2016 Audi A4 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 64%of 11 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Audi A4, 64% of the 11 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Only 500 miles following an Audi oil change, the oil sensor light went off notifying us to add one quart of oil. We added one quart of oil and continued driving and then the light went off again. We called Audi service and they told us to follow the instructions and add another quart of oil. We did and repeated one more time after another hour (75 miles). After filling the third time and driving, white smoke started billowing from the vehicle and we had the car towed to the Audi dealership 233 miles from where we were. …”
NHTSA complaint #11337731, filed 2020-07, 42,000 miles“Ok before my previous incident it must’ve been 2 weeks ago that my car just sped up and broke on it’s on on a 65 mile road it’s to the point that I’m very hesitant to drive the car but it’s my only means of commute it’s just a total safety problem and I don’t feel safe one bit”
NHTSA complaint #11457549, filed 2022-03“Brucken motors, I purchased an Audi a4 that was advertised on your Facebook as safe, reliable, and dependent. I came to you with a down payment in hand, stating that I needed a car that drove without issues. I can afford minor repairs, but I wanted something with a clean HISTORY and service RECORD. Zachary Laney, the salesman, claimed that there was nothing wrong with this car. I asked about the headlight and was told, Oh no, it's just a bulb! I will buy it so you can replace it. Asked about any issues and was told the car was absolutely clean. …”
NHTSA complaint #11454933, filed 2022-03“Car has 69,700 miles. All Audi suggested maintenance has been done. Synthetic oil changed every 5,000 miles (more frequently than Audi 10,000 mile recommendation). At 60,000 mile oil change, engine used 1 qt of oil. At 65,000 miles engine used 2 qts oil. At 69,500 mile oil change engine used 3.5 qts of oil. Audi is not sure this is excessive oil use. Must perform oil consumption test at our expense. Really?!?! Audi solution is for us to pay $8,500 for new pistons and rings. From what I see online, this is a common problem, a manufacturer defect that Audi is unwilling to stand behind. …”
NHTSA complaint #11550868, filed 2023-10“The contact owns a 2016 Audi A4. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when he detected a burning odor. The dashboard gauges and epc warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a gas station to refuel then back to his commercial property when he noticed there was fire coming from underneath the hood. The contact exited the vehicle and the fire went out on it's own. No police report was filed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11405958, filed 2021-04, 98,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11035797Jul 9, 2026This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 11034657Jun 26, 2026This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
- 11034728Jun 10, 2026This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
- 11029368Feb 20, 2026This bulletin provides information on the use of the Audi frequencly analysis app, and where the application can be downloaded.
- 11029367Feb 20, 2026This bulletin provides information on VIN Plates, Safety Certification labels, and the ordering procedures.
- 11028398Jan 14, 2026This bulletin provides information regarding UV leak additive for finding oil leaks.
- 11027356Dec 11, 2025This bulletin provides information when there is increased oil consumption; >0.5ltr/1000 km.
- 11026206Nov 25, 2025This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed and only order the successor parts going forward.
- 11016532Mar 12, 2025This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
- 11012476Dec 5, 2024This bulletin provides information when the MIL is on; DTCs for misfire, air/fuel ratio imbalance, or lean fuel system stored in the ECM P030000.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 30% |
| 2022 | 2 | 33% |
| 2021 | 1 | 9% |
| 2019 | 2 | 20% |
| 2018 | 5 | 11% |
| 2017 | 22 | 39% |
| 2016 | 7 | 64% |
| 2015 | 10 | 53% |
| 2014 | 13 | 41% |
| 2013 | 6 | 25% |
| 2012 | 13 | 68% |
| 2011 | 7 | 64% |
| 2010 | 37 | 58% |
| 2009 | 44 | 37% |
| 2008 | 13 | 7% |
| 2007 | 17 | 9% |
| 2006 | 15 | 5% |
| 2005 | 10 | 5% |
| 2004 | 7 | 4% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2016 Audi A4
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Audi A4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology