2021 Audi A4 VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2021 Audi A4 has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 12 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Audi A4. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (3), Power Train (2), Unknown Or Other (2).

A4 reliability snapshot

71/100

Latest model-year reliability score

3.5/5

RepairPal rating (medium)

$739

Avg annual repair cost vs $739 category avg

#14/31

Ranking in luxury midsize cars · better than 55% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Audi A4 before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Years to avoidThe weakest years and stronger alternatives Common problemsComplaint patterns across model years Recall historyNHTSA campaigns grouped by model year Maintenance & repair costYearly repair cost, reliability rating and segment rank

Most-reported 2021 Audi A4 issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

Electrical System3
Power Train2
Unknown Or Other2
Suspension2
Tires1
Air Bags1

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Audi A4

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

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

What owners reported

2021 Audi A4 owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 3 crashes and 1 injury to NHTSA for the 2021 Audi A4. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints3

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Owner complaints2

POWER TRAIN

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.

Owner complaints2

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints2

SUSPENSION

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.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

2021 A4 recalls (4)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 A4. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 22V742000Oct 5, 2022
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.
TIRES, SUSPENSIONNHTSA 22V034000Jan 26, 2022
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.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 21V606000Aug 5, 2021
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).
SUSPENSIONNHTSA 21V295000Apr 26, 2021
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.
Consequence: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.

2021 Audi A4 on the road

16,263 2021 Audi A4 units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2021 Audi A4 stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Volvo S60

Reliability: 76/100·Rivalry score: 95

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BMW 4-Series

Reliability: 64/100·Rivalry score: 95

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Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Reliability: 82/100·Rivalry score: 95

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Reliability: 64/100·Rivalry score: 95

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Reliability verdict for the 2021 Audi A4

The 2021 Audi A4 scores slightly above the segment average for reliability, indicating moderate reliability. Its reliability score suggests that while it is generally dependable, there are some areas of concern. The five recalls, a slightly elevated number, point to potential issues that have been addressed by the manufacturer, but they do suggest a need for caution.

Complaint data shows a broad distribution of issues, with electrical system and power train complaints being the most frequent. This spread indicates no single dominant problem but highlights multiple areas that may require attention. As the sixth year of the generation, typical teething problems should be minimal, yet the mixed reliability score suggests some persistent issues.

Overall, the 2021 Audi A4 presents a moderate risk level for buyers, with reliability slightly above the segment average but with a few areas of concern.

What you get in a 2021 Audi A4 report

Available title brand history

Odometer readings & rollback detection

Accident & damage records

Auction sales with photos

Open safety recalls

Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2021 Audi A4 — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Audi A4 reliable?

How many recalls does the 2021 Audi A4 have?

4 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Audi A4. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2021 Audi A4 problems?

The most-reported 2021 Audi A4 problem areas are: Electrical System (3), Power Train (2), Unknown Or Other (2).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Audi A4?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Audi A4, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.