The Lemon Index2018 Audi A4.
The 2018 Audi A4 is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 16 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 45, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 27 to 31 mpg combined. The best Audi A4 year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 62 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Audi A4 year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 4K to 13K miles on the car (13 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 4
- seats 2021
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.
- airbags 2019
Oxidation on the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) connecting cable may cause the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
- airbags 2018
A passenger air bag module mounting screw may not have been sufficiently tightened, possibly affecting the deployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.
Show all 4 recalls
- body structure 2017
The aluminum trim on the front and rear doors can come loose from around the door speakers, leaving sharp edges exposed.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Audi told dealers about
Audi sent dealers 1121 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This bulletin contains instructions for oil leaking from the vehicle without a DTC
- This bulletin contains instructions for using the UV additive to find engine oil leaks
- This technical service bulletin provides troubleshooting for brake noise
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A4 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Audi A4 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Audi Allroad SW AWD | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2550–2950 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Audi A4 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 45; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Audi A4 year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2018 Audi A4 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (31%), transmission & drivetrain (19%) and engine (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Audi A4 have?
4 safety recalls (latest: seats). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Audi A4 get?
27 to 31 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Audi A4 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2018 Audi A4 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 19% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Audi A4 cost in fuel a year?
About $2550 to $2950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Audi A4 have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Audi A4 year is better than the 2018?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2016 and 2018.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works