Audi›A4›2018›Overview/audi/a4/2018/base/

2018 Audi A4

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 A4.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (AM-S7)

The 2018 Audi A4 is a passenger car pairing a 5.5-quart engine oil capacity filled with 0W-20 viscosity lubricant to a seven-speed automatic (AM-S7) and an EPA fuel-economy rating of 24 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. Against the A4's complaint record stretching from 1995 to 2024, the 2018 model year registers as a notably quiet entry — 42 owner complaints, a single recall, and a top complaint area classified only as Unknown or Other, with no single defect dominating the data. That places the 2018 well below the 298-complaint peak of 2006 and comfortably above the 1-complaint floor of 1995, situating the model year in a stable middle band of the nameplate's three-decade reliability history rather than at either extreme.

Model year202020192018201720091996

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.5 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torque89 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy24/34/27 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses OE oil filter 06M115441G. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Tire sizeP225/50R17, P225/40R18Y, P225/40R18H, P245/35R19OEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter06M115441G alt 06M198405F
Engine air filter8W0133843
Spark plug06M905606F
Battery000915089BD
Front wiper blades8W1998002
Thermostat06M121688 alt 06M121115N
Cabin air filter4M0819439C

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (AM-S7)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length186.2 in
Overall width71.3 in
Overall height55.1 in
Wheelbase111 in
Curb weight3450 lb
Track (front / rear)61.8 / 61 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)56/44

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined24 / 34 / 27 mpg
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume92 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the A4 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.1–7.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.10 sec — 2018 2.0T Premium Plus S-Line Quattro Sedan (Sport+)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
20182.0T Premium Plus S-Line Quattro Sedan (Sport+) 2.0L Turbo I-45.10 sec13.80 sec252 hpAWD
20182.0T Ultra Premium Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-47.00 sec15.40 sec190 hpFWD
20172.0T Prestige Quattro Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-45.00 sec13.70 sec252 hpAWD
20172.0T Prestige Quattro Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-45.20 sec13.90 sec252 hpAWD
20172.0T Prestige Quattro Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-45.20 sec14.00 sec252 hpAWD
20172.0T Premium Plus Quattro Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-45.30 sec13.90 sec252 hpAWD
20172.0T Prestige Quattro Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-45.40 sec14.00 sec252 hpAWD
20172.0T Prestige Quattro Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-45.80 sec14.30 sec252 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.5 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-3-6-2-5. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 4
Clutch FluidDOT 4
Engine CoolantUse Audi coolant part number G13TL-VW774J
Engine Coolant Capacity10.5
Engine CoolantUse Audi coolant part number G13TL-VW774J
Engine Coolant Capacity10.5
Engine Oil0W-20
Engine Oil Capacity5.5 qt

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)30.0 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)14.75 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)15.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts89 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-4-3-6-2-5
Spark Plug ManufacturerAudi
Spark Plug Torque22 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerAudi
Spark Plug Torque22 ft-lbs

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum87.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum116.0 psi
Residual Pressure43.5 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum87.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum116.0 psi
Residual Pressure43.5 psi
Engine Compression159-203 psi @ RPM / Maximum Variation 44 psi
Engine Compression159-203 psi @ RPM / Maximum Variation 44 psi

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Front Wheel Hub — tightening sequence 1 stages
1148.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 180.0°148 ft. lbs
Rear Wheel Hub — tightening sequence 1 stages
1148.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 180.0°148 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Gasoline engines

172.0 inch lbs.72 in
290 degrees; Diesel engines: NS90 degrees
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

Prep Gasoline engines

133.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90 degrees; Diesel engines33 ft. lbs
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9022 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Gasoline engines

136.0 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
290 degrees; Diesel engines90 degrees
125.0 ft. lbs.25 ft. lbs
290
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1110.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90110 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90 degrees. Replace.15 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not re-use old bolts. · Long head bolts

1Tighten all bolts finger tight.
222.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
344.3 ft. lbs.44.3 ft. lbs
490 degrees90 degrees
590 degrees; Short head bolts (located in rear of head)90 degrees
16.0 ft. lbs.6 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages
144.0 ft. lbs.44 ft. lbs
290
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages
144.0 ft. lbs.44 ft. lbs
290
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 3 stages
11.4 ft. lbs.1.4 ft. lbs
26 ft. lbs.6 ft. lbs
3Turn 45
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Lower: Step 1: 3.6 ft. lbs.

26.6 ft. lbs.; Upper: Step 1: 6.6 ft. lbs.6.6 ft. lbs
26.6 ft. lbs.6.6 ft. lbs
36.6
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

Prep Gas engines · Cap bolts: Step 1: 48.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90 degrees, Side bolts: Step 1: 15.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90 degrees · Diesel engines

148.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9048 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Gasoline engines

133.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
290 degrees; Diesel engines90 degrees
122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
236.0 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
3180

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs every 40,000 mi.

Every 10,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire Repair Kit Sealant (inspect)
Every 20,000 miBody Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Line (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Exterior Lighting (inspect)
Every 40,000 miSpark Plugs (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
Every 60,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2018 Audi A4 sits near the low point of a long‑term decline in complaints and recalls that began after the early‑2000s peak; its 42 complaints and a single recall are well below the generation’s historic highs (e.g., 298 complaints in 2006 and 8 recalls in 1997). Compared with the surrounding years, 2017 saw 81 complaints and 6 recalls, while 2020 rebounded to 124 complaints and 3 recalls, indicating that 2018 is an outlier on the more favorable side of the trend. Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) also dropped sharply from 1,137 in 2017 to 648 in 2018, reinforcing the relative improvement that year. The top complaint categories in 2018 are vague (“Unknown or Other”) and low‑volume issues such as a few air‑bag and electrical system reports, with only one crash‑related complaint and no fire complaints. **Takeaway:** 2018 records the lowest complaint and recall activity in the recent decade, suggesting it is a comparatively strong year to consider for a used Audi A4.

1
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
648
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
42
Owner complaints
1 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’20’21’24

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 42 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Unknown Or Other6
Electrical System,Structure,Unknown Or Other4
Air Bags3
Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Back Over Prevention2
Unknown Or Other,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System2
Electrical System,Forward Collision Avoidance2
Power Train2
Forward Collision Avoidance2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V874000SeatsReported 10/11/2021

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… Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 648 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TSB_2074640_32026-06-26EngineThis bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000…
TSB_2074729_32026-06-23Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of…
TSB_2059335_72026-06-23Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the…
TSB_2082323_12026-06-10EngineThis bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
TSB_2052680_62026-06-04Unknown Or OtherThis Reporting Obligation requires technicains to contact the Technical Assistance Center…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific A4. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Vehicles taking 5.5 qtEngine oil filter 06M115441GEngine air filter 8W0133843Spark plug 06M905606FBattery 000915089BD

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2018 A4 take?

5.5 qt of 0W-20 STARBURST Meeting Audi standard 50800 50900 or equivalent, per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 A4 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the A4 get?

EPA figures are 24 city / 34 highway / 27 combined mpg.