Is the Audi A4 more reliable than the BMW 4-Series?

Based on our data, the Audi A4 is more reliable with an average score of 73/100 compared to 60/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Audi A4 or the BMW 4-Series?

The BMW 4-Series has more recalls (182) compared to the Audi A4 (16). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Audi A4 or the BMW 4-Series?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Audi A4 has a lower complaint rate at 2.8 per 10,000 sold versus 15.8 for the BMW 4-Series. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the Audi A4 or BMW 4-Series safer?

Both the Audi A4 and BMW 4-Series received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Last updated: 2026-03-28

Audi A4 vs BMW 4-Series: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Audi A4

Good

BMW 4-Series

Good

Choosing between the Audi A4 and the BMW 4-Series? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Audi A4 currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 60/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Audi A4 and BMW 4-Series Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the BMW 4-Series is in its second generation, which began in 2020. This generation, identified by the G22/G23/G26 designations, is relatively new and may still be experiencing early-cycle teething issues that can affect reliability. In contrast, the Audi A4 is in the latter part of its fifth generation (B9), which started in 2016 and received a notable facelift in 2020. This mature platform has had time to resolve initial issues, typically resulting in better reliability. For buyers focused on reliability, the A4's established generation may offer a more stable option compared to the newer 4-Series.

Verdict

The Audi A4 is more reliable than the BMW 4-Series, scoring 73/100 vs 60/100.

The BMW 4-Series currently lacks sufficient reliability data, with no recorded reliability score, recalls, or owner complaints, leaving its reliability largely unquantified. In contrast, the Audi A4 has a reliability score of 73/100, with 16 recalls over six years and an owner complaint rate of 2.8 per 10,000 units sold, suggesting a more established and measurable reliability performance. The Audi A4's estimated annual repair cost of $739 and identified common issues in areas like the electrical system and airbags highlight potential concerns for buyers. Given these factors, the Audi A4 offers more transparency in reliability metrics, although its associated costs and issues may influence buyer decisions.

Key Differences

1Audi A4 has 166 fewer total recalls
2Audi A4 scores 13 points higher in reliability
3Audi A4 has 13.0 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

3Audi A4

—

0BMW 4-Series

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Audi A4 vs BMW 4-Series: Which Is More Reliable?

Audi A4 vs BMW 4-Series at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Audi A4	BMW 4-Series
Reliability Score	73/100	60/100
Years Tracked	6	9
Total Recalls	16	182
Complaints per 10k Sold	2.8	15.8
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2025 NHTSA	2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	6	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Audi A4 and BMW 4-Series?

The BMW 4-Series exhibits an exceptional reliability profile with zero complaints reported, indicating no prevalent issues across any specific components. In contrast, the Audi A4 has accumulated 180 complaints, with a significant concentration in the electrical system, accounting for 121 complaints, including two linked to crashes, highlighting a notable area of concern. Additionally, the Audi A4 shows issues in categories such as unknown or other, air bags, and power train, with crash-linked complaints also present in the unknown or other and suspension categories. Overall, the BMW 4-Series demonstrates a superior reliability record, particularly in avoiding safety-related and crash-linked issues that are more frequent in the Audi A4.

Audi A4 vs BMW 4-Series common problem areas comparison
Component	Audi A4	BMW 4-Series
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	1.9Low	2.3Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.7Very Low	1.7Low
AIR BAGS	0.1Very Low	1.7Low
ENGINE	—None	1.3Low
POWER TRAIN	0.1Very Low	1Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	—None	0.9Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	—None	0.5Very Low
SEAT BELTS	—None	0.5Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	0.1Very Low	0.2Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	—None	0.2Very Low
STEERING	—None	0.2Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	0.2Very Low
SUSPENSION	—None	0.1Very Low
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)	—None	0.1Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	0.1Very Low
TIRES	—None	0.1Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	0.1Very Low
STRUCTURE	—None	0.1Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	0.1Very Low

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Audi A4 or BMW 4-Series?

Based on industry estimates, the Audi A4 incurs an annual repair cost of $739, with a repair frequency of 0.4 visits per year and a 13% risk of major repairs. Although specific data for the BMW 4-Series is unavailable, the Audi A4’s figures offer a benchmark for comparison. In practical terms, over a five-year period, Audi A4 owners might spend around $3,695 on repairs, assuming consistent costs and repair frequency. With a relatively low repair frequency and moderate major repair risk, the Audi A4 presents a more predictable maintenance profile. For cost-conscious buyers prioritizing budget predictability and lower potential for major repairs, the Audi A4 offers a compelling value proposition.

How Does Audi A4 vs BMW 4-Series Reliability Compare by Year?

Audi A4 vs BMW 4-Series year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Audi A4	BMW 4-Series	Edge
2025	81/1000R / 0C	67/1009R / 2C	Audi A4
2023	77/1000R / 8C	63/10026R / 43C	Audi A4
2022	72/1004R / 3C	66/10018R / 36C	Audi A4
2021	71/1005R / 12C	57/10040R / 64C	Audi A4
2020	65/1003R / 122C	52/10034R / 66C	Audi A4
2018	71/1004R / 35C	54/10021R / 261C	Audi A4

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Audi A4 scored 81/100 and the 2025 BMW 4-Series scored 67/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Audi A4 vs the BMW 4-Series?

If you prioritize peace of mind and a proven track record of reliability, the Audi A4 is the more dependable choice. With a reliability score of 73 out of 100 and an estimated annual repair cost of $739, you can expect a relatively low maintenance experience. While the A4 has had 16 recalls, its owner complaints are minimal at just 2.8 per 10,000 sold, and its repair frequency is moderate at 0.4 times per year. This makes it a solid option for those seeking a balance between performance and reliability. On the other hand, if you're intrigued by the BMW 4-Series despite its reliability score of 0 out of 100, this could be due to its lack of reported issues so far. However, the absence of data on repair costs and frequency suggests caution. This model might appeal to those willing to take a risk for a potentially rewarding driving experience, but be prepared for unknowns in long-term reliability.

Audi A4 vs BMW 4-Series: Common Questions

Is the Audi A4 more reliable than the BMW 4-Series?: Based on our data, the Audi A4 is more reliable with an average score of 73/100 compared to 60/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Audi A4 or the BMW 4-Series?: The BMW 4-Series has more recalls (182) compared to the Audi A4 (16). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Audi A4 or the BMW 4-Series?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Audi A4 has a lower complaint rate at 2.8 per 10,000 sold versus 15.8 for the BMW 4-Series. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Audi A4 or BMW 4-Series safer?: Both the Audi A4 and BMW 4-Series received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

More Audi A4 comparisons

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More BMW 4-Series comparisons

BMW 4-Series vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class reliability BMW 4-Series vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability BMW 4-Series vs BMW 5-Series reliability BMW 4-Series reliability by year BMW 4-Series years to avoid

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.

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