Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 71/100 (GOOD)

2021 Audi A4 Reliability Report

The 2021 Audi A4 has good reliability, close to the 2021 sedan average, but its digital instrument cluster can go blank or reboot while driving.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

7.4per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$739

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,450–$2,650

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity70/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact71/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity78/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Close to average among 2021 sedans but among the weaker A4 years, with instrument cluster blackouts and five federal recalls as the main concerns.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
POWER TRAIN (2)
SUSPENSION (2)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2021 is 1 year after the facelift (2020–2025) refresh.

Year 6 in the Fifth generation (B9) (2016–2023).
Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
5th generation A4 (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

2016: Fifth generation (B9) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2021: This Model Year

2021 is 1 year after the facelift (2020–2025) refresh.

Should You Buy the 2021 Audi A4?

Reliability is good, but this is not the strongest A4 year. It sits close to average against other 2021 sedans and ranks among the weaker of the six scored A4 years. Estimated repair cost matches its class. The 2020 rates worse and has far more complaints. The 2022 rates about the same.

The most common problem is the digital instrument cluster. In all three electrical complaints it goes blank or keeps rebooting, sometimes while the car is moving, and the speedometer, fuel gauge and warning messages disappear. Owners say dealers quoted full-price repairs. Federal records list five recalls, covering back over prevention, tires and suspension, and seat belts. One owner could not get the suspension recall done because the dealer lacked parts. Two power train reports describe shudder: one in tight turns, diagnosed as a failing AWD clutch at 38,888 miles, and one after about an hour of highway driving.

Ask the seller for proof that every recall repair is done, and for any cluster repair invoices. Run the VIN for open recalls before you buy.

Compared to the 2022 Audi A4, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2020 Audi A4 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Low major repair risk (13%)
+Below-average complaint rate for Sedan

Cons

−Moderate recall count
−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Digital instrument cluster goes blank or keeps rebooting, sometimes while the... (3 complaints)
−SUSPENSION: Neither report describes a worn or broken suspension part (2 complaints)

Compare 2021 Audi A4 With

2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Reliability: 58/100

Mixed

2021 BMW 3 Series

Reliability: 67/100

Good

2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Reliability: 47/100

Mixed

2021 BMW 4 Series

Reliability: 57/100

Mixed

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA

Reliability: 45/100

Mixed

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

5 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
POWER TRAIN (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

A moderate 5 recalls are on file for the 2021 Audi A4. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

7.4

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 16.7

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2021 Audi A4 Recall Details

5 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Audi A4. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

22V7420002022-10-05

BACK OVER PREVENTION

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.

22V0340002022-01-26

TIRES, SUSPENSION

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.

21V6060002021-08-05

SEAT BELTS

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).

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 Audi A4? Check its history first

Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Audi A4, and 5 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2021 Audi A4 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 9.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Audi A4Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$739

vs $739 avg for luxury midsize cars

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.4

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

13%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

$739

Category Avg

$739

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Hybrid

26–28 MPG

Running cost: $3,200–$3,400/yr

Fuel + repair

24–25 city / 30–34 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.

Hybrid trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
A4 quattro 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S7)	25	34	28	$2,450
A4 S line quattro 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S7)	24	31	27	$2,550
A4 allroad quattro 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AM-S7)	24	30	26	$2,650

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Audi A4.

Start the car and confirm the digital instrument cluster boots fully and stays on for the whole test drive.
Ask for repair records showing any instrument cluster failure, reboot problem or replacement.
Shift into reverse several times and confirm the rearview camera shows a clear image, never a white screen.
Make slow, full-lock turns both directions in a parking lot and feel for shudder, vibration or humming.
Drive at least an hour including highway, then check for rough idle, shaking or jerky low-gear acceleration.
Run the VIN for open recalls and get dealer proof that any suspension recall repair is complete.

2021 Audi A4 Common Problems by Component

12 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)POWER TRAIN (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)SUSPENSION (2)TIRES (1)AIR BAGS (1)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

The digital instrument cluster goes blank or keeps rebooting, sometimes while the car is moving. When it fails, the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and warning messages disappear. Drivers then rely on the Audi phone app for mileage, service and safety alerts. One report describes a blank screen with a red triangle that tries to start up and crashes again. All 3 complaints describe this same failure. Owners say dealers quote a full-price repair, and two argue the fix should be covered by a recall. The reports show no mileage pattern.

3 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

Shudder, vibration and humming appear in both reports, but under different conditions. One describes shuddering in slow, tight turns. A dealer diagnosed it as a failing AWD clutch at 38,888 miles. The other describes trembling, a shaking floor, high revs, screeching noises, jerky acceleration in the first gears and a rough idle. These symptoms start after about an hour of highway driving, first reported around 13,xxx miles, and come with no check-engine light or stored codes. Neither report involves a crash.

2 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaintsSafety-related

The rearview camera image sometimes turns solid white while backing up, leaving no view behind the car. That report is flagged as crash-related, and the owner says the dealer did not take the problem seriously. The second complaint is a failed instrument cluster that matches the electrical reports, and its owner argues the repair should be covered by a recall. Neither complaint gives a mileage, so no pattern shows.

2 complaints total1 crash

SUSPENSION (2 complaints)

SUSPENSION

2 complaintsSafety-related

Neither report describes a worn or broken suspension part. One is a parts shortage. The owner got a suspension recall notice, but the dealer did not have the parts to do the repair. The other report is crash-related, with one injury. It describes the car accelerating on its own at parking-lot speed, brakes that do not respond, a collision with airbag deployment, and no warning lights. That report reads as unintended acceleration rather than a suspension fault. Two reports are too few to show a pattern.

2 complaints total1 crash1 injury

TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint

2025-08-10

Tires are original equipment. Only 19,000 miles on them. Was told all 4 tires have belt shifts and hop some. Suggested they should be replaced. These tires were great when new but you could tell from driving they were degrading. I'm [XXX] and never had an issue with tires this new. The belt shifting could be a manufacturing issue or hitting to many potholes. I suspect it is a combination of the two. Tire size is 245/40R18. Looking at internet reviews, these tires are great but wear out very prematurely. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

AIR BAGS (1 complaints)

AIR BAGS

1 complaintSafety-related

2021-05-06Crash reported

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.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

2024-07-30

On several occasions while vehicle was stationary at a stoplight or moving very slowly the emergency braking system deployed, with seat belt tensioner activated and brakes applied with characteristic thunk sound. I could discern no threat at the time, but other cars were nearby. Recently, though, while in the middle of a left turn across three lanes of oncoming traffic (the nearest car was a block away) the car suddenly braked to a full stop. Nothing was behind or alongside me. It took about two seconds for the brake to release and I could accelerate forward. If there had been more traffic there could have been a front or rear collision. I took the car to the dealer who kept it all day and did nothing to it. Review of internet sites indicates that this is a not uncommon problem and that Audi has no solution. My son has 2 Audis, (SQ5s), and says this has happened to him in both of his vehicles.

Best & Worst Audi A4 Years

Best Audi A4 Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Good

2023

0Recalls

8Complaints

Good

2022

4Recalls

3Complaints

Good

2021

(Current Model)

5Recalls

12Complaints

Audi A4 Years to Avoid

Good

2020

3Recalls

122Complaints

See full Audi A4 years-to-avoid analysis

Audi A4 Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Audi A4 reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	71/100	Good
2020	65/100	Good
2021	71/100	Good
2022	72/100	Good
2023	77/100	Good
2025	81/100	Excellent

Audi A4 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2025	81/100	+4	Excellent	0	0
2023	77/100	+5	Good	0	8
2022	72/100	+1	Good	4	3
2021(selected)	71/100	+6	Good	5	12
2020	65/100	-6	Good	3	122
2018	71/100	—	Good	4	35

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Audi A4 reliable?

Yes, its reliability standing is good. Against other 2021 sedans it is close to average, and among the six scored A4 years it is one of the weaker ones. Owners filed 12 complaints, and estimated yearly repair cost matches the class figure of $739.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Audi A4?

The instrument cluster is the main one. Three owners report a screen that goes blank or keeps rebooting, sometimes while driving. Smaller groups of reports involve power train shudder and vibration, and a suspension recall repair delayed by missing parts. Two reports are too few to show a pattern.

Does the 2021 Audi A4 have instrument cluster problems?

Yes, it is the one failure all three electrical complaints share. The cluster goes blank or keeps restarting, and the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and warnings vanish. Some drivers lean on the Audi phone app for alerts. Dealers reportedly quote full-price repairs. The reports show no mileage pattern.

How many recalls does the 2021 Audi A4 have?

Federal records list five recalls. They cover back over prevention, tires and suspension, seat belts, and suspension. Check the VIN for open recalls before buying, and ask the seller for proof that the repairs were completed.

Is the 2021 Audi A4 better than the 2020 or 2022?

It beats the 2020 on complaints, which number 12 against 122, and the 2020 rates worse. The 2022 rates about the same, with 3 complaints, but it has had less time to collect them. No neighboring year clearly wins.

Don’t buy a 2021 Audi A4 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2021 Audi A4

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Audi A4 does best on how many systems draw complaints (78/100) and worst on repair costs (70/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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