Autonomous Emergency Services Notification Feature: Audi has informed its owners of vehicles made from 2018 and earlier that a safety feature provided as standard equipment in the vehicle will no longer be available because of the inevitable shut down of 3G wireless systems across North America. However, features that are not free (which require a subscription) are supported by a 4G radio in the car and will not be impacted. Owners were NEVER notified that two different wireless systems were used in the car, a 20 year old technology for safety related features, and a 4GLTE module for expensive, subscription based telematics which have nothing to do with safety. I purchased and selected my vehicle based on these exact safety systems, especially as I'm a disabled driver. I'm not even out of warranty yet and TWO features have now been or will about to be sunset, without a fix. I was also never notified that this was going to occur, I found out by accident and most dealers aren't even yet aware. Audi has stated they are working with an outside company to bandaid the issue, however, this bandaid was not integrated with the car and basically won't solve the problem that it isn't the car I purchased. In the posted letters other owners received, there is ZERO indication of when this might be available, no evidence or indication it will be approved by the DOT or the federal safety agency because it's a bandaid. I have already contacted Audi for resolution, without result. I have requested updates, without result. The process is supposed to take 20 business days. It has now been over 40 business days. Regardless of the price of the vehicle, there was NEVER any indication by the dealer or in the manual that would lead customers to believe two different technologies were in use in the car.... 4G is plastered everywhere, however, 3G is stated nowhere. In hindsight, this is not only a dangerous situation for many drivers, but also a fraudulent one. Need help.
The worst 2018 Audi RS 5 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
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Recalls 3
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 21V874000 · Recall details
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
- What is wrong
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi RS5 Coupe vehicles. An incorrect positive battery terminal cover was installed.
- Risk
- In the event of a rear crash, the incorrect cover can cause the 12-volt power supply to be compromised, preventing the vehicle doors from being opened from the outside, or the hazard warning lights from functioning, increasing risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive terminal cover, free of charge. The recall began January 19, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1‑800‑253‑2834. Audi's number for this recall is 27i6.
Recall number 20V760000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 19V547000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Audi RS 5 692
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This bulletin provides informaiton on the use of the PICO-NVH tool (VAS 611 015).
- This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed and only order the successor parts...
- This bulletin proides service information when there is a prompt to take over the steering wheel (hands...
- This bulletin provides information when the starter battery is discharged or malfunctioning.
- This bulletin provides information when there is an Audi pre sense warning, warning jolt, or brake...
- This bulletin provides information to aid in diagnosing the vehicle locking system.
- This bulletin provides information when the engine is not runing smoothly; all gas engines.
- This bulletin provides information on VIN plates, Safety Certification labels, and ordering procedures.
- This bulletin provides infomraiton when the exterior lights have moisture accumulation.
- This bulletin provides information for reporting safety related information to the manufacturer.
What 2018 Audi RS 5 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Compare the 2018 Audi RS 5
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Questions about the 2018 Audi RS 5
Is the 2018 Audi RS 5 reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2018 Audi RS 5, fewer than a typical RS 5 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Audi RS 5?
There are not enough complaints to tell.
How many recalls does the 2018 Audi RS 5 have?
3 recalls, covering air bags and electrical system.
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