YearToAvoid

2021 Audi A4 allroad Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

9/100

#11 most-complained of 12 A4 allroad years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2021 Audi A4 allroad has a complaint index of 9, the lowest of all model years with data, and ranks 11th out of 12 years for reported problems. It has one recall covering suspension and tire wear.

Complaints
1
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
26
24 city / 30 hwy

Top 2021 Audi A4 allroad problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (100%)

What owners report

  • Emergency braking system unexpectedly activates while the vehicle is stationary at a stoplight or moving slowly, with seat belt tensioner engaging and a noticeable thunk sound.
  • False activation has also occurred mid-turn across multiple lanes of oncoming traffic, not just at low speeds.
  • Owners report no visible threat or obstacle present when the system triggers braking and belt tightening.

2021 Audi A4 allroad recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 22V034000Jan 26, 2022Suspension, Wheels & Tires31,058 vehicles

    Tires

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.

    Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.

2021 Audi A4 allroad fuel economy and fuel cost

City
24 MPG
Highway
30 MPG
Combined
26 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,050
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2021 compared with other A4 allroad years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2019No verdict273025
2020Caution7330126
2021No verdict91126
2022No verdict00126
2023No verdict181126

All Audi A4 allroad years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Audi A4 allroad reliable?
NHTSA data shows only 1 complaint for the 2021 A4 allroad, giving it a complaint index of 9, the lowest among the 12 model years with data. It ranks 11th worst out of 12 years, meaning it has fewer reported problems than most other years.
What is the main problem reported for the 2021 A4 allroad?
The single complaint on file involves the Collision Avoidance & Cameras system, specifically unexpected emergency braking activation.
Does the 2021 Audi A4 allroad have any recalls?
Yes, one recall (campaign 22V034000) covers suspension, wheels, and tires; dealers inspect the rear axle, adjust alignment, and replace unevenly worn tires as needed. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2021 A4 allroad compare to other years?
With a complaint index of 9, the 2021 model has far fewer reported issues than years like 2013 (complaint index 100) or 2014 (91), which are rated Avoid.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Audi A4 allroad?
EPA rates it at 26 mpg combined (24 city / 30 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.