This page covers 4 recalls, 54 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Audi A4.
28 mpg combined
8.4 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints lead the pack for the 2017 Audi A4, with owners frequently describing water pump and thermostat failures, along with broader cooling system issues. Several owners also report emissions-related problems, including sensors that fail to complete readiness cycles, which some say has complicated state smog testing. The airbag category draws the second-highest complaint volume, though the reports there don't cluster around a single clear symptom pattern. Scattered fuel system complaints include a fuel gauge that stops functioning entirely. Outside those main categories, owners mention the infotainment screen randomly rebooting mid-drive, cutting off navigation and phone connectivity without warning, and at least one owner describes headlight housings developing internal stress cracks that an Audi dealer said would reduce nighttime projection range.
54
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
By System
The 2017 Audi A4 has 4 recalls, the most serious being a faulty passenger seat sensor that can incorrectly disable the front passenger airbag even when someone is seated, raising the risk of injury in a crash.
When this sensor malfunctions, the dashboard will display a warning and the airbag indicator will show "passenger airbag off," so the fault is visible to the driver. There is also a minor trim concern: aluminum decorative trim on the front and rear door speaker covers can work loose, bend outward, and expose sharp edges that could cut occupants.
At a glance
What can fail
A cable connecting the seat heater to the passenger air bag detection system may develop a contact fault, causing the system to incorrectly disable the passenger air bag.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover at no cost.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The system that detects whether a passenger is sitting in the front seat may fail, causing the passenger airbag to turn off even when someone is seated. The instrument panel displays an error message and warning chime, with the airbag indicator showing "passenger airbag off".
What the fix does
The dealer inspects the front passenger seat and replaces either the seat heating mat with its connecting cable or the entire seat cover, depending on seat type.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger airbag detection system may malfunction and incorrectly turn off the front passenger airbag when someone is seated. An error message, warning chime, and airbag-off indicator light will appear.
What the fix does
Dealers will install cable ties on the wiring harness under the front passenger seat to correct the detection system.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The aluminum trim on front and rear door speaker covers may loosen and bend away, exposing sharp edges that could injure occupants.
What the fix does
Dealers will remove the aluminum trim from the speaker covers and install an updated replacement trim.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
