Audi A4 Best and Worst Years (2010–2024)
The Audi A4 years to avoid are 2010, 2017, 2018, and 2020, based on NHTSA complaint indexes of 93, 86, 79, and 100. Best years are 2011, 2016, and 2022, each with complaint indexes of 7, 21, and 14. Engine and electrical issues drive most complaints across the model.
Avoid 2010Avoid 2017Avoid 2018Avoid 2020Best 2011Best 2016Best 2022
- Model years
- 15
- 2010–2024
- NHTSA complaints
- 445
- Recall campaigns
- 8
- Crashes reported
- 12
- Fires reported
- 4
- Top problem area
- Engine
A4 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.
Audi A4 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Avoid | 93 | 64 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 25 | — |
| 2011 | Best | 7 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 25 | 4★ |
| 2012 | Good | 29 | 19 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Engine | 25 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Caution | 57 | 24 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Steering | 25 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Good | 36 | 32 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 26 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Good | 43 | 19 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 26 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Best | 21 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Engine | 26 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Avoid | 86 | 55 | 2 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 27.5 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Avoid | 79 | 44 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 27 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Caution | 50 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 28.5 | — |
| 2020 | Avoid | 100 | 127 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System | 28.5 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Caution | 64 | 11 | 3 | 0 | 4 | Electrical System | 27.5 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Best | 14 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Engine | 28 | — |
| 2023 | Caution | 71 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 27.5 | — |
| 2024 | No verdict | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | 28.5 | 5★ |
A4 years to avoid: what went wrong
2020 Audi A4 Index 100 · 127 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2020 A4 has the highest complaint index of all years at 100, ranking it the worst overall. Electrical system complaints dominate at 72% of reports, with a median mileage of 54,000, including inoperative SOS/emergency call modules and non-functioning MMI hands-free systems. Collision avoidance and camera complaints made up 37% of reports, including infotainment system restarts that disable the backup camera while driving. NHTSA recorded three recall campaigns for this year, covering suspension/rear axle alignment, airbag seat components, and wheel lock nuts.
2020 electrical system problems →2020 collision avoidance & cameras problems →
2010 Audi A4 Index 93 · 64 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2010 A4 has a complaint index of 93, ranking it 2nd worst of all covered years. Engine problems account for 75% of complaints for this year, with owners reporting water pump failures and coolant leaks from the secondary radiator, at a median mileage of 91,000 for engine issues. Transmission complaints, including lurching during manual downshifts, made up 14% of reports. NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
2017 Audi A4 Index 86 · 55 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2017 A4 carries a complaint index of 86, the 3rd worst year on record. Engine complaints made up 45% of reports, with owners describing coolant leaks from the thermostat housing at a median mileage of 28,000. Airbag issues accounted for 24% of complaints. Owners also reported stability-control warning lights paired with unexpected side-to-side movement, and rear windows lowering on their own while parked. NHTSA recorded one recall campaign (21V874000) covering a seat heating mat and connecting cable.
2018 Audi A4 Index 79 · 44 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2018 A4 has a complaint index of 79, ranking 4th worst. Electrical system complaints made up 39% of reports, and structure/body complaints made up 16%, with a median mileage of 10,000 for body issues. Owners reported steering columns shifting position after low-speed collisions and persistent brake screeching that dealers could not resolve after multiple attempts. NHTSA recorded one recall campaign (21V874000) tied to seat heating components.
Most common Audi A4 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine152 (34%)
- Electrical System145 (33%)
- Other107 (24%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras64 (14%)
- Fuel System33 (7%)
- Steering30 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain30 (7%)
- Airbags25 (6%)
- Brakes17 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires17 (4%)
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Audi A4 should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the years to avoid are 2010, 2017, 2018, and 2020, with complaint indexes of 93, 86, 79, and 100 respectively.
- What is the best year for the Audi A4?
- The 2011, 2016, and 2022 A4 have the lowest complaint indexes at 7, 21, and 14, making them the best years based on NHTSA owner-complaint data.
- What is the most common problem with the Audi A4?
- Across all 15 model years, engine complaints account for 34% of total complaints (152 of 445) and electrical system complaints account for 33% (145 of 445).
- Does the 2020 Audi A4 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists three recall campaigns for the 2020 A4, covering rear axle/suspension alignment, airbag seat heating components, and wheel lock nuts.
- Is the 2018 Audi A4 reliable?
- The 2018 A4 has a complaint index of 79, ranking 4th worst of 15 model years, with electrical system issues making up 39% of its complaints, so it is best avoided relative to other A4 years.