2018
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Audi A4 Change Vehicle

Unlock Ratings
We wouldn’t strip your car-aficionado credentials if you failed to spot the new Audi A4 for what it is: a thoroughly redesigned car. Although the ninth-generation A4 looks eerily familiar to the last version, it actually rides on a new platform with reworked powertrain and suspension. In the sports sedan tug-of-war among Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the A4 now prevails over its peers.
Alerts
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2018
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Audi A4

Reliability
See All
Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver Good
IIHS Side Crash Good
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit.
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.
Fuel Economy & Emissions
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Greenhouse Gas Greenhouse Gas The Greenhouse Gas Rating represents the amount of carbon dioxide the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
Smog Rating Smog Rating The Smog Rating represents the amount of health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
NA
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
NA
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
NA
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
NA
Transmission Minor Transmission Minor Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.
NA
Drive System Drive System Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.
NA
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS and side air bags standard. Head protection air bags standard from 2000. ESC standard from 2002. FCW and AEB standard from 2017.
Road Test

We wouldn’t strip your car-aficionado credentials if you failed to spot the new Audi A4 for what it is: a thoroughly redesigned car. Although the ninth-generation A4 looks eerily familiar to the last version, it actually rides on a new platform with reworked powertrain and suspension. In the sports sedan tug-of-war among Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the A4 now prevails over its peers.

Sports sedans often fall short of expectations, being neither sporty nor luxurious, or prove unreliable. The A4 gets all of these things right, which is why it jumps to the top of this class in our rankings.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD , Front
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
wagon
sedan
Transmissions Available
  • 7-speed Sequential
  • 8-speed Automatic
  • 6-speed Manual
Engines Available
  • 2-liter 4 turbo (190 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 turbo (252 hp)
  • 3-liter V6 turbo (354 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Audi A4 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Apple CarPlay

"It did not work for a year. They had no fix. Finally, they have an update that enables it to mostly work - if you plug in the iPhone after the car has started. It often stops working if you switch to the radio and then later back to CarPlay. Crazy and amateurish."

Anonymous, (2018 Audi A4 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Backup or other camera/sensors

"Backup camera stopped working periodically. Software fix by dealer seems to have resolved."

Anonymous, GA (2018 Audi A4 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Display screen goes blank

"Just a pain in the butt! Dealer had no way to fix it."

Robert G., NH (2018 Audi A4 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"The GPS is linked with a service called Audi Connect. This is subscription service that allow for more advanced features. It requires software on the car, a satellite connection, and a paid membership. The service kept failing, dealership couldn't fix it, Audi Connect personnel could fix it, and they wouldn't credit my account t for lost months of these features. It has been a very frustrating experience with an otherwise great car."

Anonymous, (2018 Audi A4 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"The car intermittently drops calls only to reconnect again."

Anonymous, GA (2018 Audi A4 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Radio

"Radio cuts out. Audi dealer has car and is fixing it"

Anonymous, WA (2018 Audi A4 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"There were a few times that the radio came on when I started the car even though the radio had not been on when I last drove the car and turned off the engine. In addition, there were a number of occasions when while driving the car with the radio off it would turn on by itself, sometimes on the same station it had been set at and sometimes on a different station. Then other times when driving with the radio on it would suddenly change to a different station on the same (FM) band and other times change to a station on a completely different band like from an FM station to a station on the XM band."

Anonymous, CT (2018 Audi A4 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Speakers

"Extreme buzzing and vibration in front speakers. Dealer refuse to acknowledge and all they seem able to do is install latest software and claim all is well. I have premium B&O sound system."

Anonymous, NY (2018 Audi A4 Ultra 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Voice control commands

"Often has no idea what we are talking about!"

Robert G., NH (2018 Audi A4 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"One morning found a puddle on the back seat after a rain storm. Only happened once."

Anonymous, MA (2018 Audi A4 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Once there was an inch of water in the back seat. Could not find a leak."

Anonymous, MA (2018 Audi A4 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Squeaks or rattles

"$50000 rattletrap. Inexcusable for vehicle in this price class. Dealer makes lame efforts to correct and claims they can not repro rattles & squeaks I hear every day. If I drive them around and demonstrate they try to fix but then new ones crop up. Never again for this brand ..."

Robert T., CA (2018 Audi A4 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Car delivered new with rattle rear passenger side. Took two trips and a total of 5 days to find and repair."

Anonymous, CT (2018 Audi A4 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Ceiling console (with the sunroof controls) rattles annoyingly when traveling over rough road surfaces or when certain bass notes are played on the sound system."

Anonymous, RI (2018 Audi A4 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Wind noise

"The moonroof exploded on the highway not due to any impact.."

Anonymous, WA (2018 Audi A4 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Pulsation or vibration

"After parking car for one week (vacation) the brakes started to pulse. Audi service said $1,400+ to replace rotors and pads. Pads have plenty of life left. Four cars parked next to Audi had no issue."

Anonymous, MA (2018 Audi A4 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Because the car sat for about 2 weeks, rust built up on the rotors and caused the brakes to pulsate under application. Dealer said to make very hard applications to wear down the trouble spots on the rotors which eased the problem."

Anonymous, NJ (2018 Audi A4 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Parking the car for a week or longer "imprints" rust on the rotors causing wheel vibration. It does not wear off as does the BMW. It does not happen with three other cars parked in close proximity during the same time. This will surely cause premature wear on the whole front end. IMHO a very poor design."

Anonymous, MA (2018 Audi A4 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"said passenger seat said off"

Anonymous, WI (2018 Audi A4 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Warning alert comes on even without any obstacles."

Anonymous, CA (2018 Audi A4 2.0T 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Over a period of three months, the airbag warning light, warning message and bell sounded to say there was a problem. The problem turned out to be loose wiring under the passenger seat which was finally corrected when we received a recall notice."

Anonymous, BC (2018 Audi A4 Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"When I received the car from the dealer, the transmission made a low whistling sound at certain RPMs in top gear, basically at freeway speed. It was annoying, but did not otherwise effect performance. The dealer replaced the entire transmission under warranted without a fuss."

Anonymous, CA (2018 Audi A4 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"No"

Anonymous, AZ (2018 Audi A4 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Automatic climate control

"The air conditioner system would not maintain the set temperature in the car. The car would get hotter and hotter, becoming very uncomfortable. I took the car to the dealer several times but they could find nothing wrong."

Anonymous, FL (2018 Audi A4 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Heater system

"The heater stopped blowing hot air. problem was resolved quickly"

Anonymous, IL (2018 Audi A4 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Doors or sliding doors

"The car was down due to an accident and repair to the door."

Anonymous, MA (2018 Audi A4 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine computer

"engine computer failed rendering the car unable to be driven and was replaced. engine computer failed again and was replaced"

Anonymous, NJ (2018 Audi A4 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

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