Last updated: 2026-03-15

RELIABILITY SCORE: 71/100 (GOOD)

2021 Audi A4 Reliability Report

Name: 2021 Audi A4
Brand: Audi

The 2021 Audi A4 scores 71/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 12 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

7.4

per 10k sold

Est. Annual Cost

$739

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

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

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?

The 2021 Audi A4 scores 71/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2021 is 1 year after the facelift (2020–2025) refresh.

With 12 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system (3). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

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: That the 2021 Audi A4 experiences issues with the instrument cluster, which... (3 complaints)
−POWER TRAIN: Vibrations, humming, and shuddering when turning at slow speeds, often linked... (2 complaints)

Compare 2021 Audi A4 With

2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Reliability: 47/100

Mixed

2021 BMW 4-Series

Reliability: 57/100

Mixed

2021 Lexus IS

Reliability: 83/100

Excellent

2021 BMW 5-Series

Reliability: 66/100

Good

2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Reliability: 56/100

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

The 2021 Audi A4 has 5 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

7.4

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 17.9

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).

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 A4 Repair 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.

Used Buying Checklist

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

Test AWD system for vibration and shudder during slow turns
Inspect instrument cluster for stability and functionality
Check for transmission tremble and abnormal engine noises after long drives
Verify recall repairs for suspension issues have been completed
Test reversing camera for clear visibility

Buying a 2021 A4? Check Its History First

Every 2021 Audi A4 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN

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

Owners report that the 2021 Audi A4 experiences issues with the instrument cluster, which frequently fails or becomes unstable. Typical symptoms include the instrument cluster screen going blank or crashing, rendering key information such as the speedometer, RPMs, and fuel gauge unavailable. Some owners mention having to rely on the Audi app to monitor vehicle information. Complaints suggest that these issues may be similar to those covered by a recall for other Audi models, though the A4 is not included. No mileage ranges are specified, and there are no reports of crashes or fires related to this issue, but the loss of critical vehicle information while driving is noted.

3 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Audi A4 report issues related to the power train, particularly involving vibrations, humming, and shuddering when turning at slow speeds, often linked to a failing AWD clutch system. These symptoms are noted at mileages around 38,888 to 39,490 miles. Another issue arises during extended highway driving or stop-and-go traffic, where the vehicle trembles, the transmission and floor shake, RPMs increase, and abnormal engine noises occur without triggering error codes. This begins at approximately 13,000 miles. Safety implications include potential driver distraction due to these symptoms, but no crashes or loss of control have been reported. Buyers considering a used 2021 Audi A4 should be aware of these reported issues, particularly if the vehicle has been driven extensively or used in heavy traffic conditions.

2 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Audi A4 report issues with the instrument cluster and the reversing camera. One complaint describes a failure of the instrument cluster similar to a known recall affecting other models, but not the A4, suggesting a potential oversight. Another complaint involves a reversing camera screen turning white during use, which has reportedly resulted in a crash due to the inability to see behind the vehicle. Safety implications are evident, as the reversing camera issue directly affects visibility and has led to an accident. These complaints do not specify mileage, but the described issues indicate potential safety risks for prospective buyers to consider.

2 complaints total1 crash

SUSPENSION (2 complaints)

SUSPENSION

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Audi A4 report issues related to the vehicle's suspension, with one complaint involving a crash where the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated while turning at low speed, leading to a collision and resulting in injuries. This incident occurred at approximately 1,347 miles. Another complaint highlights a delay in addressing a suspension-related recall due to unavailable parts, though no failure was experienced by the owner. These reports suggest potential safety implications, particularly in scenarios involving unintended acceleration and delayed recall repairs, which could be important for prospective buyers to consider.

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.

When Do 2021 Audi A4 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

38,000–39,000 milesAWD clutch system vibration

13,000–14,000 milesTransmission tremble and engine noise

Best & Worst Audi A4 Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Audi A4 Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

The best Audi A4 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 81/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2023 (77/100) and 2022 (72/100).

Top Pick

Excellent

Audi A4 Years to Avoid

The worst Audi A4 year is 2020 with a score of 65/100, primarily due to electrical system (89) issues.

Good

2020

3Recalls

122Complaints

See full Audi A4 years-to-avoid analysis

Audi A4 Reliability Score Trend

Audi A4 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 77/100 compared to 69/100 for older years.

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?

The 2021 Audi A4 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 71/100. It is reasonably reliable with 5 recalls and 12 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

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

The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Audi A4 include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3 complaints), POWER TRAIN (2 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), SUSPENSION (2 complaints), TIRES (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2021 Audi A4 have?

The 2021 Audi A4 has 5 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2021 Audi A4 expensive to maintain?

The 2021 Audi A4 has estimated annual repair costs of $739/year, which matches the luxury midsize cars average. With a reliability score of 71/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.