Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2021 Audi A4 Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict

88/ 100

KeepScore

LOW RISK

Grade: A-

A premium daily driver that offers excellent long-term satisfaction if properly maintained.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2021 Audi A4

  • Has 4 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the seat belts:rear/other:retractor.
  • Outscores the 2020 Audi A4 by 10 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.
  • The system most likely to surface first: electrical/infotainment (minor severity).

Should You Buy the 2021 Audi A4?

The 2021 Audi A4 stands as one of the most well-engineered and reliable luxury compact sedans you can buy in the used market. It perfectly blends refined performance with a high-quality interior and robust mechanicals, making it a smart choice for discerning buyers willing to invest in its premium maintenance schedule.

Biggest Strengths

  • Exceptional build quality and material choices
  • Refined and robust 2.0L TFSI engine (EA888 Gen 3/4 EVO)
  • Sophisticated Quattro all-wheel-drive system

Top Risk Areas

The systems that break first on the 2021 Audi A4. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

1
Electrical/Infotainmentminor
2
Cooling Systemmoderate
3
Suspension Componentsmoderate
Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

NHTSA Recalls

4 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

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."

TIRES

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.

What breaks on the 2021 Audi A4?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Audi A4 by Year

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Audi A4. Click any year for its full report.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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