Audi A4 2016-2025 (2016–2025)
Generation-specific owner insights from 28+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2016–2025 A4?
470
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2016–2025
14
recall campaigns
electrical system
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2016-2025 Audi A4 express strong overall satisfaction, frequently praising the car’s reliability, comfortable and quiet cabin, good fuel economy (especially on the highway), and Quattro all-wheel drive.
9 problems reported (2 recurrent, 7 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentOil consumption (burning a quart every 1,000 miles or less)
Multiple owners report oil consumption issues, with one owner needing an oil consumption test after finding multiple leaks.
- RecurrentTiming chain replacement needed between 100,000-120,000 miles
Owners mention this as a known maintenance item costing around $4,000.
- IsolatedMMI system glitching
One owner of a 2019 A4 reported MMI glitches that required software updates.
+ 6 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedTemperature sensor failure
One owner of a 2019 A4 reported an engine management light and fan running constantly due to a temperature sensor issue.
- IsolatedClutch failure on high-mileage examples
One owner reported a clutch burning out on a 2016 A4 with 65,000 miles shortly after purchase.
- IsolatedSquealing noise in lower gears
One owner reported a squealing noise possibly related to belts, fluid levels, or transmission components.
- IsolatedThrust/pilot bearing noise
One owner mentioned potential thrust bearing issues on a 2016 A4.
- IsolatedRadiator fan assembly failure
One owner mentioned replacing a radiator fan assembly.
- IsolatedSuspension and brake caliper replacement needed at high mileage
One owner reported replacing all suspension and a brake caliper on a 2016 A4 with 131,000 miles.
The version owners recommend
The 2016 Audi A4 (B8.5) is widely regarded as the most reliable model year within this generation, with multiple owners calling it the best year for reliability and reporting trouble-free ownership well past 100,000 miles. The 2021 Audi A4 Premium Plus Quattro is also highly recommended for its combination of modern technology, performance (0-60 in 4.7 seconds), and comfort.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the BMW 3 Series (G20), Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester and VW Tiguan.
Is a 2016–2025 A4 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the 2016-2025 Audi A4 express strong overall satisfaction, frequently praising the car’s reliability, comfortable and quiet cabin, good fuel economy (especially on the highway), and Quattro all-wheel drive. The 2016 model year is often singled out as a particularly reliable and trouble-free choice, with multiple owners reporting zero issues beyond routine maintenance. Later B9 models (2017+) are appreciated for their updated technology and styling, though some owners note that the 2016 B8.5 is considered the best of that earlier generation for reliability. The 2021 model year is also viewed favorably, with owners noting it feels quick and well-built. A few owners mention minor MMI glitches on later models, but overall the generation is seen as a practical, economical, and dependable luxury sedan.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the 2016-2025 Audi A4 as a more practical and economical choice than its German rivals, often citing better fuel economy, AWD capability, and strong reliability ratings. Compared to the BMW 3 Series, some owners find the A4 more comfortable and quieter, while others note the BMW offers a sportier feel. Against the Mercedes C-Class, owners recommend the Audi or BMW for better road handling and interior fit/finish. When cross-shopped against Japanese competitors like the Mazda CX-5 or Honda Accord, owners frequently praise the Audi’s superior build quality, quieter cabin, and more solid feel, with several reporting that they returned to Audi/VW after trying Japanese brands. The A4 is also compared favorably to the VW Tiguan, with owners noting the Audi offers more features and brand value, though the Tiguan may be better for rough terrain.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the 2016 Audi A4 Quattro (especially the S-Line) for its proven reliability and low maintenance costs, as well as the 2021 Audi A4 Premium Plus Quattro for its modern features and strong performance. The 2019-2021 A4 Quattro is described as a reasonable, practical, and economical choice. For the B9 platform (2017+), owners suggest looking at 2017-2021 models for similar technology and styling to newer cars at a lower price.
General recommendations
The 2016-2025 Audi A4 is recommended for buyers seeking a reliable, comfortable, and fuel-efficient luxury sedan with strong all-weather capability. The 2016 model year is particularly recommended for its excellent reliability record, with owners reporting 130,000+ miles with only routine maintenance. Buyers should prioritize cars with detailed maintenance records and consider CPO models for warranty coverage. High-mileage examples (over 100,000 miles) may require significant maintenance costs, including timing chain replacement (around $4,000) and potential oil consumption issues. Owners advise avoiding neglected examples and recommend budgeting for proactive maintenance, as European vehicles do not tolerate neglect. The 2016 A4 is considered a safe bet for those willing to maintain it properly.
Remarks
Owners consistently praise the 2016 Audi A4 for its exceptional reliability, with several reporting 130,000+ miles with only routine maintenance. The 2016 model year is frequently described as the "best of the B8.5" and a "safe bet" for buyers. The generation is also noted for its excellent headlights, with owners of 2016 models praising the xenon beam pattern. Some owners mention that while the car is not the most exciting to drive, it is "fast enough for all legal use cases" and offers a comfortable, quiet ride. The 2021 A4 is noted for its quick 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds with AWD. One owner of a 2016 A4 with 225,000 miles reported the paint still felt better than a 6-month-old SUV, highlighting the build quality. The generation is also noted for its good fuel economy, with a 2021 A4 TDI averaging nearly 50 mpg on the Autobahn. Analysis based on approximately 28 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 | 0 | tires |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 | equipment |
| 2021 | 12 | 4 | electrical system |
| 2020 | 284 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2019 | 8 | 1 | electrical system |
| 2018 | 51 | 4 | unknown or other |
| 2017 | 82 | 1 | air bags |
| 2016 | 26 | 0 | engine |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2023 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 24V251000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023 Audi S5 Cabriolet, A4 Allroad, Q5 Sportback, A3 Sedan, S5 Sportback, SQ7, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, RS5 Sportback, 2024 A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q8, RSQ8, 2023-2024 Q3, Q5, and Q7 vehicles. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the occupant detection system (ODS) control module may loosen and deactivate the front passenger air bag.
2021 · seat belts:rear/other:retractorcampaign 21V606000
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."
2021 · tirescampaign 22V034000
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.
2021 · suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assemblycampaign 21V295000
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.
2021 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 22V742000
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."
2020 · tirescampaign 22V034000
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.
2020 · suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assemblycampaign 21V295000
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.
2020 · seatscampaign 21V874000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
2019 · seatscampaign 21V874000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
2018 · seatscampaign 21V874000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
2018 · structure:body:door:hinge and attachmentscampaign 17V675000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad, and 2018 A5 Sportback vehicles. The aluminum trim on the front and rear doors can come loose from around the door speakers, leaving sharp edges exposed.
2018 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 18V836000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A5 Sportback and 2017-2018 Audi A4 Allroad vehicles. A passenger air bag module mounting screw may not have been sufficiently tightened, possibly affecting the deployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.
1 more recall not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.