Audi A4 reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 447 complaints about the Audi A4 with NHTSA since 2010, most often about electrical system and engine. Audi has filed 7 warranty extensions and 12 service campaigns for it, and there are 8 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Audi A4? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the A4 a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 447
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 7
- Filed by Audi
- Service campaigns
- 12
- Filed by Audi
- Safety recalls
- 8
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the A4 with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | Steering (100%) | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 | Airbags (50%) | 0 | 2 |
| 2023 | 10 | Electrical system (30%) | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 | 6 | Other or unspecified (50%) | 3 | 1 |
| 2021 | 11 | Other or unspecified (27%) | 4 | 1 |
| 2020 | 128 | Electrical system (71%) | 3 | 2 |
| 2019 | 10 | Electrical system (30%) | 1 | 1 |
| 2018 | 44 | Other or unspecified (41%) | 1 | 1 |
| 2017 | 55 | Engine (40%) | 1 | 1 |
| 2016 | 11 | Engine (64%) | 0 | 2 |
| 2015 | 19 | Engine (53%) | 0 | 2 |
| 2014 | 32 | Engine (41%) | 0 | 2 |
| 2013 | 24 | Steering (42%) | 0 | 2 |
| 2012 | 19 | Engine (68%) | 0 | 1 |
| 2011 | 11 | Engine (64%) | 0 | 1 |
| 2010 | 64 | Engine (58%) | 0 | 14 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single A4 model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Audi
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Audi filed with NHTSA for the A4, in its own words. A warranty extension means Audi pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionApr 2022· Airbags· model years 2010–2023
This Document informs dealers on the new Takata warranty extension for 2005-2017 A3, A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, S4 Sedan, S4, Avant, A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A5 Cabriolet, S5 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan, Q5, R8 Coupe, R8 Spyder, RS4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S6 Sedan, S6 Sedan, TT…
- Warranty extensionApr 2015· Fuel system· model years 2010
This document contains general information on the upcoming warranty extension on the high pressure fuel pump.
- Warranty extensionJan 2015· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010
Audi is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty for certain 2009-2011 A4, A5, and Q5 Vehicles with the CAEB 2.0T engine to 8 years/80,000 miles (whichever occurs first) from the vehicle's in-service date or 12 months/12,000 miles (whichever occurs first) from the date of a…
- Warranty extensionSep 2014· Other or unspecified· model years 2010
A warranty extension has been issued for 10 yrs or 120, 000 miles, whichever occur first, on emissions control systems warranty for intake manifold and fuel injectors, under specific conditions. Model 2008-2011.
- Warranty extensionDec 2013· Engine· model years 2010
Information provided regarding warranty extension on carbon buildup removal, engine cylinder head secondary air ports. Models 2009-2012. No model provided.
- Warranty extensionAug 2013· Mobility equipment· model years 2010
A faulty intake manifold may cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on the instrument cluster to illuminate due to the presence of specific fault codes caused by this component and/or a faulty fuel injector may cause minor misfire conditions and, in turn, cause the…
- Warranty extensionAug 2013· Fuel system· model years 2010
Audi has determined that a faulty fuel injector may cause minor misfire conditions and, in turn, cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on the instrument cluster to illuminate due to the presence of specific fault codes caused by this component.
- Service campaignOct 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2020
Updated work instructions: Clarified instructions if green emergency call LED is not illuminated before the software update Added reference to a TSB if there are issues with the emergency call system after the software update
- Service campaignMar 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2013–2016
Removed expiration date, Updated part numbers in parts and claiming sections, General circular updates
- Service campaignFeb 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2025
The HomeLink cannot be programmed and there is no reaction when the HomeLink buttons in the rearview mirror are pressed. A software update will be performed to address this issue. Affected vehicles count updated
- Service campaignAug 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2024
The gateway control module will be replaced at no cost to owners. Updated claiming information
- Service campaignJun 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2024
Due to a software error in the transmission control unit in affected DSG transmissions, certain fault codes that turn on the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) cannot be cleared after completion of repairs to resolve the underlying problem with the transmission that turned on the…
- Service campaignJun 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010
Under certain conditions the coolant pump may leak.
- Service campaignJun 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010
Apology letter about the water pump campaign.
- Service campaignJun 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010
Apology letter about the water pump campaign and warranty information.
- Service campaignJun 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010
Apology letter about the water pump campaign and warranty information.
- Service campaignJun 2011· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2010
Apology letter about the water pump campaign and warranty information.
- Service campaignApr 2011· Engine and cooling· model years 2010
A seal inside the coolant pump can wear out and leak coolant. This also caused the engine light to come on. *rm updated on 06/27/2011.
- Service campaignApr 2011· Engine and cooling· model years 2010
The engine thermostat stays close and may cause the engine to overheat. Warning lights will illuminate. 2010-2011 Models.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every A4 model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Electrical system138 (31%)
- Engine128 (29%)
- Other or unspecified102 (23%)
- Backup camera and rear sensors46 (10%)
- Transmission and drivetrain30 (7%)
- Steering30 (7%)
- Fuel and propulsion28 (6%)
- Automatic emergency braking and collision warning20 (4%)
Safety recalls
8 recalls cover at least one A4 model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The infotainment main unit may become damaged internally when the vehicle is shut off, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera display the next time the vehicle is started.
Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear.
The semiconductor inside the engine control unit may short-circuit and cause an engine stall.
The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
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.
A software error may prevent the rear-view image from initially displaying when the vehicle begins to reverse.
The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.
The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 Audi A4 has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Audi A4 reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 447 owner complaints, 7 warranty extensions and 12 service campaigns Audi filed, and 8 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2020 (128), 2010 (64), 2017 (55). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Audi A4?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name electrical system (31%), engine (29%), other or unspecified (23%). Audi has filed 7 warranty extensions covering the A4, listed on this page.
Which A4 model years have the most complaints?
2020 (128), 2010 (64), 2017 (55). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the A4 with each other rather than with other models.
Has Audi extended the warranty on the A4?
Yes: airbags (model years 2010–2023); fuel system (model years 2010); equipment and accessories (model years 2010), and 4 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a A4?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 8 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.