Audi A4 years to avoid (and the best years)
418 NHTSA owner complaints and 5 recalls across 12 model years, 2010 to 2023. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 418complaints
- 5recalls
- 10reported crashes
- 4reported fires
- 5reported injuries
Which Audi A4 years should you avoid?
No Audi A4 model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical Audi A4 year has 22 complaints on file. The busiest years are the 2020 (127), 2010 (64) and 2017 (51).
What are the best Audi A4 years?
The Audi A4 years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2023 (10), 2011 (10) and 2021 (11). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 | 0.5× | 0 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2021 | 11 | 0.5× | 4 | 3 | 1 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2020 | 127 | 5.9× | 3 | 1 | 0 | Some concerns to check | Electrical system |
| 2018 | 42 | 2.0× | 1 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2017 | 51 | 2.4× | 1 | 2 | 0 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2016 | 11 | 0.5× | 0 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2015 | 19 | 0.9× | 0 | 1 | 2 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2014 | 30 | 1.4× | 0 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2013 | 24 | 1.1× | 0 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Steering |
| 2012 | 19 | 0.9× | 0 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2011 | 10 | 0.5× | 0 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2010 | 64 | 3.0× | 0 | 0 | 0 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 223 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Electrical & infotainment133 (60%)
- Engine & powertrain63 (28%)
- Steering, suspension & tires9 (4%)
- Other systems8 (4%)
- Brakes5 (2%)
Recalls (5)
Safety · 22V742000 · Oct 2022 · model year 2021
A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tires · 22V034000 · Jan 2022 · model years 2020, 2021
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 21V874000 · Nov 2021 · model years 2017, 2018, 2020
A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Seat belts · 21V606000 · Aug 2021 · model year 2021
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Suspension · 21V295000 · Apr 2021 · model years 2020, 2021
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.