This page covers 4 recalls and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2021 Audi A4.
The 2020 to 2021 Audi A4 received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. The A4 earned five stars in side crash, rollover, and side pole tests. It received four stars in frontal crash testing. NHTSA applies this rating across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so these results represent the full range covered.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2021 Audi A4 has 4 recalls, the most serious involving a rear axle lock nut that can break and misalign the rear axle, causing the vehicle to pull or drift and raising the risk of losing control.
A related recall covers the same rear axle misalignment concern from a different angle: rather than an abrupt handling failure, the gradual effect is uneven or accelerated tire wear that can quietly degrade grip over time until a tire fails unexpectedly. On the occupant safety side, a rear seatbelt retractor can fail to secure a child restraint system properly, meaning a car seat may not stay in place during a crash the way it is designed to. Rounding out the four recalls is a rearview camera that can display a blank screen when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, leaving the driver without any view of what is directly behind the car while backing up.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue may cause the rearview camera display to show a blank or black screen instead of the camera image when reverse gear is engaged.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the infotainment unit software at no cost to restore rearview camera display functionality.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear axle alignment was not inspected after previous recall repairs were completed, which could result in improper wheel positioning and uneven tire wear.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect rear axle alignment, adjust if needed, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear middle seat belt's automatic locking mechanism may stop working too early, preventing child car seats from being secured properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the middle-rear seat belt assemblies at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lock nut securing the trailing arm on the rear axle can break due to stress corrosion, potentially affecting rear suspension stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the lock nuts and associated bolts if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
