2018 Audi S5 Sportback

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints related to the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback, categorized as requested.

The 2018 Audi S5 Sportback is a stylish and sporty four-door coupe, praised for its performance, sleek design, and comfortable interior. It is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 354 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. There were no other engine options available for the 2018 S5 Sportback. Owners generally love the car’s acceleration, handling, and premium feel. Common complaints revolve around the infotainment system complexity, occasional reliability issues, and the cost of maintenance and repairs.

Engine

3.0L Turbocharged V6 TFSI

• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks from the thermostat housing or water pump area. Can lead to overheating if coolant level gets too low. Check for coolant level dropping. Check for coolant smell or obvious leakage.
  • Solution: Replace the thermostat housing and/or water pump with updated versions.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+ depending on location of leak and shop rates.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets or rear main seal. Visible oil spots under the car or burning oil smell. Check for oil consumption to be higher than normal.
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets and/or rear main seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 (valve cover gaskets), $1000 - $2000+ (rear main seal).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises from the engine bay, check engine light illuminated. Could be a damaged or failing turbocharger.
  • Solution: Diagnose the turbocharger system, including wastegate actuator and diverter valve. Replace the turbocharger if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Tiptronic Automatic

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, especially between certain gears. Could be caused by low transmission fluid, worn valve body, or internal transmission damage.
  • Solution: Check transmission fluid level and condition. Perform a transmission service, including fluid and filter change. If the problem persists, valve body replacement or transmission rebuild/replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 (fluid/filter change), $1000 - $2500 (valve body), $4000 - $8000+ (transmission rebuild/replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Hesitation/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission hesitates or slips during acceleration. Engine RPMs increase without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed.
  • Solution: Same as Rough Shifting - start with fluid/filter, then investigate valve body and internal components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Same as Rough Shifting
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially over bumps. Vague steering feel. Premature tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the worn control arm bushings. Sometimes it’s more cost-effective to replace the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 per control arm.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Adaptive Damper Malfunctions (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Warning lights on the dashboard related to the suspension. Uneven ride quality. Suspension feels too stiff or too soft.
  • Solution: Diagnose the adaptive damper system. Could be a faulty damper, wiring issue, or control module problem. Replace the malfunctioning components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per damper.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, lagging, random reboots, or complete failure of the MMI (Multi Media Interface) system.
  • Solution: Software updates can sometimes resolve the issue. If the problem persists, the MMI control unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (Software update), $1000 - $2000+ (MMI control unit replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Various warning lights on the dashboard related to systems such as ABS, stability control, or tire pressure monitoring.
  • Solution: Diagnose the faulty sensor using a diagnostic scan tool. Replace the malfunctioning sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery dies quickly, especially if the car sits for a few days.
  • Solution: Diagnose the parasitic drain. This could be from a faulty module, aftermarket accessories, or a failing battery. Replace the faulty component or battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (battery replacement), $200 - $1000+ (diagnose and repair parasitic drain).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tail Light LED Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sections of the LED tail lights stop working.
  • Solution: Replace the entire tail light assembly. LED tail lights are usually sealed units.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ per tail light.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof fails to open or close properly. Noises when operating the sunroof.
  • Solution: Lubricate the sunroof tracks and mechanism. If the problem persists, the sunroof motor or assembly may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (lubrication/adjustment), $500 - $1500+ (motor/assembly replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Audi S5 Sportback, while a desirable vehicle, can be prone to certain issues. Engine and transmission problems, while not universally reported, can be costly to repair. Electrical issues, particularly with the infotainment system, are also relatively common. Suspension issues can also arise. The severity of these issues varies, and the cost to repair can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand dollars for major component replacements. It is important to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic, especially one familiar with Audi vehicles, to identify any potential problems before buying a used 2018 S5 Sportback.