2018 Audi S5 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2 safety recalls on file

The 2018 Audi S5 has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA, including 2 crashes, 1 injury.

The most-reported problem area is Engine (9 reports).

2Recalls
26Owner complaints
2Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your S5?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2018 Audi S5 recalls

Passenger Airbag May Be Wrongly Turned Off in a Crash

Recall 21V874Nov 10, 2021208,332 vehicles affected

A fault in the cable linking the front passenger seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System can cause an intermittent contact problem.

Passenger Air Bag May Be Disabled, Raising Crash Injury Risk

Recall 19V547Jul 24, 2019145,337 vehicles affected

Corrosion (oxidation) on the cable connecting the passenger occupant detection system can cause the software to wrongly detect a fault and switch off the front passenger air bag.

Most common 2018 Audi S5 problems

Problem areas named in the 26 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Engine9
Unknown Or Other8
Visibility/Wiper3
Air Bags3
Parking Brake2
Power Train2
Electrical System2
Seat Belts2
Structure1
Service Brakes1

What owners report

2025-12-14, Engine
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 of any loss of performance. I have been advised it is unsafe to continue driving the car. Dealer has quoted me $7800 estimate to repair the car. Purchased the car in 2021 as a Certified Pre Owned vehicle, and it now has about 84K miles on the OD.
2025-12-08, Air Bags
Component/System: Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) / Airbag system — Recall 74E3 / NHTSA 21V874. What Happened: The passenger airbag may switch off even when the seat is occupied due to a faulty PODS wiring connection. The warning message “Passenger Airbag Off” appears with a chime. This is an active safety recall that was issued before I purchased the vehicle, but the recall was not disclosed at the time of sale. Safety Risk: If the system shuts off the airbag incorrectly, the passenger may have no airbag protection in a crash, creating a serious risk of injury or death. Inspection Availability: Vehicle is available for inspection. I live on the Big Island of Hawaii, wher
2025-11-16, Engine
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 Maintenance DESCRIPTION At 86,000 miles, my 2018 Audi S5 Prestige suffered internal engine failure from metal debris and cylinder wall scoring. Dealer borescope showed: Metal in oil filter (bearing + non-ferrous “other metal”) Deep scoring on multiple cylinders No check engine light. No power loss yet. Still drivable — but seizure is imminent. DEALER NEGLIGENCE AT [Audi Of Chantil
2025-08-05, Unknown Or Other
Vacuum line has coolant due to water pump failure and over heating of engine. Whole water pump and coolant reservoir plus hoses need to be replaced before additional damage to vehicle.
2025-07-10, Engine
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 lead to engine misfires, reduced performance, and potentially catastrophic engine damage if left unresolved. The problem appeared without warning, despite regular maintenance and no prior engine alerts. I believe this may be a defect affecting other Audi models with similar engines, and I urge the NHTSA to investigate whether a recall or technical service bulletin should be issued. Vehicle Informat

2018 Audi S5 questions

Does the 2018 Audi S5 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2018 Audi S5: Passenger Airbag May Be Wrongly Turned Off in a Crash; Passenger Air Bag May Be Disabled, Raising Crash Injury Risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Audi S5?

Based on 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (9), Unknown Or Other (8), Visibility/Wiper (3).

How do I check if a recall on my 2018 Audi S5 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Audi S5 years

Other 2018 Audi models