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Audi · Known Issues

2018 Audi A5 Sportback Problems: 3 Known Issues

2018 model year · 950+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 950+ owner reports, the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback has 3 documented known issues. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. The most commonly reported issue is Thermostat Housing Crack and Coolant Leak with 950 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $500 to $1,200. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • A5 Sportback Body/Panels2
  • A5 Sportback Cooling1
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Body/Panels2
  • Cooling1
  • FAQ

All 3 Known Issues

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On the 2017-2023 Audi A5 Sportback, audi TSB 2061754/4 covers a water-sloshing sound from the floor area of 2017-2023 A5 Sportback vehicles while driving, cornering or braking. Audi says water can collect in the side-member and sill cavities when a cavity sound absorber blocks the normal drainage path. This bulletin does not identify the panoramic-roof drains as the cause.

Common Symptoms

  • Water sloshing sound while driving, cornering or braking
  • Noise described as coming from the floor area

How to Fix

Have the side-sill cavities inspected for retained water. Audi directs the shop to access the side-member plugs, drain any accumulated water, modify the obstructing sound absorber so water can reach the normal drainage path, apply cavity preservative and confirm the front and rear drain plugs remain functional. Do not use compressed air, wire or a seal product on the panoramic roof solely from this card.

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Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2018-2023 Audi A5 Sportback, audi TSB 2062669/2 covers hydraulic-flow or chafing sounds from the trunk-lid struts while opening or closing a 2018-2023 A5 Sportback. Audi describes these sounds as a normal, design-related strut characteristic whose frequency and intensity can vary with temperature and operating speed; the bulletin does not establish weak struts or a hatch that can fall.

Common Symptoms

  • Hydraulic-flow sound while opening or closing the trunk lid
  • Chafing or functional noise from the trunk-lid struts

How to Fix

Compare the complaint with the hydraulic-flow or functional noise described by Audi while operating the trunk lid. Audi states that replacing parts does not solve this noise condition. A hatch that will not remain open, closes unexpectedly or has abnormal powered-lift operation is a different safety-relevant symptom and should be diagnosed independently rather than treated from this informational card.

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Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026
Community reported
950 owners

On the 2018-2026 Audi A5 Sportback 2.0T, the plastic thermostat housing on the EA888 Gen 3B 2.0T engine develops cracks from thermal cycling, leading to coolant leaks. The housing is located on the engine block and fails where the plastic meets the metal coolant pipe. This is a known weak point across the entire MQB/MLB platform sharing this engine.

This issue also affects: Audi A5, Audi Q3, Audi Q5

Common Symptoms

  • Coolant smell from engine bay
  • Small coolant puddle under the car
  • Low coolant warning light
  • White residue or staining around thermostat housing
  • Slow coolant loss over weeks

How to Fix

Replace the thermostat housing assembly with the updated revision part. The new housing has reinforced plastic at the failure points. Replace coolant and bleed the system properly after repair. Consider replacing the water pump at the same time since labor overlaps significantly.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Assembly
    Cross-ref143-0913

    Fitment confirmed against the ShowMeTheParts catalog for this vehicle's year and engine.

    eBay

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$500 - $1,200

Research This Issue

Based on 950 owner reports

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Community Reported
High Confidence950 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2025Reviewed Mar 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Audi A5 Sportback problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 950+ owner reports, the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Thermostat Housing Crack and Coolant Leak, 2017-2023 A5 Sportback Water Sloshing in the Side Sills, 2018-2023 A5 Sportback Trunk-Strut Hydraulic or Chafing Noise. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Audi A5 Sportback reliable?

The 2018 Audi A5 Sportback has 3 known issues documented across 950+ owner reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Audi A5 Sportback problems?

Repair costs for known Audi A5 Sportback issues range from $500 to $1,200, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2018-2026 Audi A5 Sportback Thermostat Housing Crack and Coolant Leak?

The plastic thermostat housing on the EA888 Gen 3B 2.0T engine develops cracks from thermal cycling, leading to coolant leaks. The housing is located on the engine block and fails where the plastic meets the metal coolant pipe. This is a known weak point across the entire MQB/MLB… Repairs typically run $500-$1,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2017-2023 Audi A5 Sportback 2017-2023 A5 Sportback Water Sloshing in the Side Sills?

Audi TSB 2061754/4 covers a water-sloshing sound from the floor area of 2017-2023 A5 Sportback vehicles while driving, cornering or braking. Audi says water can collect in the side-member and sill cavities when a cavity sound absorber blocks the normal drainage path. This bulleti… Severity: low.

What is the 2018-2023 Audi A5 Sportback 2018-2023 A5 Sportback Trunk-Strut Hydraulic or Chafing Noise?

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 950+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Audi TSB 2062669/2 covers hydraulic-flow or chafing sounds from the trunk-lid struts while opening or closing a 2018-2023 A5 Sportback. Audi describes these sounds as a normal, design-related strut characteristic whose frequency and intensity can vary with temperature and operati… Severity: low.