2021 Audi A4 Problems
- Complaints
- 11filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 2,674miles, 2 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 28 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl · hybrid AWD · 25 city / 34 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Audi A4 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 11 consumer complaints for the 2021 Audi A4. The part named most often is electrical system, with 3 complaints (27% of the total), followed by other or unknown (3) and forward collision avoidance (2). 2 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 2,674 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 1,057 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 342 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 108 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
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.
- Electrical system3 27%
- Other or unknown3 27%
- Lane departure2 18%
- Suspension2 18%
- Air bags1 9.1%
- Engine1 9.1%
- Tires1 9.1%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “The main instrument cluster is not stable- it tries to start up then crashes. As a result, speedometer, rpm’s, gas tank gauge, etc are not available while driving. The screen displays blank with a red triangle, tries to start up then crashes again. This seems similar to Audi recall campaign 90VC, but for some reason the A4 was not included in the recall, but I’m having similar symptoms with my A4.”
NHTSA complaint #11667730, filed 2025-06Other or unknown: “The instrument cluster has failed per the recall 90VC. Audi issued the recall for every model made in 2021 with the exception of the A3 and A4 and I believe this was a mistake as my instrument cluster has the same failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11680440, filed 2025-08Forward collision avoidance: “I have a 2021 audi a4 that is also being affected by the instrument cluster failure/recall. My model , a4 was not included but I am experiencing the same failure and this was reported to the dealership. An online search will show just how many people have issues with the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster screen just went out while driving. I have to monitor my functions via the app on my phone. The dealer wants to charge me full price when every other model in 2021 has been recalled for the same issue. The A4 should be added to the instrument cluster recall for 2021 audi.”
NHTSA complaint #11677729, filed 2025-08Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 2 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 1,347 and 4,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 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 |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2020: 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 2021 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 S line quattro AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl · hybrid | 7-speed automatic | 24 | 31 | 27 | $3,050 |
| A4 quattro AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl · hybrid | 7-speed automatic | 25 | 34 | 28 | $2,950 |
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
- 22V742000Oct 5, 2022Back over prevention › Display functionCovers: Audi A4 2021, RS Q8 2021–2022, Q5 2021 +21 more
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…
- 22V034000Jan 26, 2022TiresCovers: Audi A4 2020–2021, A5 2019–2021, S5 2019–2021 +20 more
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…
- 21V606000Aug 5, 2021Seat beltsCovers: Audi A4 2021, S3 2021–2022, Q5 2021 +24 more
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…
- 21V295000Apr 26, 2021Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-powered axle assemblyCovers: Audi A4 2020–2021, A5 2019–2021, S5 2019–2021 +16 more
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5…
Recall details for the 2021 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. 1,057 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.
- 11038129Sep 25, 2026Engine. This bulletin provides information when the starter/generator drive belt is noisy or came off.
- 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.
- 11038031Sep 22, 2026Steering. This bulletin provides informaiton when DTC B200FF0 is stored.
- 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.
- 11038032Sep 18, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin provides information when the rear parking sensor sometimes does not work, rear parking sensor loose, rear parking sensor fault message.
- 11038025Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information when the license plate mounting bracket threded inserts are stripped.
- 11038039Sep 14, 2026Body and structure. This bulletin provides information when there are stails/marks on the sill panel trim.
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
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Audi A4 have?
NHTSA recorded 11 consumer complaints for the 2021 Audi A4 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Audi A4 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 3 complaints (27% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 3.
Has the 2021 Audi A4 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2021 Audi A4 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 Audi A4 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Audi A4 get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Audi A4 (A4 quattro, 2.0L 4-cyl · hybrid) at 28 mpg combined, 25 city and 34 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2021 Audi A4 reported?
Among the 2 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 2,674 miles and the middle half falls between 1,347 and 4,000 miles; 100% 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.