2018 Audi Q5 VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2018 Audi Q5 has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 197 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Audi Q5. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (60), Suspension (26), Unknown Or Other (23).
Q5 reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Audi Q5 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.
Most-reported 2018 Audi Q5 issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Electrical System60
- Suspension26
- Unknown Or Other23
- Engine11
- Power Train11
- Air Bags11
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Audi Q5
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Inspect for water damage in the electrical system, especially around control modules
- Check rear suspension for broken coil springs
- Test forward collision avoidance system for unexpected braking
- Verify engine mounts and listen for unusual engine noises
- Ensure sunroof drainage is clear to prevent water intrusion
- Test all warning lights and sensors for proper function
2018 Q5 recalls (6)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Q5. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 18V369000Jun 1, 2018Do not drive — park immediately
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Passat, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI and Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have insufficient coating, potentially reducing the brake performance.
Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen and Audi will notify their owners. Audi dealers will bleed the rear brakes. Volkswagen dealers will bleed the front and rear brake calipers. Note: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the brake system has been checked. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 47N8, 47N9, and 47N6.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURENHTSA 21V947000Dec 8, 2021
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles. A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle may allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module, causing it to shutdown.
Consequence: A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90S9.
- STRUCTURENHTSA 19V737000Oct 16, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi SQ5 and 2018-2020 Audi Q5 vehicles. The rear wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach from the vehicle.
Consequence: The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four clips securing the forward part of the rear wheel arch trim, free of charge. The recall began November 1, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 66K8.
- WHEELSNHTSA 19V416000Jun 5, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The wheel arch cover trim may loosen and detach.
Consequence: The detached trim may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will secure the wheel arch trim with an additional screw and nut, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66K6.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 19V277000Apr 8, 2019
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vehicles. The brake master cylinder casting may be too short.
Consequence: A short casting can cause a sudden loss of brakes, increasing the risk of crash. The electronic parking brake and its emergency brake function are not affected and will still function.
Remedy
Audi has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the brake master cylinder, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 3, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 47O9.
- SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGSNHTSA 16V955000Dec 29, 2016
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may not deploy properly. Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the air bags and/or the seat belt pretensioners do not inflate or function properly, the vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy
Volkswagen and Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bags and seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Used-market value
2018 Audi Q5 resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2018 Audi Q5 on the road
70,335 2018 Audi Q5 units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2018 Audi Q5 stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2018 Audi Q5
The 2018 Audi Q5 presents an elevated reliability risk compared to its segment, with a score of 59 out of 100, falling below the segment average of 64. The vehicle has an elevated recall count of seven, indicating concerns that may require attention. Complaints are notably concentrated in the electrical system, which constitutes a significant portion of the total issues reported, suggesting a potential area of vulnerability.
While the suspension, engine, and power train issues are less prominent, their presence alongside a diverse range of complaints indicates a broader distribution of reliability challenges. The data suggests that buyers may encounter a variety of issues, contributing to the model's below-average reliability standing.
Overall, the 2018 Audi Q5 carries an elevated risk level, with reliability concerns that potential buyers should carefully consider.
What you get in a 2018 Audi Q5 report
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2018 Audi Q5 — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Audi Q5 reliable?
The 2018 Audi Q5 presents an elevated reliability risk compared to its segment, with a score of 59 out of 100, falling below the segment average of 64. The vehicle has an elevated recall count of seven, indicating concerns that may require attention. Complaints are notably concentrated in the electrical system, which constitutes a significant portion of the total issues reported, suggesting a potential area of vulnerability.
How many recalls does the 2018 Audi Q5 have?
6 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Audi Q5. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2018 Audi Q5 problems?
The most-reported 2018 Audi Q5 problem areas are: Electrical System (60), Suspension (26), Unknown Or Other (23).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Audi Q5?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Audi Q5, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.