The 2018 Audi A4 has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 35 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Audi A4. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (8), Electrical System (6), Air Bags (6).
A4 reliability snapshot
71/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$739
Avg annual repair cost vs $739 category avg
#14/31
Ranking in luxury midsize cars · better than 55% of peers
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Audi A4 before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Unknown Or Other8
Electrical System6
Air Bags6
Power Train4
Service Brakes2
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Audi A4
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐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
What owners reported
2018 Audi A4 owner complaints in detail
Owners have reported 4 crashes and 1 injury to NHTSA for the 2018 Audi A4. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners 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.
Owner complaints6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners 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.
Owners 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.
Owners 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.
Owner complaints2
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners 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.
2018 A4 recalls (4)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 A4. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
SEATS, AIR BAGSNHTSA 21V874000Nov 10, 2021
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 BAGSNHTSA 19V547000Jul 24, 2019
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 BAGSNHTSA 18V836000Nov 27, 2018
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.
STRUCTURENHTSA 17V675000Oct 25, 2017
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad, and 2018 A5 Sportback vehicles. The aluminum trim on the front and rear doors can come loose from around the door speakers, leaving sharp edges exposed.
Consequence: The sharp edges of the speaker trim increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the speaker cover aluminum trim, free of charge. The recall began March 13, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 70G6.
Used-market value
2018 Audi A4 resale snapshot
$26,990median asking price from 54 listings
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
The 2018 Audi A4 demonstrates moderate reliability, slightly above the segment average. With a reliability score of 71 out of 100, it sits just above the typical benchmark for its class. The distribution of complaints is somewhat dispersed, with the most significant issues reported in categories like electrical systems and air bags, indicating a need for attention to these areas.
The recall count is elevated with four recalls, suggesting a need for potential buyers to be mindful of past manufacturer corrections. While the number of complaints is not excessively high, the spread across various systems may imply a broader scope of concerns rather than isolated issues.
Overall, the 2018 Audi A4 presents a moderate reliability risk, warranting careful consideration of its historical issues.
What you get in a 2018 Audi A4 report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
Check a 2018 Audi A4 now
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2018 Audi A4 — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Audi A4 reliable?
The 2018 Audi A4 demonstrates moderate reliability, slightly above the segment average. With a reliability score of 71 out of 100, it sits just above the typical benchmark for its class. The distribution of complaints is somewhat dispersed, with the most significant issues reported in categories like electrical systems and air bags, indicating a need for attention to these areas.
How many recalls does the 2018 Audi A4 have?
4 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Audi A4. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2018 Audi A4 problems?
The most-reported 2018 Audi A4 problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (8), Electrical System (6), Air Bags (6).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Audi A4?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Audi A4, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
