Last updated: 2026-10-10
2018 Audi e-tron Reliability Report
The 2018 Audi E-Tron has mixed reliability, well below other 2018 SUVs. Its main issue is air bag recall repairs stuck waiting on parts.
Recalls
6
Complaints
12
Complaint Rate
N/A
Est. Repair Cost
$987
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
One of the stronger E-Tron years, but with six recalls and air bag recall repairs that dealers cannot finish for lack of parts.
Top Issues to Watch
- AIR BAGS (7)
- TIRES (1)
- FUEL SYSTEM (1)
Should You Buy the 2018 Audi e-tron?
Reliability is mixed here. Against other 2018 SUVs, this E-Tron sits well below average. Among the eight E-Tron years we score, it is one of the stronger ones. The 2019 model rates about the same, but it has drawn 71 owner complaints to this year's 12.
The main complaint pattern is not a part that broke. Seven air bag complaints are about open recall notices that dealers cannot finish because replacement parts are not available. Owners say the wait has gone on longer than is reasonable, and dealers and the manufacturer both confirm the shortage. Every report says the car has not had a failure, and none describes a crash, fire, or loss of control. Federal recall records list six recalls in all: two for air bags, two for seats, one for the gasoline fuel system, and one for the engine and engine cooling.
Before buying, run the VIN for open recalls and ask the seller which ones are done. Get proof of completion for each. An unfinished air bag recall may sit waiting on parts, so ask what the dealer says about availability.
Compared to the 2019 Audi e-tron, which scored 2 points lower.
Pros
- +Low complaint frequency
- +Only 12 complaints reported
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average recall count
- −AIR BAGS: No air bag failures are described (7 complaints)
Compare 2018 Audi e-tron With
2018 Tesla Model X
Reliability: 51/100
2018 BMW X5
Reliability: 59/100
2018 Porsche Cayenne
Reliability: 62/100
2018 Lexus RX
Reliability: 85/100
2018 Volvo XC60
Reliability: 74/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 6 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- AIR BAGS (7)
- TIRES (1)
Recall Overview
6
recalls on record
The 2018 Audi e-tron has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
12
complaintsSafety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Audi e-tron Recall Details
6 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Audi e-tron. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may malfunction and switch off the passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied.
Consequence
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BY.
AIR BAGS
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Audi S3 Sedan, 2015-2019 A3 Sedan and A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 A3 e-tron, and 2017-2019 RS3 vehicles. An improper electrical contact may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) to falsely detect a malfunction and deactivate the passenger air bag.
Consequence
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connector and reroute the cable, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69Z4.
SEATS
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A3 sedan and RS3 vehicles. The latching pins for the center rear seat head restraint may be missing.
Consequence
In the event of a crash, the head restraint may detach and cause injury to the vehicle occupants.
Remedy
Audi has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the head restraints, replacing any that are missing pins, free of charge. The recall began on March 7, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 72I8.
Buying a used 2018 Audi e-tron? Check its history first
Air bags problems lead owner complaints about the 2018 Audi e-tron, and 6 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2018 Audi e-tron NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Audi e-tronRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$987
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2018 Audi e-tron Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Brake Hose Replacement | $174 – $202 |
| Pre-Purchase Car Inspection | $275 – $403 |
| Power Mirror Switch Replacement | $268 – $321 |
| HVAC Air Door Actuator Replacement | $1,176 – $1,243 |
| Exhaust Manifold Replacement | $2,042 – $2,672 |
| Engine Control Module (ECM) Replacement | $1,414 – $1,471 |
| Transmission Leak Inspection | $76 – $112 |
| Instrument Cluster Replacement | $3,606 – $3,678 |
| Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement | $153 – $224 |
| Air Conditioning Refrigerant Pressure Sensor Replacement | $510 – $610 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Audi e-tron.
Run the VIN through the federal recall lookup and confirm every air bag recall shows as completed.
Ask the seller for dealer paperwork showing the air bag recall repair was actually performed.
Call an Audi dealer with the VIN and confirm parts are in stock for any open air bag recall.
2018 Audi e-tron Common Problems by Component
12 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
AIR BAGS
7 complaintsNo air bag failures are described. All 7 complaints concern open recall notices that dealers cannot complete because the replacement parts are not available. Owners say the wait has run longer than is reasonable, and both dealers and the manufacturer confirm the shortage when asked. Every report says the car has not had a failure, so these filings describe no crash, fire, or loss-of-control event. The problem is a recall repair that has not been done, not a part that broke.
TIRES
1 complaintTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 AUDI A3 EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTI PRO CONTACT TX TIRES, SIZE: 225/40R18 92HXL (NA). WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE THREAD SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PAUL MILLER AUDI (179 US-46, PARSIPPANY, NJ 07054, (973) 575-7750) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRE PERFORMED AS DESIGNED; HOWEVER, THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE DEALER COULD SEND THE TIRE BACK TO THEM FOR REVIEW AND INSPECTION. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,101. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN.
FUEL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2018 Audi A3. The contact stated after parking the vehicle, a bystander alerted the contact that there was fuel leaking from the rear passenger's side near the fuel tank. The contact drove the vehicle to a gas station and was unable to refuel the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the charcoal canister was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2018 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving in a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the battery was drained, and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact jumpstarted the vehicle. The battery was replaced. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was called, but there was no response. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
WHEELS (1 complaints)
WHEELS
1 complaintHI, I BOUGHT AN AUDI A3 2018 ON NOVEMBER 2017 FROM AUDI OF ROCHESTER HILLS, MICHIGAN.SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE ORIGINAL PIRELLI TIRES IN THE CAR. TWO INCIDENTS HAPPENED WITHIN A SPAN OF 1 YEAR WHERE THE TIRE WAS DAMAGED ON THE SIDE WALL AND AND IT WAS IRREPLACEABLE SO I HAD TO GET A NEW TIRE WITHIN FEW MONTHS OF BUYING THE CAR. ON DEC 15, 2018 I LOST TIRE PRESSURE WHILE DRIVING IN SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN AND WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS SIDEWALL DAMAGE. ON MAY 31, 2018 I WENT OVER A POTHOLE AT THE INTERSECTION OF HURONTARIO & EGLINTON IN MISSISSAUGA ONTARIO, WHERE ONE OF THE TIRE GOT PUNCTURED (COMPLAINT FILED WITH CITY OF MISSISSAUGA, TRANSPORT CANADA AND PICTURE ATTACHED). I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC SHOP AND THEY SAID THAT I'LL HAVE TO REPLACE THE TIRE AS THEY COULDN'T FIX THE TIRE BECAUSE THE SIDE WALL WAS DAMAGED. ONCE I GOT BACK TO MICHIGAN I GOT A NEW TIRE AT THE DEALERSHIP AND I ASKED BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND PIRELLI ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THE TIRES BUT WAS TOLD THIS IS WHAT THE SUPPLIER (PIRELLI) SUGGESTED FOR THE A3. I WAS TOLD AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE LOW PROFILE TIRES ON THE AUDI CARS. IF THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE ISSUES THEN THIS SHOULD BE COMMUNICATED BACK TO THE OEM AS WELL AS THE SUPPLIER. THIS IS PART OF THE QUALITY AND SAFETY STANDARDS THAT DEALERSHIP SHOULD BE PROVIDING TO THE CUSTOMERS. WITHIN A YEAR I HAD TO PAY FOR TIRES BECAUSE THE QUALITY IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO HANDLE POTHOLES? THE ISSUE HAPPENED IN LOW SPEED FOR ME SO I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO SAFETY. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY, IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintDUE TO CONDENSATION/FOGGING, FRONT HEADLIGHT PROJECTION IS REDUCED TO LESS THAN HALF. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE DRIVING AT NIGHT TIME.
Best & Worst Audi e-tron Years
Best Audi e-tron Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2020
2021
2018
(Current Model)
Audi e-tron Years to Avoid
No Audi e-tron years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 46 and 62 across 8 scored model years.
Audi e-tron Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 50/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 48/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 55/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 49/100 | Mixed |
| 2023 | 46/100 | Mixed |
| 2024 | 48/100 | Mixed |
| 2025 | 50/100 | Mixed |
Audi e-tron Reliability Compared to Other Years
2018 Audi e-tron Common Questions
10 questions from 2018 Audi e-tron owners.
Obd2 reads error
Obd2 will not read only says error after battrie arck Nothing More than a month
This Repair Pal shop will only use OEM parts and not aftermarket
Endurance warranty participates in Repairpals network and uses them as Certified Repair shops. This repair pals shop will not use the parts provided by Endurance (aftermarket) and will only use OEM to provide the 12k mile warranty. Is this right? More than a month
Light indicator
What does a triangle with exclamation point in it light mean? Started today
Why would Audi A4 smell like gas while car is running?
Why would Audi A4 smell like gas while car is running? More than a week
camshaft position sensor
i've been looking for the camshaft position sensor for my 1992 audi s4. I believe that it is hiding behind the timing belt cover and timing gear but I'm not sure and don't wanna rip it all apart and have it be somewhere else. if someone can help tell me where this sensor is and how I can get to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Audi E-Tron reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Audi E-Tron?
How many recalls does the 2018 Audi E-Tron have?
Can dealers fix the air bag recall on the 2018 Audi E-Tron?
Is the 2018 Audi E-Tron better than the 2019?
Don’t buy a 2018 Audi e-tron without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2018 Audi e-tron
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2018 Audi e-tron does best on recall impact (65/100) and worst on repair costs (40/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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