2018 Audi A4 recalls
Reported Nov 10, 2021 · 208,332 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Problem: 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.
2018 Audi A4 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Unknown or Other | 18 | |
| Electrical System | 17 | |
| Structure | 6 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | |
| Engine | 5 | |
| Power Train | 5 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 5 | |
| Service Brakes | 4 | |
| Air Bags | 4 | |
| Suspension | 2 | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 6
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 3
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
- Electrical System › Starter Assembly — 1
- Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 1
- Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 1
- Tires › Valve — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 14,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2018 Audi A4 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Tires · reported Oct 14, 2026
I am reporting a serious vehicle safety incident involving my 2018 Audi A4. On XXX, while traveling from [XXX] to [XXX] with my [XXX] son in the vehicle, all four tire valve stems failed during a single interstate journey. The first failure occurred on the front-left tire, causing nearly instantaneous tire deflation. After an emergency repair, I continued driving, but the remaining three valve stems subsequently failed in succession. Each failure created a potentially dangerous situation involving sudden tire-pressure loss. A tire technician observed significant cracking and deterioration of…
Power Train · reported Jul 2, 2026
A vehicle diagnostic scan dated 04/15/2026 at approximately 88,502 miles showed a stored transmission electronics fault: P084100, described as âTransmission fluid pressure sensor/switch A range/performance,â with status listed as passive/sporadic. This indicates a transmission / powertrain control concern involving the transmission fluid pressure sensor, transmission electronics, wiring, control logic, pressure monitoring, or related powertrain components. The vehicle also has prior transmission/powertrain history, including a March 2023 transmission-pan-gasket concern documented in…
Structure · reported Jul 2, 2026
A vehicle diagnostic scan dated 04/15/2026 showed electrical communication faults involving vehicle control modules. The scan showed U014100, described as âLost Communication With Body Control Module âAâ,â with status listed as passive/sporadic. The scan also showed U112100, described as âData bus message missing,â with status listed as active/static. This is being reported as a safety concern because body-control module, gateway, and data-bus communication faults can affect vehicle electrical functions, warning systems, access/locking systems, lighting or body-control functions…
Wheels · reported Jul 1, 2026
An Audi dealer installed 245/40R18 93H tires on this 2018 Audi A4, while the vehicle placard/specification requires 245/40R18 97H. The lower load index reduces capacity from 1,609 lb per tire to 1,433 lb per tire, approximately 704 lb total across four tires. This creates a safety risk because load-rated tires affect vehicle stability, heat buildup, braking, steering/cornering, suspension loading, and tire failure/blowout risk. After discovering the mismatch, the concern was reported to the dealer and Audi, but the dealer stated the 93H tires were acceptable rather than providing a…
Electrical System · reported Jul 1, 2026
The rear-view camera intermittently fails to engage when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. When the camera does display, the image sometimes shows horizontal glitch lines/artifacts. This affects backing visibility and parking safety and creates a risk of collision with pedestrians, objects, vehicles, or property. The concern was reported to Audi service along with other electrical/driver-assistance symptoms, suggesting a possible camera, wiring, module, signal-processing, or broader electrical fault. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. This complaint is being submitted because the…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2018 Audi A4 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2018 Audi A4: 21V-874 (air bags, seats). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Audi A4?
Owners report unknown or other problems most often (18 reports), followed by electrical system (17). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 14,000 miles.
Are Audi recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Audi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.