Avoid: 2020, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2023 (few owner reports)
23 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 28 model years, the Audi A4 has 5,511 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 80 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system. 2007 drew the most complaints (673), 2023 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (1).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Audi A4 vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $12,444–$21,675.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2020 | 284 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2017 | 82 |
| 2016 | 26 |
| 2015 | 44 |
| 2014 | 76 |
| 2013 | 110 |
| 2012 | 71 |
| 2011 | 74 |
| 2010 | 128 |
| 2009 | 406 |
| 2008 | 386 |
| 2007 | 673 |
| 2006 | 298 |
| 2005 | 481 |
| 2004 | 567 |
| 2003 | 645 |
| 2002 | 189 |
| 2001 | 135 |
| 2000 | 96 |
| 1999 | 196 |
| 1998 | 262 |
| 1997 | 105 |
| 1996 | 99 |
Highest: 2007 (673 complaints). Lowest: 2023 (1).
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and is heavily dependent on diligent maintenance.
Owner insights cover all generations of the A4. Individual model years are broken down above.
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