2017 Audi A4 Problems
Compared with other Audi A4 years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.3× that of a typical Audi A4 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- None of its 56 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: Low coolant, often from water pump or thermostat leaks (16 complaints, median 28,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 56filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 28,000miles, 11 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 31 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 27 city / 37 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Audi A4 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this 2017 Audi A4 most often report low coolant, often linked to water pump or thermostat housing leaks, and passenger airbag warnings tied to the passenger occupant sensor. Coolant complaints tend to describe a slow loss over months, while airbag warnings are described as switching on and off. A smaller group of complaints describes the engine stalling or failing to restart, which owners often report as sudden.
- Engine
Low coolant, often from water pump or thermostat leaks
- 16 complaints (29%)
- median 28,000 mi at 3.5 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2020–2026
Owners describe the coolant reservoir running low again soon after it was topped up, and many complaints trace the loss to a slow leak at the thermostat or water pump housing. In some complaints the dealer refilled the coolant without finding a leak, while an independent shop reportedly confirmed a leak at the housing. A separate report describes a water pump that had been replaced under a recall beginning to leak again. Where mileage is given, reports fall between about 23,000 and 59,000 miles, and some owners describe a slow leak that went on for months before it was noticed.
What to check: Check the coolant reservoir level and look for dried residue or wet areas under the engine cover, since complaints describe slow leaks that are easy to miss. Ask whether the water pump and thermostat housing have been inspected or replaced, and whether any coolant top-ups are recorded in the service history.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My vehicle is leaking coolant. Every 8-10k miles it goes below normal level in reservoir . There is a distinct odor of coolant each time I get out of the vehicle. I have had Audi look at it 5 times. They confirm the coolant levels are low and they refill it saying they can't find a leak. I am concern that this is a fire hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #11394694, filed 2021-02, 23,000 miles“Audi A4 Water pump and Thermostat failure. VW/ Audi USA had a recall on this issue for several models including the Audi A4 models thru 2016. My car was built in 2016 with model year 2017 and according to the recall my car did not qualify. Since then there has been several Class Action Lawsuits for this same issue. I was fortunate I discovered the leak while the car was parked in my garage and wasn't on the freeway. …”
NHTSA complaint #11620159, filed 2024-10 - Air bags
Passenger airbag warning tied to the seat sensor
- 12 complaints (21%)
- median 50,000 mi at 4.0 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2020–2024
Owners describe a passenger airbag warning or airbag-off message that switches on and off without warning, sometimes even with a passenger seated. Some report a safety system malfunction message alongside it. According to complaints, dealers have found a stored fault code or said a restart cleared the warning, but the warning later returned. Some owners say the dealer had no part or timeline for the recall repair. Where mileage is given, reports fall between about 28,000 and 50,000 miles, and some describe the warning appearing each time the car is started.
Recall 21V8740001 related service bulletin
What to check: With the engine running, check the passenger airbag indicator with an adult seated in the front passenger seat and again with the seat empty. Ask whether the passenger occupant detection recall was completed, and whether the seat sensor and its connector were inspected.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2017 Audi A4 warranty for factory just ended I have a used car warranty on the car safety restraint one and keeps on coming on passenger seat seems malfunctioning for a seat pod”
NHTSA complaint #11407019, filed 2021-04, 50,000 miles“Every time I start the car, a message comes on saying that the passenger airbag is off even when I have an occupant next to me. I spoke with the dealer and he told me that this recall was claimed and fixed in 2022 in Texas by the previous owner but I replied that the problem continues and he told me that this was no longer an Audi problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11590889, filed 2024-05 - Engine
Engine stalling or failing to restart
- 7 complaints (13%)
- median 257,000 mi at 3.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 2020–2024
Owners describe the engine shutting down while the car is moving, including at highway speed, sometimes after a misfire. In other reports the engine does not restart after the car has been stopped, or stalls when the start-stop system tries to restart it, leaving the car unable to move until it is fully switched off and on. Some owners say the dealer's advice was to switch the car off before each start. Mileage is given in only some reports, including a shutdown at about 49,000 miles, and others tie the stall to stopping, restarting, or driving away from a stop.
What to check: On a test drive, stop at a light and restart the engine repeatedly to see whether it starts cleanly every time. Ask the seller or dealer for any stored fault codes related to misfire or stalling, and whether any engine or start-stop repairs are on record.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving on the highway, there was a message that flashed on the dashboard about the coolant system, within a couple minutes, I felt like the car was shutting down while going 65 miles per hour. So I pulled over on the shoulder of the Turnpike Southbound in Miami. This cased a great safety problem for me, as this happened while I was driving on the highway then I had to be on the right shoulder of the highway and had to call for road ranger. …”
NHTSA complaint #11420291, filed 2021-06“2017 A4 B9 premium plus model, AWD, 2.0T. I have had an Audi dealership service my car for all major service intervals outside of oil change, not only at recommended intervals but even early. 3 years ago I had my 40K mile service done at 35K miles. Spark plugs were replaced by Audi Hawthorne in Westchester county, NY. One week ago, at 49K miles (well before the 6 years or 60K miles Audi says their spark plugs will last) my engine seized while driving and was misfiring. This caused an engine shut down WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION on the highway. …”
NHTSA complaint #11546491, filed 2023-09
Buying note. A buyer considering this model year may want the cooling system checked, including the water pump and thermostat housing, and the passenger airbag indicator tested with and without a passenger seated. Ask for service records of any cooling system or seat sensor work, and check engine restarts on a test drive.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 49 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 56 consumer complaints for the 2017 Audi A4. 11 of the complaints include a mileage, and 64% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 28,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 754 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 6 Audi A4 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine22 39%
- Air bags13 23%
- Other or unknown10 18%
- Electrical system6 11%
- Fuel system6 11%
- Seats3 5.4%
- Steering3 5.4%
- Engine cooling2 3.6%
- Seat belts2 3.6%
Also reported: Brakes (1), Exterior lighting (1), Suspension (1), Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “my initial water pump from Audi was replaced via recall. then I recently changed the thermostat hose and my water pump started leaking again. can you please look into these faulty water pumps?”
NHTSA complaint #11763714, filed 2026-09Air bags: “I recently purchased my Audi A4 and immediately have had electrical issues. Just recently the back window will randomly roll down and last night when I started my car the safety system light and message came on. It stated see owners manual. I began to drive and the light turned off. As I drove it began to blink on and off then finally staying on and making it distracting to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #11402580, filed 2021-03, 36,500 milesOther or unknown: “Rear window on driver's side of vehicle lowers itself 6-inches after vehicle has been parked and locked with fob remote. Has occurred at least once a month since ownership. No dealerships have been able to replicate the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11297986, filed 2020-01, 1,000 milesElectrical system: “Engine light on Dealership found a rodent nest in the engine space in the car. Dealership considers that fluids used to coat Audi engine wiring attract rodents. Dealership considers this to be a health and safety issue. Dealership considers it essential to replace the Audi air filter. Dealership is checking wires to assess any gnawed damage. I need the engine to be power-washed and the nest area treated w/bleaching agents. I do not have the total estimate on this but it will be greater than $1,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11478719, filed 2022-08Mileage when problems were reported
64% of the 11 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 23,000 and 55,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Audi A4. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A4 · sedan AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.9% risk |
| A4 · sedan FWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 9.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2017 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2016: same overall rating; 2018: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2017 Audi A4 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A4 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,950 |
| A4 Ultra FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 27 | 37 | 31 | $2,650 |
| A4 quattro AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 7-speed automatic | 24 | 31 | 27 | $3,050 |
| A4 quattro AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 24 | 33 | 27 | $3,050 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 21V874000Nov 10, 2021Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passengerCovers: Audi A4 2017–2020, A5 2018–2020, S4 2018–2020 +2 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable…
Recall details for the 2017 Audi A4 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 754 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038130Sep 25, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin states that technicians are required to report to the manufacturer when a vehicle has flooded, and specify the height to which the vehicle has been flooded.
- 11038027Sep 25, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for reporting safety related information to the manufacturer.
- 11038042Sep 22, 2026Steering. This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
- 11038024Sep 22, 2026Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This bulletin provides service information regarding exterior glass cleaning.
- 11038056Sep 18, 2026Body and structure. This bulletin provides information about billing for a broken sunroof glass panel.
- 11038025Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information when the license plate mounting bracket threded inserts are stripped.
- 11038033Sep 8, 2026Body and structure. This TSB describes a corrosion issue due to outside influence and the prohibition of warranty in these cases.
- 11038026Sep 8, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides infomraiton abou the Audi frequency analysis application, which is available in the App Store for Android and Apple phones.
- 11038061Sep 2, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin provides information regarding fault finding and repair information for electric tailgate.
- 11036917Aug 26, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information when the horn sound quality is poor.
Other model years of the Audi A4
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 | 30,000 | 0 | — | 28 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 6 | 32,400 | 3 | — | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 11 | 2,674 | 4 | 5 | 28 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 128 | 26,000 | 3 | 5 | 30 | 84 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 10 | 50,000 | 1 | 5 | 30 | — | Not enough data |
| 2018 | 45 | 12,000 | 1 | 5 | 31 | 44 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 56 | 28,000 | 1 | 5 | 31 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2016 | 11 | 45,000 | 0 | 5 | 27 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 19 | 44,000 | 0 | 5 | 26 | — | Falling |
| 2014 | 32 | 80,000 | 0 | 5 | 26 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 24 | 101,000 | 0 | 5 | 26 | — | Falling |
| 2012 | 19 | 109,000 | 0 | 4 | 25 | — | Falling |
| 2011 | 11 | 105,500 | 0 | 4 | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 2010 | 64 | 83,750 | 0 | — | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 120 | 65,000 | 2 | — | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2008 | 175 | 62,000 | 4 | — | 24 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 196 | 74,000 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 295 | 60,000 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 219 | 58,400 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 189 | 59,560 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 210 | 60,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 181 | 30,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 131 | 61,028 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 96 | 62,900 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 190 | 75,000 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 258 | 80,650 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 98 | 92,457 | 6 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 89 | 66,821 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Audi A4 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Audi A4?
Owners of this 2017 Audi A4 most often report low coolant, often linked to water pump or thermostat housing leaks, and passenger airbag warnings tied to the passenger occupant sensor. The issues reported most often: Low coolant, often from water pump or thermostat leaks; Passenger airbag warning tied to the seat sensor; Engine stalling or failing to restart.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Audi A4 have?
NHTSA recorded 56 consumer complaints for the 2017 Audi A4 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Audi A4 is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 22 complaints (39% of the total), followed by air bags with 13.
Has the 2017 Audi A4 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2017 Audi A4 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 Audi A4 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Audi A4 get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Audi A4 (A4 Ultra, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 31 mpg combined, 27 city and 37 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,650 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Audi A4 reported?
Among the 11 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 28,000 miles and the middle half falls between 23,000 and 55,000 miles; 64% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.