2018 Audi A4
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 89 |
| 1997 | 98 |
| 1998 | 258 |
| 1999 | 190 |
| 2000 | 96 |
| 2001 | 131 |
| 2002 | 181 |
| 2003 | 210 |
| 2004 | 189 |
| 2005 | 219 |
| 2006 | 295 |
| 2007 | 196 |
| 2008 | 175 |
| 2009 | 120 |
| 2010 | 64 |
| 2011 | 11 |
| 2012 | 19 |
| 2013 | 24 |
| 2014 | 31 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 54 |
| 2018 | 44 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 124 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
36% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
SAFETY AND THEFT ISSUE!! The door lock actuators on two doors of vehicle. Front and back seat where children ride. The actuators failed to engage leaving it easy for anyone to open the door from the outside even when presumed locked.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240519
14% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
FRONT OF BODY RIDES TOO LOW TO GROUND. BODY DAMAGE OCCURRED ON LEFT FRONT FENDER FROM DRIVING UP A STEEP HILL AFTER MAKING LEFT TURN ONTO ROAD WITH THE STEEP HILL. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20200603
14% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 6 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The all-wheel-drive clutch in the vehicle had to be replaced. The symptoms were heavy vibrations or thumping when starting to drive forward from a stop with the wheels turned in either direction.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231002
11% of complaints: engine — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 21V874000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Audi A4 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V874000 (air bags, seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Audi A4 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Audi A4 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Audi A4?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Audi A4 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.