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2018 Audi A4

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Audi A4 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 76.5.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 4 of 44 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports

What owners actually said

44 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2026
Electrical SystemStructureUnknown Or Other

A vehicle diagnostic scan dated 04/15/2026 showed electrical communication faults involving vehicle control modules. The scan showed U014100, described as “Lost Communication With Body Control Module ‘A’,” with status listed as passive/sporadic. The scan also showed U112100, described as “Data bus message missing,” with status l…

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A vehicle diagnostic scan dated 04/15/2026 showed electrical communication faults involving vehicle control modules. The scan showed U014100, described as “Lost Communication With Body Control Module ‘A’,” with status listed as passive/sporadic. The scan also showed U112100, described as “Data bus message missing,” with status listed as active/static. This is being reported as a safety concern because body-control module, gateway, and data-bus communication faults can affect vehicle electrical functions, warning systems, access/locking systems, lighting or body-control functions, driver information, and other vehicle systems that rely on module communication. The concern is especially important because the vehicle has had multiple intermittent electrical/body-control symptoms, including fuel-door/tank-flap electrical faults and other reported intermittent vehicle electrical concerns. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. The vehicle/component is available for inspection, and the diagnostic scan report, electrical-system records, service communications, and related repair records are available if requested.

NHTSA ODI #11747863

Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2026
Electrical SystemPower TrainUnknown Or Other

A vehicle diagnostic scan dated 04/15/2026 at approximately 88,502 miles showed a stored transmission electronics fault: P084100, described as “Transmission fluid pressure sensor/switch A range/performance,” with status listed as passive/sporadic. This indicates a transmission / powertrain control concern involving the transmiss…

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A vehicle diagnostic scan dated 04/15/2026 at approximately 88,502 miles showed a stored transmission electronics fault: P084100, described as “Transmission fluid pressure sensor/switch A range/performance,” with status listed as passive/sporadic. This indicates a transmission / powertrain control concern involving the transmission fluid pressure sensor, transmission electronics, wiring, control logic, pressure monitoring, or related powertrain components. The vehicle also has prior transmission/powertrain history, including a March 2023 transmission-pan-gasket concern documented in service records, so this later transmission electronics fault is being reported in that broader powertrain context. This is being reported as a safety concern because a transmission fluid pressure sensor or transmission-control fault can affect shifting, drivability, delayed engagement, slipping, harsh shifting, limp mode, reduced power, drivetrain damage, or loss of propulsion while driving. Even if the fault is intermittent, a transmission-control issue may create an unsafe condition if it occurs in traffic or during acceleration, merging, turning, or normal driving. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. The vehicle/component is available for inspection, and the diagnostic scan report, transmission-related records, service records, manufacturer communications, and related communications are available if requested.

NHTSA ODI #11747862

Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2026
Electrical SystemStructureUnknown Or Other

The vehicle has a recurring interior rattle / loose-trim concern involving interior panels, trim, speaker/subwoofer area, rear shelf, dashboard area, or related mounting components. The noise is not merely a comfort concern if it is caused by a loose component, fastener, grille, panel, or speaker housing that may move, worsen, d…

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The vehicle has a recurring interior rattle / loose-trim concern involving interior panels, trim, speaker/subwoofer area, rear shelf, dashboard area, or related mounting components. The noise is not merely a comfort concern if it is caused by a loose component, fastener, grille, panel, or speaker housing that may move, worsen, detach, or distract the driver. This is being reported as a safety concern because loose interior trim or components can distract the driver, interfere with normal vehicle use, create uncertainty about whether a component is secured, and may indicate improper fastening, panel fitment, speaker/subwoofer mounting, or body/electrical component installation issues. If the affected trim is near safety-system areas, it should be inspected to confirm it does not affect wiring, restraint-system areas, visibility, or safe vehicle operation. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. The vehicle/component is available for inspection, and service records, TSB-related records, photos/video/audio, issue lists, and repair communications are available if requested.

NHTSA ODI #11747854

Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2026
Air BagsElectrical SystemSeats

The vehicle is subject to a Passenger Occupant Detection System / PODS safety recall involving the front passenger seat occupant-detection system and passenger airbag status. The concern is that the system may incorrectly detect whether a passenger is seated and may switch off or affect the front passenger airbag when the seat i…

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The vehicle is subject to a Passenger Occupant Detection System / PODS safety recall involving the front passenger seat occupant-detection system and passenger airbag status. The concern is that the system may incorrectly detect whether a passenger is seated and may switch off or affect the front passenger airbag when the seat is occupied. This is being reported because the recall remedy was not completed, was delayed, was not properly resolved, or the concern remains unresolved. A malfunctioning passenger occupant detection system can affect whether the passenger airbag deploys as intended in a crash. The issue involves the airbag system, front passenger seat occupant detection, related sensors/modules, and related electrical components. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. The vehicle/component is available for inspection, and Audi recall documents, service records, communications, and any warning-light or passenger-airbag-status evidence are available if requested.

NHTSA ODI #11747852

Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2026
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

The short-term MPG / fuel-consumption display gives illogical and inconsistent readings. The display can show a significant drop in short-term fuel economy after the vehicle has been parked, locked, and not running, as if the system is incorrectly factoring parked/off time into the MPG calculation. This suggests a possible fault…

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The short-term MPG / fuel-consumption display gives illogical and inconsistent readings. The display can show a significant drop in short-term fuel economy after the vehicle has been parked, locked, and not running, as if the system is incorrectly factoring parked/off time into the MPG calculation. This suggests a possible fault in the onboard computer, instrument cluster, fuel-consumption calculation, sensor input, software, ECU/module logic, or related electrical system. This is being reported as a safety concern because inaccurate fuel-consumption or range-related information can mislead the driver about fuel usage and remaining range, and it may indicate a broader vehicle electrical/computer/sensor malfunction. The concern is also part of a broader pattern of electrical or driver-information issues, including other intermittent warnings and display-related concerns. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. The vehicle/component is available for inspection, and photos/video of the display, service communications, issue lists, and related electrical-system records are available if requested.

NHTSA ODI #11747851

Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2026
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

The vehicle intermittently gives a false proximity/collision warning while stationary or while maneuvering at low speed. The sensors beep and display a warning on the screen as if an object is about to hit the vehicle, even when nothing around the vehicle has changed and no object is present. This appears to involve the parking/…

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The vehicle intermittently gives a false proximity/collision warning while stationary or while maneuvering at low speed. The sensors beep and display a warning on the screen as if an object is about to hit the vehicle, even when nothing around the vehicle has changed and no object is present. This appears to involve the parking/proximity warning system, sensor system, control module, wiring, calibration, or broader electrical/driver-assistance system. This is being reported as a safety concern because false collision/proximity warnings can distract the driver, reduce trust in the vehicle’s warning systems, cause unnecessary braking or hesitation, and may indicate a malfunction in the systems used for parking, low-speed maneuvering, and obstacle detection. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. The vehicle/component is available for inspection, and service communications, issue lists, photos/video if available, and related electrical/driver-assistance records are available if requested.

NHTSA ODI #11747850

Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

The engine oil level has been gradually dropping and has required monitoring and/or adding oil between normal service intervals. The exact source is unknown. It may involve abnormal oil consumption, an external oil leak, internal engine oil consumption, PCV/oil separator issue, turbo-related oil consumption, gasket/seal issue, o…

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The engine oil level has been gradually dropping and has required monitoring and/or adding oil between normal service intervals. The exact source is unknown. It may involve abnormal oil consumption, an external oil leak, internal engine oil consumption, PCV/oil separator issue, turbo-related oil consumption, gasket/seal issue, or oil loss that is not leaving an obvious visible puddle. This is being reported as a safety concern because low engine oil or abnormal oil loss can lead to low oil pressure, warning messages, engine overheating or damage, smoke, oil contacting hot engine/exhaust components, limp mode, stalling, or loss of propulsion while driving. The issue should be inspected rather than treated as normal maintenance unless a proper diagnosis confirms normal operation. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. The vehicle/component is available for inspection, and oil-level/refill records, repair records, photos, receipts, and service communications are available if requested.

NHTSA ODI #11747848

Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2026
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemStructure

The fuel filler door/gas door intermittently fails to open, preventing normal access to the fuel filler area. This appears to involve the fuel door latch, release mechanism, lock actuator, body component, electrical control, or related wiring/module issue. This is being reported as a safety concern because inability to open the…

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The fuel filler door/gas door intermittently fails to open, preventing normal access to the fuel filler area. This appears to involve the fuel door latch, release mechanism, lock actuator, body component, electrical control, or related wiring/module issue. This is being reported as a safety concern because inability to open the fuel door can prevent refueling when fuel is low. If the vehicle cannot be refueled, it can create a stranding risk or loss-of-propulsion risk, including in traffic, at night, on a highway, or in an unsafe location. The issue also creates driver distraction and uncertainty because refueling access is not reliable. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. The vehicle/component is available for inspection, and photos/video, service communications, and repair records are available if requested.

NHTSA ODI #11747847

Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2026
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper

The exterior side mirrors have intermittent electrical/memory malfunctions. When locking the vehicle, the side mirrors begin to fold, pause or glitch briefly, and then continue folding. Separately, when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, the right-side mirror tilts downward to assist with backing/parking, but when shifted back…

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The exterior side mirrors have intermittent electrical/memory malfunctions. When locking the vehicle, the side mirrors begin to fold, pause or glitch briefly, and then continue folding. Separately, when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, the right-side mirror tilts downward to assist with backing/parking, but when shifted back to drive or park, the mirror does not reliably return to its original saved position and requires manual readjustment. This is being reported as a safety concern because exterior mirror position affects rearward and side visibility, backing visibility, lane-change awareness, and the driver’s ability to maintain proper mirror alignment. An intermittent mirror control, folding, memory, or tilt malfunction may indicate an electrical, motor, control-module, wiring, switch, or mirror-memory issue. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. The vehicle/component is available for inspection, and service communications, issue lists, photos/video if available, and related electrical-system records are available.

NHTSA ODI #11747845

Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2026
Electrical SystemStructureUnknown Or Other

The sunroof has a recurring mechanical/electrical malfunction. During operation, the sunroof binds and makes a loud popping or cracking noise, and the rubber seal became torn or damaged. This suggests a possible track, guide, cable, motor, regulator, frame, seal, or alignment failure. This is being reported as a safety concern …

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The sunroof has a recurring mechanical/electrical malfunction. During operation, the sunroof binds and makes a loud popping or cracking noise, and the rubber seal became torn or damaged. This suggests a possible track, guide, cable, motor, regulator, frame, seal, or alignment failure. This is being reported as a safety concern because a binding or popping sunroof can distract the driver, allow water intrusion into electrical areas, worsen into glass/track/frame failure, or create a risk of loose roof components while the vehicle is in use. The issue was reported to Audi service and was not fully resolved or documented to my satisfaction. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. The vehicle/component is available for inspection, and photos, video stills, service communications, and repair records are available.

NHTSA ODI #11747811

Official recalls

1

21V874000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger; Seats

Nov 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 & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger

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.

Seats

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.