2018 Audi A5 problems

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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).

2018 Audi A5

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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.

2018 Audi A5 engine

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.

2021-11-10
  • 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.
2019-07-24
  • 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.
2018-12-17
  • 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.
2018-11-27
  • 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.
2017-12-20
  • 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.
2017-10-25
  • 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

  1. 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).

Positive 2018 Audi A5 car reviews

  1. Nils Leuschke 2024-09-12

    This car is the best one I have ever owned, even better than my BMWs, Mercedes, and Infinity. If it were all electric, I wouldn't even consider trading or selling it.

  2. Lamar Haag 2024-08-16

    All options and great mileage!

  3. Randy Koepp 2024-07-25

    This is my first experience with a German car and I'm kicking myself for waiting so long! Although they may be more expensive, the quality of the driving experience is definitely worth the cost. I'm excited to say that we'll be upgrading our second car to another Audi soon.

  4. Garett Grant 2024-07-25

    Great ride! This sharp-looking, tech-smart sport sedan is sure to impress.

  5. Branson Herzog 2024-07-16

    Magnificent car! It's so fun to drive. I find the 2.0 engine plenty powerful and great on gas. While it may be a little tough to get in and out of, there's plenty of room once you're in. The only minor complaints I have are the poor interior lighting at night from the dome and the lack of a back wiper. Overall, it's an outstanding little rocket car that's a blast to drive hard.

Leave your review of 2018 Audi A5

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2018 Audi A5 problems:

Audi A5 2018+ Reliability? : r/askcarsales
Audi A5 2018+ Reliability? : r/askcarsales
https://www.reddit.com/r/askcarsales/comments/nyqqb1/audi_a5_2018_reliability/

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
10 of the most common problems with the Audi A5 - BreakerLink Blog
https://www.breakerlink.com/blog/buying-selling/10-of-the-most-common-problems-with-the-audi-a5/

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
2018+ Reliability? - AudiWorld Forums
https://www.audiworld.com/forums/audi-a5-s5-rs5-coupe-cabrio-b9-220/2018-reliability-3020305/

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
2018 Audi A5 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/audi/a5/2018/common-problems/

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
2018 Audi A5 Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/audi/a5/2018/reliability/

Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Electrical Accessories · In-car Electronics · Engine Minor · Exhaust · Body Hardware · Transmission Major · Steering And ...

Other years of Audi A5

audi a5 2019 photo
A5 2019
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11

3

23

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audi a5 2020 photo
A5 2020
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9

4

29

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audi a5 2021 photo
A5 2021
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3

5

14

  • 5
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audi a5 2008 photo
A5 2008
Audi

4

1

14

  • 5
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audi a5 2009 photo
A5 2009
Audi

11

1

19

  • 5
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  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
audi a5 2010 photo
A5 2010
Audi

34

0

18

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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