2018 Audi S5 problems

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.

NHTSA complaint #11704929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SEATS

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, where there is no Audi-authorized repair facility. Reproduction/Confirmation: Symptoms match the known recall defect. Audi has confirmed the recall applies to my VIN, but no local dealer exists to inspect or repair it. Manufacturer/Dealer Inspection: Audi has refused to cover shipping to the nearest authorized dealership on Oahu, which is the only location where the recall can be performed. Therefore, the defect has not been inspected due to lack of accessible remedy. Warnings/Symptoms: Airbag warning light illuminates and a message appears indicating the passenger airbag is off, along with a chime. Additional Notes: I cannot safely use or sell the car because the required safety repair is inaccessible. Audi’s refusal to provide transportation makes it impossible to complete the mandated recall.

NHTSA complaint #11703772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SEAT BELTS

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, where there is no Audi-authorized repair facility. Reproduction/Confirmation: Symptoms match the known recall defect. Audi has confirmed the recall applies to my VIN, but no local dealer exists to inspect or repair it. Manufacturer/Dealer Inspection: Audi has refused to cover shipping to the nearest authorized dealership on Oahu, which is the only location where the recall can be performed. Therefore, the defect has not been inspected due to lack of accessible remedy. Warnings/Symptoms: Airbag warning light illuminates and a message appears indicating the passenger airbag is off, along with a chime. Additional Notes: I cannot safely use or sell the car because the required safety repair is inaccessible. Audi’s refusal to provide transportation makes it impossible to complete the mandated recall.

NHTSA complaint #11703772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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, where there is no Audi-authorized repair facility. Reproduction/Confirmation: Symptoms match the known recall defect. Audi has confirmed the recall applies to my VIN, but no local dealer exists to inspect or repair it. Manufacturer/Dealer Inspection: Audi has refused to cover shipping to the nearest authorized dealership on Oahu, which is the only location where the recall can be performed. Therefore, the defect has not been inspected due to lack of accessible remedy. Warnings/Symptoms: Airbag warning light illuminates and a message appears indicating the passenger airbag is off, along with a chime. Additional Notes: I cannot safely use or sell the car because the required safety repair is inaccessible. Audi’s refusal to provide transportation makes it impossible to complete the mandated recall.

NHTSA complaint #11703772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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 Chantilly] (Penske Automotive Group): Engine cover broken — not reported Wiring harness retainers/harness clips left undone on both sides after spark plug removal → Improper reassembly risks damage to harness and engine/components — safety hazard. This matches TWO known EA839 defects: Piston Skirt Cracking – Sept 2025 Warranty Extension covers identical symptoms (debris + scoring). Denied only for 6,000 miles over 80k cap. Pre-06/2018 Rocker Arm Needle Bearing Failure – Audi revised mid-2018 (PN 06M109417H → 0P2109417, double bearing size) because originals shed metal. Garage Auto Sports: “Known to fail… Audi fixed it.” Link AudiWorld: 200+ cases Link AoA DENIAL – FALSE “Over mileage” → Rocker defect has no cap “Undocumented maintenance” LIE → All oil changes DIY with Audi 508.00 oil + OEM filters → Amazon invoices attached → Never asked for proof $32,000 quote. 100% denial. SAFETY RISK Sudden seizure at speed No warning Dealer damage worsens risk REQUESTED ACTION Investigate EA839 2017–2018 for piston + rocker failures Recall / extend warranty for pre-06/2018 builds Probe denials without proof request + dealer negligence ATTACHMENTS Denial letter Dealer Diagnostic 32k Quote Borescope report Amazon receipts Broken cover + undone retainers photos Screenshots (links above)

NHTSA complaint #11699716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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.

NHTSA complaint #11678414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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 Information: Make: Audi Model: S5 Sportback Year: 2018

NHTSA complaint #11672422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While driving, my Audi overheated randomly, started smoking, had to be towed. Had 72,800 miles, was serviced by Audi at 70k miles and all prior recommended services. Towed to Audi dealership, quoted 29k in engine repairs, Audi could never tell me why engine overheated. Would not cover any expense because “i didn’t buy it there”. Insurance denied two claims because Audi reported it as engine failure although they couldn’t prove what happened to cause the heating, said it was one of the worst engine overheating they had seen. Prior to overheating, service driver system popped up for the first time. Temperature gauges were normal. Will not start or run since. No accountability taken by Audi at all, even through corporate. I believe my safety was at risk because the engine would have caught on fire had I not of noticed or pulled over. A Good Samaritan even pulled behind me to check on me because they saw it smoking in passing. I have a video of Audi inspection. Date is estimate of event, I would have to research. Vehicle was purchased by prior owner as cpo from Audi at 30k miles and serviced since at same Audi dealer every recommended service and prior if issue arose, I have all service records.

NHTSA complaint #11647150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

After driving for 7 to 8 minutes less that 45 mph, a yellow warning lamp and an audible warning indicating unsafe coolant temperature displayed on the dash. An overheating engine is unsafe for me and drivers near me. I immediately pulled over and turned off the A/C. I then turned on the heater, and after 15 minutes slowly drove 5 minutes to a repair shop (Import Autohaus, Hull Street). The repair shop diagnosed a defective water pump. The pump has not been inspected by anyone other than the mechanics at the repair shop.

NHTSA complaint #11600570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I received a coolant overheating message, pulled to side of road. Let vehicle cool off although it just showed coolant warning and actual engine temperature showed normal along with oil temperature. Started car back up and it was ok, drove about a mile, engine started steaming, white smoke out of exhaust, system failure had to pull off and be towed. Engine is destroyed at 72,833 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11579095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I received a coolant overheating message, pulled to side of road. Let vehicle cool off although it just showed coolant warning and actual engine temperature showed normal along with oil temperature. Started car back up and it was ok, drove about a mile, engine started steaming, white smoke out of exhaust, system failure had to pull off and be towed. Engine is destroyed at 72,833 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11579095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I was returning home from visiting family. My drive was approx 140 miles home. The car was running/driving normally when I stopped at a gas station to get a snack. When I came back to my car and attempted to start it, it would not start and had camshaft and crankshaft sensor DTC's. I had to tow the car to my repair shop who determined that the issue was the rocker arms. Despite performing regular maintenance above and beyond what the manufacturer recommends, two rocker arms fell apart inside the engine (needle bearings came out) and sent metal through the engine, causing it to need to be replaced. It was later determined that this was a known issue by Audi, and that they redesigned the rocker arms at a later date. The did not issue a recall or any extended warranty for the effected models. This cost me $16,349 out of pocket to repair. I contacted Audi several times and they refused to rectify the issue. I have came across several others who have experienced the same issue. I have supporting documentation as well as part numbers and dates that I can provide upon request. This type of issue is a saftey concern because this can leave a driver stranded. When this issue happend I was over 75 miles away from home. Luckily I was able to find a tow truck and had the funds to cover the expense of having the car towed back to my home town. However, this issue could leave someone stranded in the middle of nowhere if they werent as lucky as I was.

NHTSA complaint #11558380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

The system warning keeps coming on, I’ve tried to schedule appointments with Audi since 2022 and they have zero appointments available

NHTSA complaint #11545179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

The system warning keeps coming on, I’ve tried to schedule appointments with Audi since 2022 and they have zero appointments available

NHTSA complaint #11545179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

The system warning keeps coming on, I’ve tried to schedule appointments with Audi since 2022 and they have zero appointments available

NHTSA complaint #11545179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The sunroof exploded. Driving on a good quality highway (CA76), no temperature extremes, no bumps or potholes. Heard what sounded like a gunshot. Pulled over thinking it might be a tire failure, to find my sunroof severely shattered. There was no debris inside the car, other than the shattered glass itself.

NHTSA complaint #11542769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

My 2018 Audi S5 Prestige with 59K miles meticulously maintained by the dealer had the Suspension Warning light came on about a week ago. I brought it to my local Audi mechanic and they found the right rear spring had broken about 1/3 of the way from the base and the shock had been damaged from the spring breaking. They attributed it low quality steel being used in the springs Audi is using. Luckily it was a rear spring as I understand a front spring breaking at speed could be catastrophic.

NHTSA complaint #11528956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The 2018 year for the Audi S5 has a notorious rocker arm failure within the engine. Audi is aware of this problem because they have revised the part for later build dates. However, they have failed to remedy the issue for the vehicles that fall within the problematic build dates. Once this failure occurs, it is catastrophic and will require a new engine.

NHTSA complaint #11480742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The lever that locks and unlocks the steering column for proper driving position fell off. The single bolt holding the lever fell out followed by the lever. This occurred when the driver utilized the lever to reposition the steering wheel. The steering wheel was not locked into position when the lever fell off, so the steering wheel was subject to movement while driving.

NHTSA complaint #11474677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE CAR'S OVERALL ELECTRONIC RELIABILITY AND SAFETY ARE HUGE AREAS OF CONCERN. REARVIEW CAMERA AND SENSORS DO NOT ALWAYS WORK. SOMETIMES IT WILL OPERATE WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION BUT IT WILL BLACK OUT WHICH ULTIMATELY IMPAIRS THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO REVERSE AND AVOID ANY OBJECTS AND PEDESTRIANS. THIS IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS IN HIGH-FOOT TRAFFIC AREA LIKE SHOPPING MALL. IN ADDITION, THE CAR'S LANE ASSISTANCE MECHANISM IS NOT ACCURATE AT TIMES AND COULD HAVE CAUSED ACCIDENTS SEVERAL TIMES. FOR EXAMPLE, THE SENSOR SOMETIMES WILL MIS-DETECT THE LANES AND WRONGLY DRIFT THE CAR OUT OF LANES, ALMOST CAUSING COLLISION WITH ONCOMING CARS OR ADJACENT CARS. MOREOVER, THE AUDI SENSOR WHICH DETECTS OBJECT AND BRAKES FOR THE DRIVER DOESN'T WORK TOO WELL. FOR INSTANCE, WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION, IT WILL MIS-CALCULATE THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND WILL BRAKE AND STALL THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION. ALSO, THE AUDI SENSOR WRONGLY DETECTS THE OBJECT AROUND THE CAR SUCH AS ELEVATED SIDEWALK CURBS OR FIRE HYDRANTS AND IT RANDOMLY AUTO-SLAM THE BRAKES EVEN WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING AT 30-40MPH. THE CAR WAS IN THE DEALERSHIP REPAIR SHOP AT LEAST 5 TIMES TO ATTEMPT TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE "MOD BOX" TWICE, WHICH SEEM TO FIX MOST OF THE SENSOR RELATED ISSUES BUT ISSUES STILL ARISE AND I AM SKEPTICAL AND AFRAID OF DRIVING THIS CAR.

NHTSA complaint #11324352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

THE CAR'S OVERALL ELECTRONIC RELIABILITY AND SAFETY ARE HUGE AREAS OF CONCERN. REARVIEW CAMERA AND SENSORS DO NOT ALWAYS WORK. SOMETIMES IT WILL OPERATE WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION BUT IT WILL BLACK OUT WHICH ULTIMATELY IMPAIRS THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO REVERSE AND AVOID ANY OBJECTS AND PEDESTRIANS. THIS IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS IN HIGH-FOOT TRAFFIC AREA LIKE SHOPPING MALL. IN ADDITION, THE CAR'S LANE ASSISTANCE MECHANISM IS NOT ACCURATE AT TIMES AND COULD HAVE CAUSED ACCIDENTS SEVERAL TIMES. FOR EXAMPLE, THE SENSOR SOMETIMES WILL MIS-DETECT THE LANES AND WRONGLY DRIFT THE CAR OUT OF LANES, ALMOST CAUSING COLLISION WITH ONCOMING CARS OR ADJACENT CARS. MOREOVER, THE AUDI SENSOR WHICH DETECTS OBJECT AND BRAKES FOR THE DRIVER DOESN'T WORK TOO WELL. FOR INSTANCE, WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION, IT WILL MIS-CALCULATE THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND WILL BRAKE AND STALL THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION. ALSO, THE AUDI SENSOR WRONGLY DETECTS THE OBJECT AROUND THE CAR SUCH AS ELEVATED SIDEWALK CURBS OR FIRE HYDRANTS AND IT RANDOMLY AUTO-SLAM THE BRAKES EVEN WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING AT 30-40MPH. THE CAR WAS IN THE DEALERSHIP REPAIR SHOP AT LEAST 5 TIMES TO ATTEMPT TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE "MOD BOX" TWICE, WHICH SEEM TO FIX MOST OF THE SENSOR RELATED ISSUES BUT ISSUES STILL ARISE AND I AM SKEPTICAL AND AFRAID OF DRIVING THIS CAR.

NHTSA complaint #11324352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

THE CAR'S OVERALL ELECTRONIC RELIABILITY AND SAFETY ARE HUGE AREAS OF CONCERN. REARVIEW CAMERA AND SENSORS DO NOT ALWAYS WORK. SOMETIMES IT WILL OPERATE WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION BUT IT WILL BLACK OUT WHICH ULTIMATELY IMPAIRS THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO REVERSE AND AVOID ANY OBJECTS AND PEDESTRIANS. THIS IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS IN HIGH-FOOT TRAFFIC AREA LIKE SHOPPING MALL. IN ADDITION, THE CAR'S LANE ASSISTANCE MECHANISM IS NOT ACCURATE AT TIMES AND COULD HAVE CAUSED ACCIDENTS SEVERAL TIMES. FOR EXAMPLE, THE SENSOR SOMETIMES WILL MIS-DETECT THE LANES AND WRONGLY DRIFT THE CAR OUT OF LANES, ALMOST CAUSING COLLISION WITH ONCOMING CARS OR ADJACENT CARS. MOREOVER, THE AUDI SENSOR WHICH DETECTS OBJECT AND BRAKES FOR THE DRIVER DOESN'T WORK TOO WELL. FOR INSTANCE, WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION, IT WILL MIS-CALCULATE THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND WILL BRAKE AND STALL THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION. ALSO, THE AUDI SENSOR WRONGLY DETECTS THE OBJECT AROUND THE CAR SUCH AS ELEVATED SIDEWALK CURBS OR FIRE HYDRANTS AND IT RANDOMLY AUTO-SLAM THE BRAKES EVEN WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING AT 30-40MPH. THE CAR WAS IN THE DEALERSHIP REPAIR SHOP AT LEAST 5 TIMES TO ATTEMPT TO FIX THE ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE "MOD BOX" TWICE, WHICH SEEM TO FIX MOST OF THE SENSOR RELATED ISSUES BUT ISSUES STILL ARISE AND I AM SKEPTICAL AND AFRAID OF DRIVING THIS CAR.

NHTSA complaint #11324352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.