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
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.
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
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.
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
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2021 Audi A4 — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Audi A4 reliable?
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.
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.