Audi A4 Recalls

The Audi A4 has 31 recalls spanning 1996 through 2022, with the most serious recent issue being a 2022 engine control unit that can short-circuit and stall the engine without warning, raising the risk of a crash.

The 2020-2021 model years carry two related chassis concerns: a rear axle lock nut can break and misalign the rear axle, causing loss of control, and separately, rear axle misalignment on 2020-2021 vehicles can cause uneven or accelerated tire wear. The 2021 model year also has a rear seatbelt retractor that may not lock properly in a crash, which can allow a child restraint to come loose, and a rearview camera that can go blank while reversing. On 2022 models, a software error can prevent the rearview camera image from appearing when the driver first shifts into reverse, and a related infotainment display fault can also leave the camera screen dark while backing up.

The 2017-2020 model years have a passenger seat occupant sensor that can malfunction and disable the front passenger airbag even when someone is seated, with no warning to the driver beyond a dashboard indicator. The 2017 model year alone has an additional version of this same sensor fault, and a separate issue where aluminum trim on door speaker covers can loosen and expose sharp edges inside the cabin.

Going back to the mid-2000s, the most significant issue involves the Takata passenger-side airbag inflator on 2004-2009 models. The inflator can rupture during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, a risk that is elevated on vehicles registered in high-humidity regions. The airbag control unit on 2008-2009 models can corrode and fail entirely, preventing airbag deployment in a crash. The 2013 model year has two separate airbag concerns: a coolant pump on 2.0L TFSI engines that can overheat and start a fire, and an airbag control module with faulty software that can prevent front airbags from deploying at full force when needed.

Earlier production from 1997-2002 has driver-side airbag inflators that can absorb moisture and either explode during deployment or underinflate, leaving the driver without adequate protection. The 1997 model year has rear seatbelt retractors that may not lock in a crash. The 1996 model year has a recurring ignition switch housing crack that can leave the key stuck between start and run, disabling the wipers and headlights, along with an intermittent horn caused by poor electrical ground contact.