Which Audi A4 Avant years should I avoid?

NHTSA data does not flag any A4 Avant year as an official 'avoid' year. Only 2011 and 2012 have complaint data, and neither is singled out, though 2012 has a higher complaint index of 100 versus 2011.

What is the most common problem with the Audi A4 Avant?

Engine issues are the top complaint area across both model years, accounting for 35 of 58 total complaints, or 60%.

Are there any recalls on the Audi A4 Avant?

NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns for the 2011 and 2012 Audi A4 Avant, including 0 do-not-drive recalls.

Which A4 Avant year has more reported problems?

2011 has more raw complaints (32 vs. 26), but 2012 carries the higher complaint index (100) and is linked to 1 crash and 2 injuries, versus 2 fires and no crashes or injuries in 2011.

At what mileage do A4 Avant engine problems typically show up?

NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 59,000 miles for 2011 and 60,000 miles for 2012.

Audi A4 Avant Best and Worst Years (2009–2012)

NHTSA data covers only the 2011 and 2012 Audi A4 Avant, with no years flagged as avoid or best. 2012 has the higher complaint index (100) and includes 1 crash and 2 injuries, while 2011 logged 32 complaints and 2 fires. Engine problems dominate both years, making up 60% of all complaints.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Model years: 3; 2009–2012
NHTSA complaints: 60
Recall campaigns: 0
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 2
Top problem area: Engine

A4 Avant Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Audi A4 Avant problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2009	No verdict	0	2	0	0	Airbags	23	—
2011	No verdict	50	32	0	2	Engine	24	4★
2012	No verdict	100	26	1	0	Engine	24	4★

Most common Audi A4 Avant problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Engine35 (58%)
Other11 (18%)
Electrical System7 (12%)
Fuel System7 (12%)
Steering6 (10%)
Transmission & Powertrain6 (10%)
Airbags4 (7%)
Brakes2 (3%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (3%)
Visibility & Wipers2 (3%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

Which Audi A4 Avant years should I avoid?: NHTSA data does not flag any A4 Avant year as an official 'avoid' year. Only 2011 and 2012 have complaint data, and neither is singled out, though 2012 has a higher complaint index of 100 versus 2011.
What is the most common problem with the Audi A4 Avant?: Engine issues are the top complaint area across both model years, accounting for 35 of 58 total complaints, or 60%.
Are there any recalls on the Audi A4 Avant?: NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns for the 2011 and 2012 Audi A4 Avant, including 0 do-not-drive recalls.
Which A4 Avant year has more reported problems?: 2011 has more raw complaints (32 vs. 26), but 2012 carries the higher complaint index (100) and is linked to 1 crash and 2 injuries, versus 2 fires and no crashes or injuries in 2011.
At what mileage do A4 Avant engine problems typically show up?: NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 59,000 miles for 2011 and 60,000 miles for 2012.