repaired · 2023 Q4
Occupant classification: front passenger
Risk. A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
2018 Audi S5Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 26 owner complaints about the 2018 Audi S5, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-874 the manufacturer reports only 77% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 14, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Audi S5 has problems
26 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
9Engine
3Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
3Visibility/wiper
2Parking brake2 crash/fire/injury
2Power train1 crash/fire/injury
2Electrical system
2Seat belts
1Service brakes
1Steering
77 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 9 | 0 |
| Air bags | 3 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 0 |
| Parking brake | 2 | 2 |
| Power train | 2 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| 7 other systems | 7 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2018 Audi S5 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Audi.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other S5 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the S5 median. How we score
'08'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Audi S5 safety ratings
2018 Audi S5 2 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What S5 owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
An Audi dealer has just diagnosed my 2018 S5 Cabriolet Prestige with vacuum system contamination caused by water pump failure. I had requested the diagnostic due to small coolant leaks on the engine and loss of coolant in the expansion tank. No warning lights and no overheating yet. Not yet aware…
VEHICLE Year: 2018 Make: Audi Model: S5 Prestige Trim: 3.0 TFSI (EA839 V6 Turbo) Mileage: 86,000 Engine Code: CWGD COMPLAINT TITLE Latent Engine Failure – EA839 Piston Skirt + Rocker Arm Defects – Dealer Broke Engine Cover, Left Wiring Harness Dangling – Audi Denies Despite Having DIY Receipts For…
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to report a mechanical issue with my 2018 Audi S5 Sportback. Around 57,000 miles, the engine began making a noticeable ticking noise, which I have been advised is due to failing rocker arms. This issue has raised serious concerns, as it can…
Own a 2018 S5?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.