Last updated: 2026-03-15

Audi A4

1 Audi A4 Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Audi A4 average of 73/100

The Audi A4 years to avoid are 2020 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2020 with a reliability score of 65/100. The best Audi A4 year to buy is 2025 81/100.

Verdict

The 2020 Audi A4 scores significantly below the model average of 73/100. The weakest year is 2020 with a score of 65/100 due to electrical system (89) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2023 77/100.

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Audi A4 Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Audi A4 average of 73/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202065/100Good3122Electrical System (89)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

65
GoodReliability score: 65 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Audi A4

The 2020 Audi A4 has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 122 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Audi A4. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (89), Unknown Or Other (28), Back Over Prevention (3).

3 recalls122 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (89), Unknown Or Other (28), Back Over Prevention (3), Lane Departure (1), Suspension (1)

View full 2020 reliability report →

What Are Common Audi A4 Problems?

Top reported issues across all Audi A4 model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

121 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

46 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

POWER TRAIN

6 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2021

BACK OVER PREVENTION

6 complaints

Most reported in 2020

AIR BAGS

6 complaints

Most reported in 2018

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

Most reported in 2021

Best Audi A4 Year to Buy Instead

77
GoodReliability score: 77 out of 100, rated Good

2023 Audi A4

The 2023 Audi A4 has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 8 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Audi A4. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (3), Back Over Prevention (1), Wheels (1).

Score: 77/100 (Good)0 recalls8 complaints
View full 2023 reliability report →

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Audi A4 year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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All Audi A4 Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Audi A4 Reliability Scores by Year

2025 Audi A4 (2025)81/100
Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Audi A4 years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Audi A4 years: 2020 (score: 65/100). These model years score significantly below the Audi A4 average of 73/100.
What is the best year for the Audi A4?
The best year for the Audi A4 is 2025, with a reliability score of 81/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Audi A4 have?
Across all years in our database, the Audi A4 has a total of 16 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Audi A4 worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 81/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 73/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Audi A4 problems?
The most common Audi A4 problems are electrical system (121 complaints), unknown or other (46 complaints), power train (6 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Audi A4 reliable long-term?
The Audi A4 has an average reliability score of 73/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Audi A4 generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Audi A4 generation is the Fifth generation (B9) with an average score of 71/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Audi A4?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Audi A4 is $739 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2025 Audi A4 a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Audi A4 is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 81/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

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

3

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.

4

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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