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EnginePart report

2018 Audi S5 Engine Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
35%of 26 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine of the 2018 Audi S5, 35% of the 26 complaints for this model year.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I was returning home from visiting family. My drive was approx 140 miles home. The car was running/driving normally when I stopped at a gas station to get a snack. When I came back to my car and attempted to start it, it would not start and had camshaft and crankshaft sensor DTC's. I had to tow the car to my repair shop who determined that the issue was the rocker arms. …”

NHTSA complaint #11558380, filed 2023-12

“To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to report a mechanical issue with my 2018 Audi S5 Sportback. Around 57,000 miles, the engine began making a noticeable ticking noise, which I have been advised is due to failing rocker arms. This issue has raised serious concerns, as it can lead to engine misfires, reduced performance, and potentially catastrophic engine damage if left unresolved. The problem appeared without warning, despite regular maintenance and no prior engine alerts. …”

NHTSA complaint #11672422, filed 2025-07

“While driving, my Audi overheated randomly, started smoking, had to be towed. Had 72,800 miles, was serviced by Audi at 70k miles and all prior recommended services. Towed to Audi dealership, quoted 29k in engine repairs, Audi could never tell me why engine overheated. Would not cover any expense because “i didn’t buy it there”. Insurance denied two claims because Audi reported it as engine failure although they couldn’t prove what happened to cause the heating, said it was one of the worst engine overheating they had seen. …”

NHTSA complaint #11647150, filed 2025-03

“I received a coolant overheating message, pulled to side of road. Let vehicle cool off although it just showed coolant warning and actual engine temperature showed normal along with oil temperature. Started car back up and it was ok, drove about a mile, engine started steaming, white smoke out of exhaust, system failure had to pull off and be towed. Engine is destroyed at 72,833 miles.”

NHTSA complaint #11579095, filed 2024-03

“The 2018 year for the Audi S5 has a notorious rocker arm failure within the engine. Audi is aware of this problem because they have revised the part for later build dates. However, they have failed to remedy the issue for the vehicles that fall within the problematic build dates. Once this failure occurs, it is catastrophic and will require a new engine.”

NHTSA complaint #11480742, filed 2022-08

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025218%
2019350%
2018935%
2014233%
2013319%
2010315%

Other parts of the 2018 Audi S5

Other or unknown
8 complaints
Air bags
3 complaints
Brakes
3 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
Electrical system
2 complaints
Seat belts
2 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
Electronic stability control
1 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
1 complaints
Fuel system
1 complaints
Lane departure
1 complaints
Seats
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 Audi S5

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology