Does the 2018 Audi S5 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Audi S5, the most recent reported on November 10, 2021 (Air bags: sensor, occupant classification, front passenger, Seats). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (9 complaints), followed by unknown or other (8).

How many 2018 Audi S5 complaints mention a crash or fire?

2 of 26 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2018 Audi S5 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 26 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Audi S5.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2018 Audi S5 recalls

Air bags: sensor, occupant classification, front passenger · Seats

NHTSA campaign 21V874000 · reported November 10, 2021 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 208,332 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: 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. 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.

Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module · Air bags: sensor, occupant classification

NHTSA campaign 19V547000 · reported July 24, 2019 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. · 145,337 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: 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. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's number for this recall is 74D9.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine9
Unknown or other8
Air bags3
Visibility/wiper3
Electrical system2
Parking brake2
Power train2
Seat belts2
Electronic stability control (ESC)1
Forward collision avoidance1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Dec 14, 2025 · 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…

Dec 8, 2025 · 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…

Nov 16, 2025 · 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…

Aug 5, 2025 · 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.

Jul 10, 2025 · 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…

S5 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes
2015	0	2	0
2016	0	1	0
2018	2	26	2
2019	4	6	0
2020	4	25	0
2021	5	1	0

Across all years, the 2018 S5 has the most complaints (26). All Audi S5 years →

Questions

Does the 2018 Audi S5 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Audi S5, the most recent reported on November 10, 2021 (Air bags: sensor, occupant classification, front passenger, Seats). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Audi S5?: Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (9 complaints), followed by unknown or other (8).
How many 2018 Audi S5 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 2 of 26 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 14, 2025.