2021 Audi A4 problems
The Audi A4 is a line of luxury compact executive cars produced since 1994 by the German car manufacturer Audi, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. The A4 has been built in five generations and is based on the Volkswagen Group B platform. The first generation A4 succeeded the Audi 80. The automaker's internal numbering treats the A4 as a continuation of the Audi 80 lineage, with the initial A4 designated as the B5-series, followed by the B6, B7, B8, and the B9.
The B8 and B9 versions of the A4 are built on the Volkswagen Group MLB platform shared with several models and brands across the Volkswagen Group. The Audi A4 automobile layout consists of a front-engine design, with transaxle-type transmissions mounted at the rear of the engine. The cars are front-wheel drive, or on some models, "quattro" all-wheel drive. The A4 is available as a sedan and station wagon. Historically, the second (B6) and third generations (B7) of the A4 also included a convertible version. For the fourth generation (B8) and onwards, the convertible, along with a new coupé and 5-door liftback variant, was spun-off by Audi into a new nameplate called the Audi A5.
B5 (Typ 8D; 1994)
The first generation Audi A4 (known internally as the Typ 8D) debuted in October 1994, with production starting November 1994 and European sales commencing in January 1995 for the 1995 model year. North American sales later began in September 1995 for the 1996 model year. It was built on the Volkswagen Group B5 (PL45) platform, which it shared with the fourth generation Volkswagen Passat (B5, Typ 3B). It had a front-mounted longitudinal engine and front-wheel drive. Many variations of the A4 were also available with Audi's quattro four-wheel drive system. The A4 was initially introduced as a four-door saloon/sedan; the Avant (estate/wagon) was introduced in November 1995 and went on sale in February 1996.
Development began in 1988, with the first design sketches being created later that year. By 1991, an exterior design by Imre Hasanic was chosen and frozen for November 1994 production by 1992. The interior design was later finalized in 1992, with pilot production commencing in the first half of 1994. Development concluded in the third quarter of 1994, preceding November 1994 start of production.
A wide range of engines were available in European markets, between 1.6 and 2.8 litres for petrol engines; and a 1.9-litre diesel engine available with Volkswagen Group's VE technology, capable of achieving a 90 PS (66 kW; 89 bhp) or 110 PS (81 kW; 108 bhp). The 2.6 and 2.8-litre V6 engines which had been carried over from the old 80/90 proved popular, although in North America, the 2.8-litre engine was the only V6 that was available there until 1997. A 2.4-liter version was developed especially for the Thai market, where import duty jumped from 60 to 100 percent on cars of over 2,400 cc displacement.
The Audi A4 was the first model in the Volkswagen Group to feature the new 1.8-litre 20v engine with five valves per cylinder, based on the unit Audi Sport had developed for their Supertouring race car. A turbocharged 1.8T version produced 150 PS (110 kW; 148 bhp) and 210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft) torque. Moreover, a quattro GmbH special edition of the B5 1.8T was later available in Germany and Europe, for which the engine's power output was raised to 180 PS (132 kW; 178 bhp) and 235 N⋅m (173 lb⋅ft). Five-valve technology was also added to a reengineered V6 family of engines in 1997, starting with the 2.8-litre V6 30v, which now produced 193 PS (142 kW; 190 bhp), followed by a 2.4-litre V6 which was a downsize from the previous 2.6 litre, 150 hp (112 kW) engine, but with a power increase to 165 PS (121 kW; 163 bhp).
Audi also debuted their new tiptronic automatic transmission on the B5 platform, based on the unit Porsche developed for their 964-generation 911. The transmission is a conventional automatic gearbox with a torque converter offering the driver a fully-automatic operation or manual selection of the gear ratios.
The B5 marked Audi's continued move into the midsize luxury car segment, having started this trajectory notably with later model years of the preceding Audi 80/90 B4. Despite initial mechanical problems, overall build and assembly quality were lauded both by the automotive press and within Audi and Volkswagen, and at the time, parent company Volkswagen declared the B5 the company-wide build quality benchmark for all its other models.
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Common 2021 Audi A4 problems
The Audi A4, a compact executive car produced by German automaker Audi, has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. These issues range from seat backrest faults to gearbox problems, airbag and seat belt faults, and suspension problems.
Seat backrest faults are a significant issue in the Audi A4. This problem is due to the backrests not being assembled correctly during production at the factory, which could result in injury in the event of a collision. Audi has announced a recall for models manufactured between specific dates to address this issue.
Gearbox problems are also common in the Audi A4, where gear changing feels rigid and hesitant at times. This problem can be attributed to a software problem that is particularly problematic in automatic A4 models. A full software reprogramme may be required by an Audi dealer to resolve this issue. However, it is always advisable to consult a trained mechanic who can diagnose the root of the problem.
Airbags and seat belts faults are another safety concern in the Audi A4. These issues are a result of manufacturing errors made with the model, which could prevent both the airbags and seat belts from working correctly in the event of a collision. Audi has announced two separate recalls on the model to address these faults.
Suspension problems are also common in the Audi A4, where the suspension forks on some models produced between specific dates may not have been manufactured correctly. This can result in the forks failing, causing problems with the car's ability to absorb the impact of bumps in the road, resulting in increasing vibrations, and the component could fail altogether.
In terms of reliability, the Audi A4 scores relatively well amongst the competition. In the 2022 What Car? Reliability survey, Audi placed in 14th and 20th position for petrol and diesel form respectively in the executive car category, as well as Audi as a brand placing 21st out of a total 32 manufacturers. These issues can cause frustration and delays in getting navigation set up, among other problems.
In conclusion, while the Audi A4 is a well-regarded car, it is not without its issues. Owners have reported problems with the seat backrest, gearbox, airbags and seat belts, and suspension. It is essential to be aware of these issues and to have them addressed promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
Is 2021 Audi A4 reliable?
The 2021 Audi A4 has a predicted reliability score of 74 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What is the common problem with Audi A4?
Some of the common problems with the Audi A4 include: Gearbox problems. Airbag and seat belts fault. Seat backrest fault.
How long will an Audi A4 engine last?
Audis can typically go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained. They're fairly reliable cars, and Consumer Reports ranks them within the top 10 new car brands when it comes to reliability.
Is new Audi A4 a good car?
For the majority of drivers, the A4 will feel safe and comfortable along a twisty stretch of road. The steering feels pleasingly accurate, and the suspension minimises lean in the corners, but if you're after the last word in driving engagement then the BMW 3 Series and Alfa Romeo Giulia are still ahead in this regard.
Is 2021 Audi A4 reliable?
The 2021 Audi A4 has a predicted reliability score of 74 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What is the common problem with Audi A4?
Some of the common problems with the Audi A4 include: Gearbox problems. Airbag and seat belts fault. Seat backrest fault.
Is new Audi A4 a good car?
For the majority of drivers, the A4 will feel safe and comfortable along a twisty stretch of road. The steering feels pleasingly accurate, and the suspension minimises lean in the corners, but if you're after the last word in driving engagement then the BMW 3 Series and Alfa Romeo Giulia are still ahead in this regard.
Which Audi A4 engine is best?
For us, the sweet spots in the range are the 2.0-litre petrol with either 190 or 204hp – badged 40 TFSI – or the 2.0-litre diesel with 150 or 163hp – badged 35 TDI. These engines offer enough power to make the A4 feel relaxed at high speeds without needing to jump up to one of the stronger but pricier options.
2021 Audi A4 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi A4 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Audi A4 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Audi A4 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Audi A4.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WAUABAF47MN
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The reversing image occasionally appears white screen phenomenon During the process of reversing, the reversing screen suddenly turns white and cannot see anything behind, which brings danger to the driver and others, causing danger to life and property. Apparently the dealer didn't take this seriously
SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-22
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WAUABAF4XMA
- Components: SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact leased a 2021 Audi A4. The contact stated that the dealer had provided her with the vehicle rental while her vehicle was being repaired. The contact stated that while driving at 4 MPH and turning into a parking pace on the 4th floor of a parking garage, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated on its own at 100 MPH. The contact depressed the brake pedal several times but it failed to respond. The vehicle crashed into the fence of steel and broke a portion of the wall. The air bags deployed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained two concussions and a heart attack. The contact sought medical assistance the next day and had been seeking medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and it was totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,347.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-26
- VIN: WAUCBAF42MN
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Audi A4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V295000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-06
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owned a 2021 Audi A4. The contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed through a parking lot, the vehicle independently accelerated and the brake pedal locked. The vehicle accelerated up a hill as the contact was unable to depress the brake pedal; he collided with an electric pole which caused the vehicle to stop. Due to the shock and abruptness of the failure, the contact was uncertain if any warning lights illuminated the instrument panel. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact and no other bystanders were injured as a result of the failure. The police and fire department arrived at the scene and a police report was filed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed from the scene to an independent body shop. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had been destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000. The VIN was unavailable.
2021 Audi A4 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2021 Audi A4.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
- Summary: 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 Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
- Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
- Summary: 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, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: 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 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
- Consequence: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Negative 2021 Audi A4 car reviews
Positive 2021 Audi A4 car reviews
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I recently leased my second A4 in the current body style. My first was a 2017 A4 Quattro, and I just replaced it with a 2019 A4 Quattro Premium Plus. I decided to stick with the A4 for a few reasons. Firstly, I really enjoyed my old A4. Secondly, I wasn't blown away by the new S60 and BMW 3 series, and I'm not quite ready to go for a Tesla. The A4 has some great features, starting with the Virtual Cockpit infotainment system. If you don't get it, you're missing out on a huge selling point for the car. The large Google Earth map with traffic info right in front of me while dealing with LA rush hour traffic is a huge plus. It's not an annoying touchscreen system, which makes it less distracting. It does take a little time to learn all the features offered and set it up to your liking, but once you're done, it's pretty intuitive. The rest of the interior is well put together and high quality. I'm 6'2The ride feels tighter and more composed than my old A4, which gives it a premium feel. Even on the rough roads of LA, the car remains solid and stable, with limited cabin noise. While it may not be the sportiest car, it definitely has its upsides. However, there are a few downsides to the A4. Reliability could be a question mark, as my 2017 model had some 'teething problems.' Styling is fine, but it won't turn heads. The 'kick' trunk opening feature is a pain on this model, and you can't get adaptive cruise control or a 360 camera without getting the expensive Prestige trim. Audi Connect, which includes Google Earth maps, is also expensive at $49.99 a month. Despite these minor issues, I still love driving this fantastic car every day and would highly recommend it.
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This car accelerates, brakes, and handles like a champ. Overall, it's a great sedan, and with the Quattro system, you can drive with confidence even in wet conditions. The cruise control paired with adaptive speed is also very relaxing when you're forced to drive in traffic.
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This is probably the 7th Audi I personally have. Both my sons are also Audi drivers. I wouldn't go anywhere other than Biener Audi. I love my 6-speed enough that I'm buying it as soon as the lease is over. My mileage is ridiculously low due to the pandemic, and the car is like brand new. Plus, getting a 6-speed isn't the easiest thing to do nowadays, but I love my stick shift and am bored driving an automatic.
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I have owned Mercedes', BMW's & Lexus'. While each of them had their own strengths in terms of performance and luxury, I have found that the Audi combines the best of both worlds, resulting in a fantastic driving experience that offers great value. I absolutely love it and my next car will definitely be another Audi.
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I've owned a BMW 3-series and 3 Infiniti products before switching to my A4 in 2020. I was lucky enough to get a great deal on a dealer loaner with only 3k miles on it, so I got a like-new vehicle with a steep discount. I have to say, this is the best car I've ever owned! While I do wish it had a touch-screen MMI, the newer models have rectified that. The fit and finish of the cabin are better than my Infinitis and miles ahead of the BMW I owned. The tech and driver instrument cluster are top-notch. I'm most impressed with the performance of the 248HP I4 and the A7 transmission. It's an absolute pleasure to drive! While I don't take many trips outside of my hometown, the few road trips up and down California's highways have produced 36 MPG+ performance. It's an excellent value and, again, just a pleasure to drive on the highway.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Audi A4 problems:
My 2021 A4 experience : r/Audi
Oct 22, 2021 ... When I was thinking about getting my current vehicle, a 2021 Audi A4, I was reminded by a few people about the frequency of issues with ...
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2021 Audi A4 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2021 Audi A4? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2021 Audi A4 Problems and Top Complaints - Is Your Car A Lemon?
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2014 Audi A4 Engine issues
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Other years of Audi A4
Are you having problems with your 2021 Audi A4?
Dustin Franecki 2024-11-23
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my 2019 Audi A4. Overall, I really enjoy the car's strong engine, comfortable seating, and nice tech features and sound system. The interior is also really nice! However, I have noticed that the car tends to drift on concrete roadways, which can be a bit unnerving. Living in southern California, where many of the main roadways are paved in concrete, this has been a bit of a challenge. While it's disappointing that this issue has not been resolved, I'm still grateful for the car's other great features. Thanks for listening!
Kristian Jast 2024-10-23
I have leased two A4s and unfortunately, both have had serious issues with the MMI system. Despite my 2020 A4 being less than a year old and having only 4500 miles on it, the MMI system completely failed and required a new computer component to be ordered and replaced. While the MMI system controls everything from Bluetooth to the garage door opener and back up camera, my satellite radio was the only feature that continued to work. I also experienced ongoing issues with the MMI system in my 2017 Audi A4 throughout the 3 1/2 years that I had it. Despite sporadic malfunctions in different areas of the system, the issue persisted for 4 1/2 years. Additionally, the MMI system was down for 3 1/2 days for an upgrade, which seems excessive. As a loyal Audi customer with 7 leases under my belt, I am disappointed and uncertain about continuing with an 8th lease.
Milan Borer 2024-09-25
I considered several car brands, including BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, and Genesis, before ultimately deciding to lease a 2019 A4. The car's interior is quite nice, although I was surprised by the lack of storage space and the quality of the leather. While the turbo 4 engine and dual clutch transmission provide adequate acceleration, the engine can feel a bit lumpy at lower RPMs. Additionally, there is an abrupt lurch to the left when accelerating from a stop, which can make every stop sign feel like a wrestling match with the steering wheel. The auto-stop-start feature is also a bit rough and intrusive, especially compared to Mercedes. Overall, I don't particularly enjoy driving this car and I wish my lease was shorter. It's worth noting that Audi may not be planning any major changes to the drivetrain in 2020, so buyers should be aware of this.
Johnny Donnelly 2024-07-18
The car's performance is not up to par. The throttle feels delayed and the overall feel of the car seems disconnected. Although shifting is quick, there is an odd delay when getting into drive initially. The high steering ratio of 16:1 is excessive and almost burdensome, especially in the US where it takes almost two full cranks to make a 90 degree turn. The center console intrudes on the right knee, but there is plenty of room for the left knee on the passenger side. It seems that the car's core design is for right-side drive, and left-side drive seems to have been overlooked. Additionally, it would have been beneficial to add an 8th gear between 4th and 5th, as the engine feels either bogged or revved too high. The engine also feels underpowered unless it is precisely within its power band. Overall, this car does not feel like an A4. Audi needs to address these issues.
Sim Pacocha 2024-02-20
I used to own an Audi A4 6 cyl 2000 model and absolutely loved it! It was comfortable, had great roadability, looked great, and had a spacious trunk with 13.7 cu feet of storage and 60/40 fold down rear seats. It was perfect for my relocation back to America. Recently, I looked at the A4 2021 model, but was disappointed to find that the trunk had been reduced to 12.0 cubic feet, which is way too small for my needs. Additionally, the 40/20/40 rear seats do not fold down flat, which further reduces the available space. To make matters worse, the head room in the driver's seat has been lowered by a full inch. As a result, I have decided that the A4 is no longer suitable for me. I test drove an A6 and was impressed by its creature comforts and powerful acceleration, even with the 45 engine. However, the trunk for this size car is also small and happens to be exactly the size of my 2000 A4, at 13.7 cubic feet. For now, I have decided to hold off on making a purchase.