DecodedCars2018 Audi RS 5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- Rs5 2dr Coupe
- Engines
- 2.9L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 185.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,990 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 42 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Audi RS 5 is a subcompact car offered with a 2.9L 6-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 186 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,990 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 26 highway), 11% worse than the 2018 subcompact car average of 23.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2018
- New body dimensions: 3.1 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 2.9L 6-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 4.2L 8-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 18 to 21
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 RS 5 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rs5 2dr Coupe | 185.8 in | 73.2 in | 53.5 in | 109.1 in | 63 / 62.6 in | 3,990 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS 5 | 2.9L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -11% | $3,900 | 419 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Audi RS 5.
Similar 2018 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Audi RS 5 (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2018 BMW 3 Series | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 Audi A4 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Nov 10, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V874000 · 208,332 vehicles
- 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.
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery · Dec 9, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V760000 · 2,355 vehicles
- Problem
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Audi RS5 Coupe vehicles. An incorrect positive battery terminal cover was installed.
- Risk
- In the event of a rear crash, the incorrect cover can cause the 12-volt power supply to be compromised, preventing the vehicle doors from being opened from the outside, or the hazard warning lights from functioning, increasing risk of injury.
- Fix
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive terminal cover, free of charge. The recall began January 19, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 27i6.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jul 24, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V547000 · 145,337 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) connecting cable may cause 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
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install cable ties to the harness, free of charge. The recall began September 9, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi's number for this recall is 74D9.
Not every 2018 Audi RS 5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Audi RS 5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Audi RS 5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other RS 5 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →