Audi A4 reliability
The Audi A4 fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 34.8% of 137,850 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
33 DVSA recalls for the Audi A4
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Stop-drive TAKATA PSAN
Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Affected vehicles were originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Certain front airbags contain an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.
Fix: Affected airbags will be be replaced. You can contact Audi's dedicated Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM.
Recalled models: A4 · 50 vehicles
Replacing TAKATA driver airbag
On imported Audi vehicles previously used in a warm climate zone and fitted with TAKATA driver airbag manufactured within a specific period it is possible that the gas generator housing may cause small metal parts to become dislodged from the housing and potentially injure the driver or a passenger.
Fix: As a precautionary safety measure it is necessary to replace the gas generator in the airbag unit on the driver side of the vehicle.
Recalled models: A4 Cabriolet · 40 vehicles
Replacing Takata passenger airbag
On affected vehicles the passenger airbag may in extremely rare cases be overloaded and even burst when the passenger airbag is triggered. If this were to happen small metal parts could become dislodged from the housing and potentially cause life-threatening injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix: For safety reasons it is necessary to check the passenger airbag and if required to replace the airbag module.
Recalled models: A4 · 90,944 vehicles
If a front airbag is deployed it is possible that the gas generator housing in which the propellant is generated may burst on vehicles manufactured within a limited period.
If a front airbag is deployed it is possible that the gas generator housing in which the propellant is generated may burst on vehicles manufactured within a limited period.
Fix: As a precautionary safety measure it is necessary to replace the airbag unit on the passenger side.
Recalled models: A4 CABRIO · 3 vehicles
Following a previous campaign the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without this being noticed
Following a previous campaign the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without this being noticed.
Fix: The wheel alignment must be checked and if necessary the suspension must be serviced on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: A4 · 5,327 vehicles
The deployment of the takata airbag may be delayed or insufficiently powerful due to a potential reduction in the performance of the gas generator
On vehicles with TAKATA driver airbag and NADI gas generator manufactured within a specific period it is possible that the function of the driver airbag may be restricted due to its age.
Fix: The driver airbag unit must be checked on the vehicles affected and the gas generator must be replaced if necessary
Recalled models: A4 · 57,169 vehicles
Function of the driver airbag might be restricted due to its age
On vehicles with 3-spoke steering wheel manufactured within a specific period the function of the driver airbag may be restricted due to its age.
Fix: The gas generator in the driver airbag must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: A4 · 9,536 vehicles
Rear axle suspension links nuts do not meet specifications
One or more nuts which do not meet the specifications may have been fitted on the rear axle suspension links.
Fix: The affected nuts on the rear axle will be replaced on affected vehicles.
Recalled models: A4 · 10,089 vehicles
Vehicles may have been fitted with a hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty
Vehicles may have been fitted with a hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.
Fix: The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and where necessary replaced on the vehicles affected.
Recalled models: A4 · 263 vehicles
Seat frame may not be bolted correctly to the rail on the driver and passenger sides
The seat frame may not have been bolted correctly to the seat rail on the driver and/or front passenger side
Fix: Check the affected seat frame connection and replace the frame if required.
Recalled models: A4 · 8 vehicles
Moisture may enter the belt driven starter-alternator
It is possible that moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator.
Fix: The starter-alternator must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: A4 · 11,936 vehicles
Moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator
It is possible that moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator.
Fix: The starter-alternator must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: A4 · 34,982 vehicles
The locking mechanism in the hinged towing bracket could be faulty
Hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.
Fix: The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and replaced if required.
Recalled models: A4 · 135 vehicles
An error in the casting process may affect the rigidity of the shock absorber fork
An error in the casting process may affect the rigidity of the shock absorber fork.
Fix: The corresponding shock absorber forks must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: A4 · 85 vehicles
Fuel may escape from one or both fuel rails
It is possible that fuel may escape from one or both fuel rails (low-pressure side).
Fix: The fuel rails for the low-pressure side of both cylinder banks must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: A4 · 2,763 vehicles
Passenger airbag module bolts securing to the dash panel may be insufficiently tightened
Air bag securing bolts may not be to the correct torque.
Fix: Check and replace bolts as required.
Recalled models: A4 · 8 vehicles
Risk of overheating and failure of additional coolant pump
On affected vehicles moisture may enter the electronic components and cause overheating and failure of the additional coolant pump. localised smoulder damage cannot be ruled out and in individual cases may cause vehicle to catch fire.
Fix: The additional coolant pump must be replaced and in addition a software update of the engine control unit must be carried out
Recalled models: A4 · 137 vehicles
Aluminium trim may partly detach from loudspeaker trim in doors and cause injury to occupants
The aluminium trim may become detached from the loud speaker trim in the front or rear doors. Cuts and other injuries from the sharp edges may occur.
Fix: The affected vehicles will be recalled and all four aluminium strips on the loud speaker trims will be replaced.
Recalled models: A4 · 5,092 vehicles
Auxilliary heater element in air conditioning may fail and/or overheat
The auxiliary heater element in the air conditioner may fail as the result of overheating in the area of the connectors. This can lead to smoulder damage or potentially a fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and change the auxiliary heater element for one with optimised electrical connectors.
Recalled models: A4 · 114,287 vehicles
Auxilliary heater element in air conditioning may fail and/or overheat
The auxilliary heater element in the air conditioner may fail as a result of overheating in the area of the connectors in conjunction with smoulder damage or potential fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and fit an auxilliary heater element with opimised electrical connectors. The activation of the electric auxilliary heater must be adjusted by updating the software for the air conditioning control console.
Recalled models: A4 · 33,699 vehicles
Coolant pump may overheat
Foreign particles in the engine coolant can lead to a blockage in the additional coolant pump and cause the pump to overheat.Foreign particles in the coolant can lead to a blockage in the additional coolant pump and cause the pump to overheat.
Fix: Recall the machines that are likely to be affected and update the software which will deactivate the additional coolant pump in the event of malfunction. If there has been a malfunction of the additional water pump it will be replaced.
Recalled models: A4 · 2,844 vehicles
Airbag/belt tensioners may not trigger in event of an accident
Due to an error in the manufacturing process the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision
Fix: On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly and seta belt pretensioner where necessary.
Recalled models: A4 · 2,622 vehicles
Front backrest may not perform correctly
The back-rests of the front seats may not have been assembled correctly. This may increase risk of injury to occupants during a collision.
Fix: On affected vehicles check frames and if necessary replace affected components.
Recalled models: A4 · 201 vehicles
Fuel may leak
Fuel may leak from the injector rails. Drivers may notice a smell of fuel and or evidence of a leak
Fix: On affected vehicles replace injector rails and seals.
Recalled models: A4 · 1,073 vehicles
Air bags may not inflate correctly
On affected vehicles the front air bags may not inflate correctly in the event of an accident and not be able to perform their function
Fix: Reprogramme the airbag control unit with new software
Recalled models: A4 · 59,343 vehicles
Reduction in braking performance
On affected vehicles engine oil may in isolated instances enter the brake servo via the vacuum feed lie.This may cause the brake servo diaphragm to rupture and loss of brake servo assistance.
Fix: Replace vacuum line on affected vehicles.
Recalled models: A4 · 5,755 vehicles
Bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break
It is advised that on some vehicles fitted with a 3 and 4 cylinder pump injector engine the bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break due to a bolt production fault. As a result the pump housing will not be tight and a diesel fuel leak may occur.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the pump checked for being of a certain manufacture. If found to be within the affected range the pump housing cover bolts will be replaced.
Recalled models: A4 · 14,820 vehicles
Possible fitment of incorrect brake disc
Size 288mm x 15mm solid front brake discs may have been fitted instead of 288mm x 25mm ventilated discs. Because of the extra clearance required for the ventilated diisc a brake pad could fall out of the caliper as the pads wear down.
Fix: Examine the front brake discs on all potentially affected vehicles and rectify where found necessary.
Recalled models: A4 · 14 vehicles
Airbag may not deploy
On 79 vehicles within the VIN ranges affected (with 3-spoke sports steering wheel) it is possible that in the event of a collision impact above the triggering threshold of the airbags the driver's airbag may not be deployed.
Fix: The drivers airbag unit will be replaced on all affected vehicles with 3-spoke sports steering wheel.
Recalled models: A4 · 541 vehicles
Potential premature wear of steering ball joints
Faulty seals could lead to premature wear of the track rod bearings (ends) and if the warning noises are ignored it is possible that the track rod bearing pin could work loose and affect steering control.
Fix: Recall vehicles in order to replace the track rod ends with ones fitted with an improved seal.
Recalled models: A4 · 38,307 vehicles
Possible insecurity of brake pedal
It is possible that the bolt retaining the brake pedal may become loose. This could result in the pedal going to the floor and not returning causing a loss of braking control.
Fix: Recall vehicles to check the brake pedal and if necessary tighten the securing bolt.
Recalled models: A4 · 9,192 vehicles
Unscheduled deployment of drivers air bag
In weather conditions which favour the build up of static electricity the air bag may deploy spontaneously if the driver enters or leaves the vehicle while carrying a high static charge. This can only happen when the car is stationery and not while it is in motion.
Fix: Affected vehicles are being recalled for the installation of an earth cable to the steering wheel to conduct any static charge to earth.
Recalled models: A4 · 50,523 vehicles
Front seat belt height adjuster
The front seat belt height adjuster may not have been manufactured to the correct specification and could endanger the belt wearer in an accident situation.
Fix: Affected vehicles are being recalled to dealers for inspection and where required the installation of a new seat belt height adjuster.
Recalled models: A4 · 1,097 vehicles
Checking a Audi A4 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.