built with head curtain air bag assemblies that may not unfold properly. As such, these vehicle fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the head curtain air bag, if the air bag does not deploy properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
- Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will modify the head curtain air bags so that they deploy properly, free of charge. The recall began on January 18, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 11-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69T7.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
- Summary: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad, and 2018 A5 Sportback vehicles. The aluminum trim on the front and rear doors can come loose from around the door speakers, leaving sharp edges exposed.
- Consequence: The sharp edges of the speaker trim increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
- Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the speaker cover aluminum trim, free of charge. The recall began March 13, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 70G6.
Negative 2018 Audi A5 car reviews
Positive 2018 Audi A5 car reviews
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This car is amazing! The technology for both the entertainment and driving systems is fantastic. It may take a little while to learn where all the menu items are and what they all do, but it's definitely worth the effort. Plus, I always get envious looks every time I drive it! While some reviews mention that adults can sit in the back seat, it may not be the most comfortable for long rides. However, as the proud owner of this convertible, I don't mind at all!
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This is my 4th convertible! I've had a 1964 Ford 500 XL (a big boat of a car), a 1976 Fiat Spyder (a real fun car), a 1997 Sebring (a sedan with a top that went down), and now the Audi 5A. Before the Audi, I had a Rav4 SUV. (Also a couple of station wagons along the way between convertibles.) Stepping up in size is not a problem, but stepping down is taking some getting used to. With less than one month of ownership, I have already taken a trip from the Chicago area around Lake Michigan and a second trip to Door County in WI. I am learning that a 77-year-old body is not as flexible as a 35-year-old one. Getting in, sitting, and driving is not the problem. It is getting out after a few hours of driving. One issue is blocking the sun with the top up or down. The driver sun screen is very small. The Rav4 had a sun screen that, when on the side window, could be slid back to do a good job of blocking the sun from the side. Unfortunately, the Audi does not have this feature. Most of the other 'issues' with the car are due to lack of knowledge and education. Hopefully, these will decrease with time. The biggest problem is finding cheap high-octane gasoline for the car. I pulled into one station where regular was $2.83 and the hi-test was $3.83. I did not buy there, but I'm still paying 40 to 70 cents a gallon more. I have been told mid-grade gasoline should do an adequate job. I will try that since it is only about 20 cents more than regular.
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I have owned several different types of convertibles, including Triumphs, Austin Healy’s, 3 BMW’s, a Boxster, and 2 Miata’s. However, the Audi A5 is by far the most enjoyable car I have ever owned. The soft top is just as quiet as the hardtop convertibles, but with the added bonus of significant trunk space when the top is down. This means I can easily fit my golf clubs in the trunk instead of the back seat! The power of the A5 is quite impressive, and I have even achieved up to 38 MPG on the highway. The driving experience is incredibly smooth, with slightly less road feel than my 05 BMW 3 series, but comparable to the BMW 4 series. The technology and sound system are second to none, and I found them very user-friendly and easy to learn. With the wind stop in place and windows up with the top down, there is minimal wind buffeting. If it gets too hot, the ventilated seats keep you much cooler (unlike BMW). The rear seats are adequately comfortable around town for adults, but getting in and out can be a challenge. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my Audi A5 and plan to keep it for a long time!
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This is my 4th A5 Cab and I must say, this redesign is absolutely amazing! The car is solid, bold, and powerful, making it a joy to get behind the wheel of. It's a perfect combination of luxury and sport, and the soft top gives you plenty of trunk space even when the top is down. I've seen convertibles with less trunk space! The technology is a bit overwhelming at first, but I'm getting the hang of it. I also own a 2017 E Class Benz, but in my opinion, it doesn't even come close to comparing to this one. Audi really nailed it with this redesign!
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It's loaded with technology and the new design is really eye-catching!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Audi A5 problems:
Audi A5 2018+ Reliability? : r/askcarsales
Jun 13, 2021 ... They're quite reliable. Keep up with the preventive maintenance and you'll be fine. Someone mentioned the 40k service with the transmission, ...
10 of the most common problems with the Audi A5 - BreakerLink Blog
Jul 13, 2023 ... So what are the most common faults with the A5? · 1. Infotainment system issues · 2. Multitronic gearbox problems · 3. Airbags · 4. Timing chain ...
2018+ Reliability? - AudiWorld Forums
Jun 13, 2021 ... Audi A5 / S5 / RS5 Coupe & Cabrio (B9) - 2018+ Reliability? - I know this is an Audi forum, so most will say nothing but good things about ...
2018 Audi A5 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2018 Audi A5? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2018 Audi A5 Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Electrical Accessories · In-car Electronics · Engine Minor · Exhaust · Body Hardware · Transmission Major · Steering And ...
Other years of Audi A5
Are you having problems with your 2018 Audi A5?
Napoleon Lemke 2025-02-11
It's been over 2 years and 35k miles since I got Rhi Rhi, and I'm happy to say that she's still a thrill to drive and looks as good as ever. I've taken good care of her with regular maintenance and new tires, but she hasn't had any major issues with the transmission, engine, brakes, or overheating. The paint still looks fantastic with no fading or major scratches, and the interior is holding up well too. Even my Australian Cattle dog hasn't caused any damage to the rear seats, which still look new thanks to the dog hammock I use. The ride and performance are still great, and I even upgraded to better Continental tires which improved road noise and comfort. The sporback is not only good-looking, but also practical with its spacious hatch that can fit even large items like a 65 gallon aquarium. I've noticed several newer ones in the workplace parking lot, and even my BMW-loving colleague traded in his year-old 3 series for one that looks just like mine. He raves about it often, and I have no regrets about my purchase. Despite my dealership's attempts to get me to upgrade to newer models like the S5, RS 5, or S7, I'm perfectly happy with Rhi Rhi as she is.I had a great experience with my Audi A5 Sportback! My personal mechanic, who specializes in German vehicles, told me that this car is a sweet spot that even Audi didn't realize they had created. The ride and performance are still great, and I even noticed an improvement in road noise and comfort after switching to Continental tires. The Sportback is a good-looking vehicle, and the hatch is a huge plus when it comes to loading items from places like home improvement stores. I've even loaded a 65-gallon aquarium in it! Since I've had mine, I've noticed several newer ones in my company's parking lot, and three people have asked me about mine. One of them even traded in his BMW for one that looks just like mine! As far as car purchases go, this is tied for my favorite out of the 13 I've owned. I've had no regrets or buyer's remorse. However, I did experience some issues with the engine at 61k miles, and unfortunately, the warranty had expired. Despite this, I still had a great experience with my Audi A5 Sportback and would recommend it to others.I hope you are doing well. Take care!
Gideon Lesch 2024-11-07
This car is a blast to drive in the summer! The acceleration is phenomenal and the ride is incredibly comfortable. You might even find yourself going 100 without even realizing it! The aerodynamic styling is also very sharp and eye-catching. On the downside, the cup holders in front are in a bit of a bad location as they block some of the controls. Additionally, the glove box has lost some space from previous years and can no longer fit the owner's manual. The small storage box to the left of the steering wheel is also too small for the manual. Lastly, the pockets on the door can be a bit awkward to get items in and out of. Overall, though, this car is a joy to drive in the summer (I have yet to own it during a winter season).