2021 Audi A4 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Audi A4 has a complaint index of 53, ranking 10th out of 20 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 11 complaints, 4 recalls, and 3 crashes, with electrical, engine, and suspension issues each accounting for 27% of reports.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 53/100
- #10 of 20 A4 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 11
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 27.5
- 24.5 city / 32.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2021 Audi A4 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System3 (27%)
- Engine3 (27%)
- Other3 (27%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (27%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (18%)
- Lane Departure2 (18%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (18%)
- Airbags1 (9%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds with the brake pedal failing to respond, in one case leading to a collision.
- Instrument cluster displays go blank or show a red triangle, then repeatedly try to restart and crash, cutting off the speedometer, RPM, and fuel gauge readouts.
- Some drivers describe engine trembling, higher-than-normal RPMs, rough idle, and a screeching noise during highway stop-and-go driving after about an hour of driving.
- Original equipment tires reportedly develop belt shifts and uneven wear at low mileage, prompting replacement recommendations.
- One owner noted a suspension recall repair was delayed because replacement parts were unavailable at the dealer.
2021 Audi A4 recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V742000Oct 5, 2022Collision Avoidance & Cameras170,296 vehicles
Back over prevention:display function
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
- 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.
- NHTSA 21V606000Aug 5, 2021Seat Belts45,496 vehicles
Seat belts:rear/other:retractor
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
2021 Audi A4 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24.5 MPG
- Highway
- 32.5 MPG
- Combined
- 27.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,900
- 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 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Audi A4 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2021 A4 a complaint index of 53 and a Caution verdict, ranking 10th out of 20 model years for the A4. It has 11 complaints and 4 recalls on file.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi A4?
- Electrical System, Engine, and Suspension, Wheels & Tires issues are tied as the top problem areas, each making up 27% of complaints. Collision Avoidance & Cameras and Lane Departure issues each account for 18%.
- Does the 2021 Audi A4 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 A4, covering collision avoidance/infotainment software, rear axle suspension alignment, seat belt assemblies, and wheel lock nuts and bolts. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2021 Audi A4 compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 53, the 2021 A4 ranks worse than years like 2011 and 2022 (Best verdict, complaint indexes of 5 and 11) but better than 2006 and 2020, which carry Avoid verdicts with complaint indexes of 100 and 95.