2021 Audi A4: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Audi A4? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 11 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2021 Audi A4 Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2021 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. 3 trims analysed.
2021 Audi A4 Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial 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 2021 Audi A4 has 11 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Audi
- Model
- A4
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 11
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 27
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 24 / 31
- 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 2021 Audi A4 Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Audi A4?
The 2021 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 2021 Audi A4
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical systems, including infotainment and sensors.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect suspension and brake components before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect electrical systems, including infotainment and sensors.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect suspension and brake components before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 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
Based on 11 NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Audi A4, issues appear concentrated in electrical faults and uncategorized problems, with some reports of transmission, lane departure, and forward collision avoidance concerns. The low complaint volume and limited model year data make it difficult to identify strong patterns.
- Electrical faults account for 3 of the 11 complaints.
- Uncategorized issues also total 3 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain, lane departure, forward collision avoidance, suspension, and unintended acceleration each have 2 complaints.
- Electrical faults
- Uncategorized issues
- Transmission/drivetrain problems
All 2021 Audi A4 Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Audi A4. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 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 2021 Audi A4. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The instrument cluster has stop working. Have to monitore vehicle information, Mileage, service, Safty notifications and general vehicle information from the Audi app.
Tires are original equipment. Only 19,000 miles on them. Was told all 4 tires have belt shifts and hop some. Suggested they should be replaced. These tires were great when new but you could tell from driving they were degrading. I'm [XXX] and never had an issue with tires this…
I am writing to report a persistent issue with my 2021 Audi A4, VIN [XXX] . I have been experiencing a noticeable vibration, humming, and shuddering sensation that occurs specifically when turning at slow speeds (e.g., in a parking lot or when making a tight turn at an intersect…
The instrument cluster has failed per the recall 90VC. Audi issued the recall for every model made in 2021 with the exception of the A3 and A4 and I believe this was a mistake as my instrument cluster has the same failure.
I have a 2021 audi a4 that is also being affected by the instrument cluster failure/recall. My model , a4 was not included but I am experiencing the same failure and this was reported to the dealership. An online search will show just how many people have issues with the instrume…
The main instrument cluster is not stable- it tries to start up then crashes. As a result, speedometer, rpm’s, gas tank gauge, etc are not available while driving. The screen displays blank with a red triangle, tries to start up then crashes again. This seems similar to Audi reca…
The vehicle at 13,xxx miles on the high ways, and during stop & go traffic; vehicle begins to tremble, transmission and floor shakes, rpms are higher than normal, abnormal noises coming from engine (screeching), jerking on acceleration on the first gears, rough idle, happens only…
The reversing image occasionally appears white screen phenomenon During the process of reversing, the reversing screen suddenly turns white and cannot see anything behind, which brings danger to the driver and others, causing danger to life and property. Apparently the dealer di…
The contact leased a 2021 Audi A4. The contact stated that the dealer had provided her with the vehicle rental while her vehicle was being repaired. The contact stated that while driving at 4 MPH and turning into a parking pace on the 4th floor of a parking garage, the vehicle in…
The contact owns a 2021 Audi A4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V295000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated that the parts were not yet available. The contact s…
The contact owned a 2021 Audi A4. The contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed through a parking lot, the vehicle independently accelerated and the brake pedal locked. The vehicle accelerated up a hill as the contact was unable to depress the brake pedal; he colli…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Audi A4.
2021 Audi A4 Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Audi A4. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Audi A4 Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Audi A4 reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 11 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 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 2021 Audi A4?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (3 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (3 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (2 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Audi A4?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Audi A4?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Audi A4, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 11 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Audi A4 have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Audi A4. A major recall area is SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Audi A4?▾
The 2021 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 Electrical Faults 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 2021 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.