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Audi Quattro — Years to Avoid

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

Model Years
26
Years to Avoid
2002, 2001, 1999, 1987, 1986, 1985
Best Years
2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 1994, 1992
2009Best Year
1 complaints0 recalls1 TSBs
2008Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
2007Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
2006Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
2005Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
2004Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
2003
4 complaints0 recalls5 TSBs
2002Avoid
17 complaints0 recalls1 invest.8 TSBs
2001Avoid
26 complaints0 recalls1 invest.7 TSBs
2000
7 complaints0 recalls4 TSBs
1999Avoid
34 complaints0 recalls2 TSBs
1998
10 complaints0 recalls2 TSBs
1997
15 complaints0 recalls2 TSBs
1996
10 complaints0 recalls2 TSBs
1995
1 complaints0 recalls2 TSBs
1994Best Year
1 complaints0 recalls1 TSBs
1993
3 complaints0 recalls1 TSBs
1992Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1991
8 complaints0 recalls1 TSBs
1990
5 complaints2 recalls
1989
0 complaints1 recalls
1988
0 complaints1 recalls
1987Avoid
1 complaints1 recalls2 invest.
1986Avoid
0 complaints1 recalls2 invest.
1985Avoid
0 complaints1 recalls2 invest.
1984
0 complaints1 recalls

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 Quattro Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2002, 2001, 1999, 1987, 1986, 1985 Audi Quattro 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 Quattro, consider the 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 1994, 1992 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

26 model years analyzed