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Audi A4 — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Audi A4 model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
32
Years to Avoid
2021, 2020
Best Years
2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995
2026
0 complaints0 recalls5 TSBs
2025
2 complaints0 recalls493 TSBs
2024
4 complaints0 recalls768 TSBs
2023
19 complaints0 recalls868 TSBs
2022
10 complaints3 recalls914 TSBs
2021Avoid
19 complaints4 recalls1057 TSBs
2020Avoid
231 complaints3 recalls1073 TSBs
2019
16 complaints1 recalls860 TSBs
2018
81 complaints1 recalls773 TSBs
2017
77 complaints1 recalls754 TSBs
2016
18 complaints0 recalls465 TSBs
2015
24 complaints0 recalls507 TSBs
2014
41 complaints0 recalls558 TSBs
2013
28 complaints0 recalls662 TSBs
2012
23 complaints0 recalls591 TSBs
2011
17 complaints0 recalls543 TSBs
2010
77 complaints0 recalls912 TSBs
2009
150 complaints2 recalls775 TSBs
2008
204 complaints4 recalls452 TSBs
2007
226 complaints3 recalls368 TSBs
2006
343 complaints3 recalls356 TSBs
2005
267 complaints4 recalls334 TSBs
2004
225 complaints3 recalls1 invest.172 TSBs
2003
282 complaints4 recalls163 TSBs
2002Best Year
218 complaints2 recalls149 TSBs
2001Best Year
153 complaints3 recalls1 invest.105 TSBs
2000Best Year
115 complaints5 recalls3 invest.101 TSBs
1999Best Year
242 complaints7 recalls5 invest.73 TSBs
1998Best Year
321 complaints6 recalls5 invest.85 TSBs
1997Best Year
119 complaints8 recalls4 invest.66 TSBs
1996Best Year
133 complaints6 recalls3 invest.51 TSBs
1995Best Year
1 complaints2 recalls23 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Audi A4 Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2021, 2020 Audi A4 are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Audi A4, consider the 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

32 model years analyzed