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2018 Audi S5 Maintenance Schedule

Manufacturer-recommended service intervals for the Audi Service Interval Display and open recall alerts for your 2018 Audi S5.

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Recalls2Full scheduleKnown issues6

How Audi schedules service: Audi Service Interval Display

Audi follows the VW Group Longlife service rhythm: oil and minor service every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using oil that meets VW 502 00 / 504 00 (or 508 00 for newer 0W-20 engines) — generic synthetic does not qualify. S tronic dual-clutch gearboxes need fluid service every 40,000 miles despite 'lifetime fill' claims. Fully electric models (e-tron, e-tron GT) skip oil service entirely but keep brake-fluid, cabin-filter, and coolant-circuit intervals.

⚠️

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #19V547000 · Jul 24, 2019

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

SEATS

Campaign #21V874000 · Oct 11, 2021

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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 data refreshed Jul 26, 2026.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

🛢️

Engine Oil & Filter (Longlife Service)

Every 10,000 mi

Replace oil and filter every 10,000 miles or 12 months with VW 502 00 / 504 00 / 508 00 spec oil. S and RS models driven hard: many owners shorten to 5,000-7,500 miles. Wrong-spec oil is the leading cause of TFSI timing-chain tensioner and PCV problems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

🔄

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate every 10,000 miles with the oil service. quattro models: keep all four tires within 4/32" of each other — mismatched wear stresses the center differential.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

🛑

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and wear sensors every 10,000 miles. Audi uses electronic pad-wear sensors on most models — replace the sensor with the pads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

🧪

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 4 brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage — Audi's published schedule is time-based because the fluid absorbs moisture.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

⚙️

S tronic Dual-Clutch Fluid

Every 40,000 mi

S tronic (DSG) gearboxes on A3/S3/RS 3, Q3, TT, and many A5/Q5 models: replace fluid and filter every 40,000 miles with the VW Group-spec fluid for your gearbox code. Skipping this service is the most common cause of mechatronic failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$470–$640

Shop

~$330–$450

DIY

Pro only

VW/Audi DSG service needs a fluid-fill procedure at a specific temperature — shop equipment territory.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

🔩

quattro Coupling Fluid (Transverse Models)

Every 40,000 mi

A3/S3/RS 3, Q3, and TT use a Haldex-style rear coupling: replace its fluid roughly every 40,000 miles (some model years specify sooner — check your manual). Longitudinal quattro (A5-A8, Q5, Q8) has no coupling service; see differential fluid instead.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$220–$290

Shop

~$155–$205

DIY

~$40–$90

VW/Audi/Volvo AWD coupling — specific fluid required. Filter usually swapped at the same time.

⚡

Spark Plugs

Every 40,000 mi

TFSI turbo engines: new plugs every 40,000 miles. RS models with the 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder: consider 30,000 miles under track or hard street use.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

💨

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace every 40,000 miles; inspect at 20,000 on turbocharged engines — a clogged filter shows up as sluggish boost response first.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

⏱️

Timing Chain (EA888 — Inspect Tensioner)

On condition / lifetime

2.0 TFSI (EA888) engines before roughly 2013 had timing-chain tensioner failures — have the tensioner revision checked by 80,000 miles on earlier cars. Later engines carry the updated design with no scheduled service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

🔧

Differential Fluid (Longitudinal quattro)

Every 60,000 mi

Q5, Q8, and A5-A8 quattro: independent Audi specialists recommend front/rear differential fluid service around 60,000 miles even where Audi lists it as lifetime fill.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

🌬️

Dust & Pollen Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles or 2 years. Audi specifies an activated-carbon filter on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

🌡️

G12evo / G13 Coolant

On condition / lifetime

Audi coolant is labeled lifetime fill. Independent VW/Audi specialists recommend a refresh around 5 years or 100,000 miles to protect the water pump and thermostat housing — and only with the correct pink/lilac VW Group coolant.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Audi S5.

Reported to NHTSA

Rocker arm failure with engine metal debris

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2022-08 → 2025-11

“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…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11672422
“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…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11480742

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine overheating and water pump failure

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2024-03 → 2025-12

“After driving for 7 to 8 minutes less that 45 mph, a yellow warning lamp and an audible warning indicating unsafe coolant temperature displayed on the dash. An overheating engine is unsafe for me and drivers near me. I immediately pulled over and turned off the A/C…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11600570
“An Audi dealer has just diagnosed my 2018 S5 Cabriolet Prestige with vacuum system contamination caused by water pump failure. I had requested the diagnostic due to small coolant leaks on the engine and loss of coolant in the expansion tank…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11704929

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof glass shattering

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-04 → 2023-09

“DURING A DRIVE ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY IN TENNESSEE ON12/27/19, THE SUNROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED. SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 75-80 MPH ON A CLOUDY DAY WITH THE TEMPERATURE IN THE LOW 60'S F. WITHOUT ANY PRIOR INDICATIONS, THERE WAS A LOUD BOOM…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11292049
“THE SUNROOF ON MY BRAND NEW 2018 AUDI S5 EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. THE PIECES OF GLASS FROM THE SUNROOF DAMAGED THE PAINT ON THE ROOF AND TRUNK-LID AS THEY BLEW BACK DURING THE INCIDENT.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11084352

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Top-view rear camera reverting to graphic mode

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2018-08

“MY S5 SPORTBACK'S TOP VIEW CAMERA DOES NOT WORK AS DESIGNED. IT REVERTS BACK TO "GRAPHIC" MODE EVERY TIME I START THE CAR. "GRAPHIC" MODE IS SIMPLY A BLACK SCREEN WITH A CARTOON CAR IN THE MIDDLE, AS OPPOSED TO THE ACTUAL "CAMERA" MODE THAT SHOWS YOU WHAT SURROUNDS YOUR VEHICLE…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11119956
“MY CAR HAS A "TOP VIEW" REAR CAMERA SYSTEM TO AID IN REVERSING. THIS SYSTEM FAILS AND IS IN AN UNPREDICTABLE STATE ON THE SCREEN EVERY TIME I REVERSE, NOT SHOWING THE VIEW AROUND MY CAR. THIS IS DISTRACTING, AND LEADS TO PROBLEMS IN TRYING TO SWITCH MY TOP-VIEW CAMERA ON…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11119453

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Parking brake release and vehicle rollaway

PARKING BRAKE, POWER TRAIN

2 NHTSA complaints · 2019-04 → 2024-10

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 AUDI S5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEARBOX AND PARKING BRAKE RELEASED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11194999
“•Parking Brake Issue: The parking brake failed to disengage after stopping, leading to an accident. •Intoxalock Device Malfunction: The Intoxalock device malfunctioned with incessant beeping and intermittent error messages, causing distractions…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11621015

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Pre Sense forward-collision and driver-assist warnings

AIR BAGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, LANE DEPARTURE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-02 → 2023-09

“FORWARD COLLISION WARNING AND MITIGATION SYSTEM (PRE SENSE CITY) DID NOT WORK TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT WHERE I REAR ENDED A CAR THAT WAS STATIONARY. NO WARNING OR ACTION WAS TAKEN BY THE CAR. POLICE REPORT ATTACHED.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11067158
“I WAS DRIVING ON A BIG HIGHWAY DOING ABOUT 75MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN FOR NO REASON I GET A BIG PRESENSE WARNING FLASH ON MY CONSOLE, THEN A TRANSMISSION ERROR, THEN TIRE PRESSURE ERROR, THEN ENGINE MALFUNCTION ALL IN A ROW AND MY CAR JUST TOTALLY SHUTS OFF…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11289072

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

  • 2015 Audi S5 →
  • 2016 Audi S5 →
  • 2017 Audi S5 →
  • 2019 Audi S5 →
  • 2020 Audi S5 →
  • 2021 Audi S5 →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Jul 27, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Jul 27, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2018 Audi S5 reflects Audi's published service intervals and the Audi Service Interval Display system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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