Last updated: 2026-03-15
2018 Audi A4 Reliability Report
The 2018 Audi A4 scores 71/100 ("Good"). With 4 recalls and 35 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
4
Complaints
35
Complaint Rate
10.2
per 10k sold
Est. Annual Cost
$739
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
- AIR BAGS (6)
- POWER TRAIN (4)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2018 is year 3 of the Fifth generation (B9).
- Redesigned for the 2016 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2020.
- 5th generation A4 (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2016: Fifth generation (B9) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2018: This Model Year
2018 is year 3 of the Fifth generation (B9).
2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2018 Audi A4?
The 2018 Audi A4 scores 71/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2018 is year 3 of the Fifth generation (B9).
With 35 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to unknown or other (8). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2020 Audi A4, which scored 6 points lower.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low major repair risk (13%)
- +Below-average complaint rate for Sedan
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (8 complaints)
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Owners of the 2018 Audi A4 frequently report issues with the rear view camera... (6 complaints)
Compare 2018 Audi A4 With
2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Reliability: 51/100
2018 BMW 4-Series
Reliability: 54/100
2018 Lexus IS
Reliability: 81/100
2018 BMW 5-Series
Reliability: 59/100
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Reliability: 55/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (8)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
The 2018 Audi A4 has 4 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
10.2
per 10k soldSegment avg: 25.4
Safety Incidents
4
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Audi A4 Recall Details
4 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Audi A4. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEATS, AIR BAGS
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.
Consequence
A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
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
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.
Consequence
A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
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.
AIR BAGS
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A5 Sportback and 2017-2018 Audi A4 Allroad vehicles. A passenger air bag module mounting screw may not have been sufficiently tightened, possibly affecting the deployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.
Consequence
If the air bag does not deploy correctly in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of an injury.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag mounting screw, tightening or replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Y4.
2018 Audi A4 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.9%
Safety Technologies
Audi A4 Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$739
vs $739 avg for luxury midsize cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.4
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
13%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Audi A4.
Test rear view camera for intermittent failures
Inspect water pump for leaks or signs of failure
Check for airbag warning lights and verify recall repairs
Test MMI system for spontaneous restarts while driving
Listen for unusual noises from brakes during stops
Check for vibrations or thumping from drivetrain when accelerating
Buying a 2018 A4? Check Its History First
Every 2018 Audi A4 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
2018 Audi A4 Common Problems by Component
35 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Audi A4 frequently report issues with the MMI system, which repeatedly restarts while driving, causing the rear view camera and navigation functions to become unavailable. This issue often occurs multiple times per drive and can disrupt phone connectivity. Some owners have replaced the MMI system only to experience the problem again. Another reported issue involves the rear view camera intermittently failing to display when reversing, with similar problems noted in loaner vehicles. Additionally, a few complaints mention a malfunctioning horn with dead spots, and concerns about the water pump, especially in models manufactured early in 2018, with one owner citing a potential fire risk linked to a defective part. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges and have safety implications, such as impaired visibility and loss of emergency communication functions.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Audi A4 frequently report issues with the rear view camera and parking assist systems. Common symptoms include the backup camera intermittently failing to display properly, with issues such as a scrolling or frozen image, black screens with interference, and color inversion. Some owners mention these problems occasionally causing unexpected automatic braking while reversing, leading to minor collisions. Electrical system malfunctions are also noted, including instances where all interior electrical systems shut down, disabling features like cruise control and Audi pre sense. Complaints do not consistently specify mileage, but some issues are reported around 40,000 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted by two crash reports, one involving a failure of the auto brake system during highway driving and another where collision protocols left the car undriveable after an accident.
AIR BAGS
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Audi A4 frequently report issues related to airbag recalls, with several complaints highlighting delays in receiving parts necessary for recall repairs. Multiple owners describe persistent airbag warning lights, even after attempted repairs, and some report being charged for diagnostic tests despite the ongoing recall. One complaint involves a crash at approximately 25,000 miles where airbags failed to deploy, resulting in injuries to the driver. The reports suggest that parts availability for recall repairs is a significant issue, with some owners expressing frustration over extended wait times. Potential buyers should be aware of these airbag-related concerns and verify that recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
POWER TRAIN (4 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Audi A4 report issues with the power train, particularly involving the all-wheel-drive clutch and the front differential. Symptoms frequently mentioned include heavy vibrations or thumping when accelerating from a stop with the wheels turned, as well as sudden internal failures leading to debris puncturing the transmission. These issues have been noted to occur at mileage under 50,000. The sudden failure of the front differential, which can cause the vehicle to jerk to a stop, presents a potential safety risk, especially if it occurs at high speeds. Used car buyers should be aware of these issues, as repairs can be costly and may not be covered under warranty if the vehicle is beyond a certain age.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsOwners report two primary issues with the 2018 Audi A4's service brakes. First, an unexpected engagement of the emergency parking brake occurs without warning, bringing the vehicle to an abrupt stop. This issue is described as happening suddenly and without any apparent cause, raising potential safety concerns if occurring in traffic. Second, multiple owners describe a loud screeching sound from the factory-installed brakes, particularly noticeable when coming to a stop or starting to brake. Despite repeated service attempts and replacement parts from dealerships, the noise persists, attributed by dealerships to a problem with the brake coating. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with no specific timeline noted.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaintThe contact owned a 2018 Audi A4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was fluid leaking from the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact also stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was a puddle of fluid leaking from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintFortunately no catastrophic failure or accident occurred. At about 40,000k miles the rear spring mounts are significantly corroded and need replacing. This appears to be a galvanic reaction that occurs due to a design flaw which shortens the life of the critical mounts. I’m told one could fail imminently and the other is headed that way. Had this failed in use the damage would be significant and caused an accident. The service advisor said that Audi is aware of the short lifespan and has an improved version that will be used in the repair. I have a video of one of the mounts and will request the parts when repaired.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintSafety-relatedI was rear-ended at a slow speed. I was stopped at the time. The driver who hit me was decelerating hard. Damaged to rear bumper. When I got back in the car, I realized that telescoping steering column had been pulled toward me. This would have been bad had I been shoved into the car in front of me and the airbags deployed too close to me. Luckily, this did not happen.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaintOn December 29, 2022 as I was driving my engine light came on, the fuel gauge registered empty (I had over a quarter tank of fuel at the time), and my miles till empty display in the upper left of the instrument cluster went blank. I took my Audi to my Audi dealer and their recommended repair was as follows: Fuel Tank: After removing fuel pump and level sensor we found that the secondary fuel level sensor is built into the fuel tank is faulty. Recommend replacing the tank and fuel pump with the tank. Their reason was that if the fuel tank failed it could cause a potentially hazardous situation for the driver and passengers.
ENGINE (1 complaints)
ENGINE
1 complaintWater Pump prematurely failed. Upon self inspection, I noticed the coolant reservoir was below the minimum requirements. I asked the dealer to inspect, and they determined the cause was a faulty water pump. At around 50,000 miles, this water pump should not have failed under normal use. I am fortunate I self inspected, as continued use may cause premature engine failure due to overheating. Overheating would cause spontaneous vehicle operation failure during normal driving conditions, stalling the vehicle on a road or highway, putting myself and others at risk for impact.
When Do 2018 Audi A4 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Audi A4 Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Audi A4 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Audi A4 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 81/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2023 (77/100) and 2022 (72/100).
Audi A4 Years to Avoid
The worst Audi A4 year is 2020 with a score of 65/100, primarily due to electrical system (89) issues.
Audi A4 Reliability Score Trend
Audi A4 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 77/100 compared to 69/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 81/100 | Excellent |
Audi A4 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Audi A4 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Audi A4?
How many recalls does the 2018 Audi A4 have?
Is the 2018 Audi A4 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2018 Audi A4 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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