2018 Audi A5

38 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Sep 15, 2026Failure Sep 10, 2026Chandler, AZPower train

   Without warning or alerts from vehicle, car became disabled while partially into a left turn at a four way intersection. Car engine would rev, but not move. Gear selector worked, but wheels would not turn. Front wheels were completely locked and vehicle had to be dragged onto a flatbed truck. Police had to be dispatched to ensure safely of other drivers passing through the intersection until my vehicle was removed. Had a [XXX] child in the car with me that had to be received by my spouse. After towing car to an ASE certified independent repair shop, a full transmission replacement was recommended. Car has approximately 38,900 miles and is 8 years old. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11764283
2. Filed Aug 28, 2026Failure Aug 10, 2026Brookline, MASuspension

   2018 Audi A5 Sportback has 16,500 miles only on it. Used for city driving only; never off road. Recently went in for annual inspection and was told that my right rear coil spring had snapped in two and vehicle was unsafe to drive. Took vehicle to local Audi dealer and they confirmed broken coil spring; they wanted $3000 to repair the vehicle. I took the vehicle instead to a local mechanic who did the repair--replacement of both broken right rear spring and one on left side--for ~$1000. Mechanic noted that he has seen and repaired many Audis with similar snapped rear coil springs.

   NHTSA complaint 11760234
3. Filed Aug 10, 2026Failure Jul 30, 2026Katy, TXAir bags

   My 2018 Audi A5 Sportback previously received Audi Safety Recall 74E3 on January 27, 2023. The recall repair documentation indicates a seat POD (Passenger Occupant Detection System) update was performed. Several years later, the vehicle developed another passenger airbag fault. The vehicle displays a message indicating the front passenger airbag is OFF even when an occupant is seated in the front passenger seat. Audi diagnosed fault code B12251B, "Passive Occupant Detection System Mat Resistance Too High," and determined that the seat POD occupancy mat and wiring are defective and require replacement. Audi has refused to cover the repair because more than 12 months and 12,000 miles have passed since the recall repair. I am concerned that the passenger occupant detection system involved in the previous safety recall has failed again, resulting in the passenger airbag being disabled while the seat is occupied. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether the recall remedy adequately corrected this safety issue.

   NHTSA complaint 11755942
4. Filed Feb 18, 2026Failure Feb 13, 2026Los Angeles, CAElectrical system

   The MMI ( main screen) system randomly reboots every 5 minutes, even when using CarPlay, which is unsafe. Please check it out. Thank you!

   NHTSA complaint 11718683
5. Filed Feb 11, 2026Failure Feb 6, 2026Gray, LAElectrical system

   I turned on my car and several malfunctions came on the dash,and would not start and went in limp mode. A local mechanic stated it's the electrical component of the coolant pump causing malfunction. He also stated that could lead the car catching fire if overheats since the 5V is dipping below due to the faulty coolant /water pump. Ultimately forcing the car in limp mode for safety precautions. The problem is I purchase my car at 87,000 miles from the Audi dealership, and the extended warranty that covers the car is 80,000 miles

   NHTSA complaint 11717440
6. Filed Sep 29, 2025Failure Sep 26, 2025Seattle, WAEngine and engine cooling

   I own a 2018 Audi A5. Many critical cooling system parts — including the thermostat housing, water pump housing, radiator end tanks, breather tubes, and quick-connect hoses — are made of plastic and sit in constant exposure to coolant temperatures over 200°F. Over time, these components become brittle, crack, and fail prematurely. Recently, the plastic breather/return hose between the coolant reservoir and the radiator broke apart during routine service due to brittleness. When these parts fail, coolant leaks quickly, which can cause sudden overheating, engine damage, and potential vehicle disablement while driving. Based on owner reports and my own experience, this appears to be a widespread issue across Audi/VW vehicles of this generation. I request that NHTSA investigate whether the use of plastic in these high-heat, high-pressure components represents a design defect that creates a safety hazard.

   NHTSA complaint 11690455
7. Filed Sep 8, 2025Failure Feb 28, 2025West Hollywood, CAPower train

   The water pump failed on my vehicle. Initially reported 2/2025 at Authorized Audi Service Center. They claimed it was normal for coolant to dip. Audi USA Confirmed I have a settlement class vehicle in 03/2025. Mentioned an 80K Mileage limit. (Car only had 69K miles at the time) When the issue persisted I reached out for repair in accordance to Water Pump Settlement. McKenna Audi Service center initially stated the extended warranty expired 05/2025, and mentioned an 8 Year Limit (8/80K whichever comes first) 9/3 Reached out to Audi USA again and they initially provided an approval. Instructed to take to authorized service center for official diagnosis. 9/5 Audi USA recanted approval 2 days later. Instructed to Call Settlement Administrator. SA stated this is fully Audi responsibly warranty does not expire until 9/2025 unable to assist. Spoke to supervisor at Audi USA who stated extended warranty did not expire until 09/26/2025 09/08 Audi Beverly Hills confirmed water pump malfunction. Sent invoice to supervisor at Audi USA. $2338.25 Supervisor informed me later that warranty is expired after all. Stated a regional manager would look at it but no guarantees. At this point I have spent $350 for a diagnosis I did not need to satisfy the demands of the Audi warranty that is now being denied.

   NHTSA complaint 11685814
8. Filed Jul 25, 2025Failure Jul 25, 2025Port Saint Lucie, FLEngine

   The vehicle has 36000 miles on it and the oil cooler has failed. The car is meticulously maintained. This failure compromises the ability for the engine to cool properly. Because of the failure, coolant is then forced into the engine oil potentially destroying the engine. Engine replacements are 10,000 for these types of cars. Audi is aware of this issue and should repair all vehicles with this known issue

   NHTSA complaint 11676163
9. Filed Jun 25, 2025Failure Jun 25, 2025LA Verne, CAEngine

   Engine shuts off occasionally whilst cornering at very low speed. No warning. Been happening for several years.

   NHTSA complaint 11669330
10. Filed May 8, 2025Failure May 7, 202594,000 milesLa Grange, TXSteering

    The contact owns a 2018 Audi A5. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the yellow message "Steering Malfunction - Safe to Drive" was displayed. The contact continued driving 40 MPH, and the message turned red, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the power steering control module (PSCM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11659701
11. Filed Feb 22, 2025Failure Nov 15, 2023Rehoboth Beach, DEWarnings, Automatic emergency braking

    The Audi pre-sense system will not stop malfunctioning. The specific message is: "Audi pre sense: Malfunction! Please contact Service It is not related to any specific event that I can tell but appears to happen mostly when there is another vehicle in front of me. I have spent over $400 in Audi dealership costs to solve the problem and they have been unable to solve it. The last time, they did a software update in September 2024 and after that, the malfunctions became more frequent. It now happens every time I drive the car. I have tried turning it off and resetting it, but it still does not reset or stop being a problem. There are numerous issues with this reported in Audi Forums and on the internet with no one seeming to have solved their specific problem. There was a class action lawsuit on this, but I was dealing with a death in the family and was unable to file the claim in time. And the lawsuit did not provide a remedy to fix it. I need help on this. Audi doesn't seem to know how to fix it.

    NHTSA complaint 11644267
12. Filed Feb 9, 2025Failure Jun 24, 2022King of Prussia, PAUnknown or other, Wheels

    In connection to my previous filing : NHTSA tracking # 11641542, please see the below, thank you. On June 24, 2022, I checked my 2018 Audi A5 into Audi Cherry Hill’s service department to diagnose and repair an issue with the front right tire. The dealership indicated that service would take approximately two days. However, upon returning for an update, I was shocked to learn that my car had been towed—without my knowledge, consent, or any lawful justification. Suspicious Connection to ECU Failure & Audi’s Potential Non-Compliance with NHTSA Audi Cherry Hill’s owner, Amanda DeMateo, attempted to justify the tow by stating that my ECU replacement two years earlier had been performed at Wynnewood Audi (Sept 2019) not Cherry Hill. This raises serious concerns about a second ECU failure, which Audi may have sought to conceal. If Audi Company failed to report an initial ECU failure to the NHTSA in 2019, a second failure would highlight this noncompliance. Audi Cherry Hill's actions appear to be linked to an attempt to obscure a recurring issue with the vehicle's Electronic Control Unit (ECU). Audi Cherry Hill’s owner, Amanda DeMateo, attempted to justify the unauthorized towing by stating that my previous ECU replacement had not been conducted at her dealership, implying an effort to avoid responsibility. This raises suspicion that my tire malfunction was a consequence of another ECU failure, possibly affecting the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) through an electrical malfunction. Given these violations and Audi Cherry Hill’s failure to act in accordance with consumer protection laws, I request a thorough investigation and appropriate enforcement action. I urge you, please to investigate Audi’s failure to report ECU failures to the NHTSA and whether my issue was part of a larger defect pattern. Thank you

    NHTSA complaint 11641550
13. Filed Feb 8, 2025Failure Sep 13, 2019King of Prussia, PAElectrical system, Power train, Service brakes

    I am writing to formally bring to your attention a potential violation of federal vehicle safety reporting requirements by Audi regarding an Electronic Control Unit (ECU)/Comfort Control Module failure in my 2018 Audi A5. As the original owner of this vehicle, I experienced a critical ECU failure approximately 2yrs after purchase (Sept 2017), which I believe qualifies as a major safety defect under 49 CFR 573.6-577.7. According to federal regulations, manufacturers are required to report such safety defects to the NHTSA within five (5) days of discovery. Furthermore, a root cause analysis should have been conducted & its findings reported w/in sixty (60) days. However, I have strong reason to believe that Audi failed to meet these reporting obligations, as I have never been provided with any findings from the investigation, nor have I seen any publicly available reporting on this defect. Key Concerns: • Unexplained ECU Failure: My vehicle’s ECU/Comfort Control Module failed inexplicably despite being only 2yrs old at the time. • Failure to Report to NHTSA: I haven't found record of Audi disclosing this issue to the NHTSA, despite clear requirement to do so. • Root Cause Analysis Not Provided: Audi informed me that analysis was conducted in Germany, but I was repeatedly told that the results were “not yet available.” This raises concerns that the findings may have revealed a broader defect affecting multiple vehicles of the same model/yr. • Potential Safety Risk: If this is not an isolated case, other Audi A5 owners may unknowingly be at risk of ECU failures, which could lead to critical vehicle malfunctions, including loss of control, electrical failures, or immobilization while driving. Given the seriousness of this issue, I urge the NHTSA to investigate Audi’s compliance with 49 CFR 573.6-577.7 & determine if this defect affects a broader range of vehicles. If Audi has indeed failed to report this defect properly, appropriate action be taken for consumer safety

    NHTSA complaint 11641542
14. Filed Feb 4, 2025Failure Jan 25, 2025San Diego, CASeat belts

    passenger side safety seat belt buckle not fixing properly.

    NHTSA complaint 11640695
15. Filed Jan 10, 2025Failure Jan 9, 2025Fort Liberty, NCBody

    I was driving along the express way when I heard a loud explosion, I look up to see my sunroof exploded and there was glass all over the kids and I. The explosion was so loud I lost control of the car and almost veered off the road. It was terrifying. It happened last year in the winter then happened this year as well. The temperature outside was about 30degrees, and I was driving about 70mph. There were no other cars in front of me at the time. My daughter and I had scratches from the glass on our back

    NHTSA complaint 11635186
16. Filed Nov 23, 2024Failure May 23, 2024kennesaw, GAEngine

    My complaint is that Audi USA refuses to cover my damages and repair cost for the failed AC Evaporator that is covered under their warranty extension # AWA-21-01. Audi has a known issue for A/C Evaporator. The vehicle AC issue was immediately diagnosed by an independent mechanic who only diagnosed the issue and recharged the system until the Audi dealership had availability to inspect and perform the repair. Jim Ellis Audi was told of the issue and how using a sniffer tool the leak was found inside the cabin. Jim Ellis Audi said they would have to run their own diagnostic and if they found the leak that Audi would cover it. They did not find the leak and did not use the sniffer tool and claimed they detected the wrong refrigerant and would recharge it with the correct refrigerant. I had no recourse at this point only knowing my issue was not fixed. I was told that if it happen again to bring it back and they will credit the repair and perform further diagnostics. I felt ignored and opted for a different Audi dealership (Audi Marietta) Almost 6 week later the refrigerant has leaked again and I took the car to Audi Mariette with the same AC issue. The Audi Mariette dealership confirmed the Evaporator failure and performed the repair. I contacted Audi USA requesting a refund for the cost for Eurofed chargers ($298.26) and Jim Ellis Audi charges ($419.84)and was denied claiming the the failure was a result of the wrong refrigerant. I challenge Jim Eillis Audi at the time for the failure to properly diagnose the issue and only performing a band-aid repair of recharging and allowing refrigerant gas to leak into he cabin for a second time. When I asked what was the wrong refrigerant they detected, they could not tell me. I think Jim Ellis dealership is trying to cover their mistake and poor workmanship. Audi USA refuses to escalate my complaint. The fact remains that the evaporator initially failed all cost should be cover by Audi.

    NHTSA complaint 11626977
17. Filed Sep 23, 2024Failure May 1, 2024Oceanside, CA 92056-3586, CAAir bags

    Previous recall 19V-547 and 74D9 impacting the passenger air bag turning off even when a passenger is in the vehicle was repaired improperly, and the problem is still happening.

    NHTSA complaint 11615967
18. Filed Aug 7, 2024Failure Jul 29, 2024Allentown, PAElectrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system

    Start stop system failure Warning displayed Check engine light Car hesitates IF the start stop happens to decide to function At times it won’t work at all

    NHTSA complaint 11606963
19. Filed Sep 8, 2023Failure Sep 6, 2023Erie, PASuspension

    Driver's side rear coil spring was broken and both rear spring mounts were corroded. Vehicle did not pass Pennsylvania state inspection. I was not aware of these issue until the inspection - there were no obvious warning signs. Vehicle only has 30,236 miles on it. The vehicle has not been modified, does no towing, does not transport heavy loads, and does not traverse rough terrain or go off-roading. It has never been in an accident. It is parked in a heated garage and is serviced annually. Audi service tech noted they are frequently seeing premature coil spring issues in this model and year of vehicle, but there are no warranty recalls or service bulletins. Both coil springs and both mounts were replaced by service tech at owner's cost.

    NHTSA complaint 11543502
20. Filed Jul 13, 2023Failure Jul 13, 2023Wylie, TXUnknown or other

    I was traveling around 7 pm on highway and sunroof shattered unexpectedly. The car ahead ahead of me was two car lengths ahead of me and I’m unsure as to why it shattered, specifically in the center of glass.

    NHTSA complaint 11531958