This page covers 4 recalls and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Audi Rs 5.
21 mpg combined
11.2 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
The 2018 Audi RS 5 has 4 recalls, the most serious involving the front passenger airbag, which can be disabled by a fault in the seat's occupant detection system and fail to deploy in a crash.
The passenger seat sensor uses a connecting cable that can oxidize over time, causing the system's software to misread the fault and shut off the airbag entirely, leaving the front passenger without protection in a collision. Two separate recalls cover this same underlying issue across slightly different vehicle populations, but the real-world risk is the same. On the electrical side, the cover over the positive battery terminal can be damaged in a rear crash, cutting 12-volt power to the vehicle. When that happens, the doors may not open from the outside, which can trap occupants after a collision, and the hazard lights may stop working, making the car harder for other drivers to see.
At a glance
What can fail
A cable connecting the seat heater to the passenger air bag detection system may develop a contact fault, causing the system to incorrectly disable the passenger air bag.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover at no cost.
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Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The positive battery terminal cover can break in a rear crash, causing the vehicle to lose electrical power. This may prevent doors from opening from outside or disable hazard lights.
What the fix does
Audi will mail you instructions to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the positive terminal cover.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An incorrect positive battery terminal cover was installed on these vehicles, which could cause electrical issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the positive terminal cover at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Oxidation on the Passenger Occupant Detection System connecting cable may cause the software to incorrectly diagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
What the fix does
Dealers will install cable ties to the harness at no cost to secure the cable and prevent oxidation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
