2017 Audi A4: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Audi A4? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 81 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2017 Audi A4 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2017 Audi A4 trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2017 Audi A4 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2017 Audi A4 4 DR FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Audi A4 has 81 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Audi
- Model
- A4
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 81
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 27
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 24 / 33
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Audi A4 Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Audi A4?
The 2017 Audi A4 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2017 Audi A4
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system and verify no open recalls related to airbags.
- Request service records for engine repairs or check engine light issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system and verify no open recalls related to airbags.
- Request service records for engine repairs or check engine light issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Audi A4, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2017 Audi A4 are concentrated in airbag malfunctions and engine problems, with a total of 81 complaints across one model year. Crash-related complaints are few, and the confidence level is low due to limited data.
- Airbag malfunctions account for the largest share of complaints, with 26 reports.
- Engine problems are the second most reported issue, with 22 complaints.
- The 2017 model year has only one recall and 4 crash-related complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
All 2017 Audi A4 Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Audi A4. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 26 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 22 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Audi A4. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I have been trying to register my vehicle in California for several months, however, in order to do so, I need the car to pass SMOG. Initially I was told that the issue was related to an emissions sensor and that I had to drive the vehicle a few more miles to get the sensor to r…
The headlights on my 2017 Audi A4 have developed stress cracks in the headlamp housing. According to the inspection performed by an authorized Audi dealer, these cracks will obscure headlight projection and lower the visibility range at night. The dealer specifically noted there …
The Audi "Drive Select" transmission function switches to "Sports Mode" in rain and snow. This makes the vehicle dangerously jumpy in slippery conditions. This has happened to me (I think) three times in the last couple of years, always in rain or snow. My knowledge of the car …
I experienced similar undesirable engine behavior on two occasions. Upon coming to a stop, the auto start/stop system stopped the engine. Shortly after, when attempting to drive away, the stop/start system attempted to start the engine, but failed; the starter briefly activated …
Coolant leak from thermostat/ water pump housing.
Turbo needs to be replaced after only 58,000 miles. This has been an issue causing recalls on Audi models in different years.
2017 A4 Audi Allroad- while making turns at low speeds with the steering wheel, the vehicle makes cracking, popping and vibration noises. The noise was inspected and reproduced, confirmed on 1/4/2023 by Audi Fletcher Jones, Costa Mesa, California and advised to replace engine mou…
2017 A4 B9 premium plus model, AWD, 2.0T. I have had an Audi dealership service my car for all major service intervals outside of oil change, not only at recommended intervals but even early. 3 years ago I had my 40K mile service done at 35K miles. Spark plugs were replaced by A…
Start Stop system failures. Upon engine restarting, it stalls instead. This has happened on multiple occasions and the dealer response is to just turn it off every time you start the car. Causes dangerous situations due to inability to move car until full power cycle happens.
I was driving on the freeway at night. There was a sudden explosion that sounded like a gunshot. I was shocked and afraid. I heard the rain outside, so it seemed like there was a hole in the car. I pulled off the freeway and went to a well lit gas station to inspect the car. …
The Thermostat and it's house is failing on my of the 2017 audi a4 causing the coolant water to leak which makes the car heat up quickly due to leak and not having sufficient coolant water. So many of the b9 generation of audi a4 owners are also complain about this issue. Audi is…
Random Engine Coolant Warning. Since purchase of vehicle mid-March 2022, I have randomly received engine coolant warnings on the dashboard. Visual checks of the coolant reservoir reveal no issues. Internet search of issue reveals a number of other owners have had the same problem…
The contact owns a 2017 Audi A4. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH with the front driver's seat heater engaged, she felt a burning sensation as the seat was overheating. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact disengaged the seat heater. The contact stated that …
Symptom of low coolant in overflow reservoir; below minimum line. Pressure test concluded leak in thermostat/water pump part. Appears to be a rampant problem spanning over a decade and affecting multiple trims and redesigns (i.e B8/B9 redesign/updates). Safety put at risk for …
My 2017 Audi A4, is having a problem with the passenger air bag sensor. Whether there is a person on the passenger seat or not, the air bag sensor with turn on or off without warning and display a message. I have read that this problem has been recalled before.
Engine light on Dealership found a rodent nest in the engine space in the car. Dealership considers that fluids used to coat Audi engine wiring attract rodents. Dealership considers this to be a health and safety issue. Dealership considers it essential to replace the Audi air fi…
anti-freeze started coming out from the bottom of my vehicle... seems like that is a water pump issue, also I seen that I'm not the only person with this same issue with Audi A4... this should be a recall to resolve this problem.... thank you
The power steering on my A4 went out randomly with only 52k miles on the odometer. Thankfully it went out while the car was parked, but if it went out while I was driving it could've caused an accident. I towed it to a shop to diagnose the issue and they confirmed that the power …
My 2017 Audi A4 transmission started to fail as it frequently was not able to shift gears unless I came to a complete stop and restarted my car. This made it difficult to drive at a higher speed when I was on a major road or highway. I took it to a mechanic specializing in transm…
While dropping off a passenger at a store front during a rain storm and a few seconds after the passenger exited the vehicle the sunroof glass exploded upward spontaneously! Some glass chunks flew out of the car and then gravity pulled the rest back down inside onto me and scatt…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Audi A4.
2017 Audi A4 Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Audi A4. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2017 Audi A4 Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Audi A4 reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 81 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2017 Audi A4 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Audi A4?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (26 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (22 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (15 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Audi A4?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Audi A4?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Audi A4, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 81 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Audi A4 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2017 Audi A4. A major recall area is SEATS. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Audi A4?▾
The 2017 Audi A4 shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Audi A4 reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Audi A4 based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.