Audi A4 problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 426 owner complaints and 12 recalls on file for the Audi A4 (2005–2025). The 2020 A4 has the most serious complaints, most often about electrical system.
- Complaints
- 426
- Recalls
- 12
- Model years
- 21
- Worst year
- 2020
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst Audi A4 years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2020 Audi A4 — 128 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Electrical System
- 2017 Audi A4 — 55 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Engine
- 2018 Audi A4 — 43 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Electrical System
- 2014 Audi A4 — 31 complaints; top problem: Engine
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2022 (6 complaints).
Every Audi A4 model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 A4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Brakes |
| 2024 A4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Wheels & Tires |
| 2023 A4 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Electrical System |
| 2022 A4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Engine |
| 2021 A4 | 11 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 4 | Electrical System |
| 2020 A4 | 128 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System |
| 2019 A4 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | Electrical System |
| 2018 A4 | 43 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System |
| 2017 A4 | 55 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Engine |
| 2016 A4 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Engine |
| 2015 A4 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | Engine |
| 2014 A4 | 31 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine |
| 2013 A4 | 19 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Engine |
| 2012 A4 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Engine |
| 2011 A4 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine |
| 2010 A4 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine |
| 2009 A4 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | Engine |
| 2008 A4 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | Airbags |
| 2007 A4 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Airbags |
| 2006 A4 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | Airbags |
| 2005 A4 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | Airbags |
Most common Audi A4 problem areas (all years)
- Electrical System147 complaints
- Engine115 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech69 complaints
- Airbags47 complaints
- Steering29 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion29 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain23 complaints
- Brakes15 complaints
- Suspension11 complaints
- Wheels & Tires10 complaints
Complaint trend
Audi A4 recalls
Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Risk: A rear-view camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Risk: If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Other Audi models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology