Audi A4 problems by year
2,826 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across 28 Audi A4 model years. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaint totals are lifetime counts — years that have been on the road longer accumulate more reports.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most reported problem | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Fewer complaints | 10 | 0 | — | |
| 2022 Fewer complaints | 6 | 3 | — | |
| 2021 Fewer complaints | 11 | 4 | — | |
| 2020 | 124 | 3 | Electrical System | |
| 2019 Fewer complaints | 10 | 1 | — | |
| 2018 | 44 | 1 | Unknown OR Other | |
| 2017 | 54 | 1 | Engine | |
| 2016 Fewer complaints | 11 | 0 | — | |
| 2015 | 19 | 0 | Engine | |
| 2014 | 31 | 0 | Engine | |
| 2013 | 24 | 0 | Steering | |
| 2012 | 19 | 0 | Engine | |
| 2011 | 11 | 0 | — | |
| 2010 | 64 | 0 | Engine | |
| 2009 | 120 | 2 | Engine | |
| 2008 | 175 | 4 | Air Bags | |
| 2007 | 196 | 3 | Air Bags | |
| 2006 Most complained | 295 | 3 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2005 Most complained | 219 | 3 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2004 | 189 | 2 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2003 | 210 | 3 | Power Train | |
| 2002 | 181 | 1 | Electrical System | |
| 2001 | 131 | 1 | Electrical System | |
| 2000 | 96 | 2 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1999 | 190 | 2 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1998 Most complained | 258 | 1 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1997 | 98 | 3 | Electrical System | |
| 1996 | 89 | 2 | Electrical System |
How to read this. Complaints are unverified reports owners file with NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, counted once per case number. Raw totals are not adjusted for sales volume, and recent model years have had less time on the road. “Most complained” flags years well above the model’s median; treat it as a signal for deeper research, not a verdict. This page is not affiliated with Audi.