Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2018 Audi S5
Our scoring places the 2018 Audi S5 at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this coupe. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.8/10, while Reliability at 6.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.4/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.9/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.8/10. The Audi S5 delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.6/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $46,248–$61,273, 18 MPG, seating 4, the Audi S5 sits in the premium tier of the coupe category. The value score of 6.5/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2018 Audi S5 is a solid, well-rounded coupe that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is value and reliability — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Coupes
The 2018 Audi S5 ranks #60 of 110 coupes in the Carivo database — better than 46% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $46,248 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $47,314.
$0 — 2 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which S5 Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Audi S5 scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.5 — and starts roughly $5,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
✗ Where it falls short
Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
Fuel economy at 18 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2018 Audi S5 (2 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 24/07/2019 · 19V547000
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…
Seats 10/11/2021 · 21V874000
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…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2018 Audi S5 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2018 Audi S5
Is the 2018 Audi S5 reliable?
We rate the 2018 Audi S5's reliability 6.4/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2018 Audi S5 have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2018 Audi S5 worth buying?
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #60 of 110 coupes in our database (better than 46% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2018 Audi S5 cost?
The 2018 Audi S5 starts at $46,248 and ranges up to $61,273 across trims (MSRP when new). At 18 MPG, expect roughly $2,917/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which S5 years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 12 S5 model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.8/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2018 Audi S5 have?
The documented issues for the 2018 Audi S5 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags, Seats (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Audi S5
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