2018 Audi S5: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Audi S5: 2 recalls, 26 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #19V547000 · 2019 · 145,337 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install cable ties to the harness, free of charge. The recall began September 9, 2019.
Airbags, Seats Vehicle recall #21V874000 · 2021 · 208,332 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (9): the most common themes are overheating (4), warning light on (3), won't start (2).
- Other / unknown (8): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Visibility/Wiper (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2018 Audi S5 has 26 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 17 S5 model years for complaints (3.1× the average S5 year). Complaints peaked in 2025 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 4,750 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (6 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Audi S5.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 Audi S5 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Audi S5. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Audi S5 problems?
Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (9), other / unknown (8), visibility/wiper (3).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Audi S5 get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (AM-S8)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Audi S5 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.