2017 Audi A4 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Audi A4, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine2334.8%
- Airbags1319.7%
- Electrical69.1%
- Fuel system69.1%
- Powertrain (other)46.1%
- Interior & seats34.5%
- Steering34.5%
- Seat belts23.0%
- Tires & wheels11.5%
- Brakes11.5%
- Driver assistance11.5%
- Exterior lighting11.5%
- Other / unspecified11.5%
- Suspension11.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Audi A4 Water pump and Thermostat failure. VW/ Audi USA had a recall on this issue for several models including the Audi A4 models thru 2016. My car was built in 2016 with model year 2017 and according to the recall my car did not qualify. Since then there has been several Class Action Lawsuits for this same issue. I was fortunate I discovered the leak while the car was parked in my garage and wasn't on the freeway. It seems that VW/Audi USA hasn't corrected this issue leaving many people in danger of a possible breakdown and a premature costly repair. In addition, I was denied the Class Action Lawsuit extended warranty by 3 months. So this premature costly repair was on me. Thank you for all you do to keep us safe.
Every time I start the car, a message comes on saying that the passenger airbag is off even when I have an occupant next to me. I spoke with the dealer and he told me that this recall was claimed and fixed in 2022 in Texas by the previous owner but I replied that the problem continues and he told me that this was no longer an Audi problem. Furthermore, every time it accelerates over 40 miles per hour, a message about the driving system in malfunction appears and also the automatic on and off system at stops stops working and when I drive it at low speed there is no problem. I took it to Audi and they told me that they should change the turbo and I told them that the car only has 100,000 miles and why they should change a turbo that only has 100,000 miles of use and they told me that’s how it is
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Every time I start the car, a message comes on saying that the passenger airbag is off even when I have an occupant next to me. I spoke with the dealer and he told me that this recall was claimed and fixed in 2022 in Texas by the previous owner but I replied that the problem continues and he told me that this was no longer an Audi problem. Furthermore, every time it accelerates over 40 miles per hour, a message about the driving system in malfunction appears and also the automatic on and off system at stops stops working and when I drive it at low speed there is no problem. I took it to Audi and they told me that they should change the turbo and I told them that the car only has 100,000 miles and why they should change a turbo that only has 100,000 miles of use and they told me that’s how it is
My 2017 Audi A4, is having a problem with the passenger air bag sensor. Whether there is a person on the passenger seat or not, the air bag sensor with turn on or off without warning and display a message. I have read that this problem has been recalled before.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Engine light on Dealership found a rodent nest in the engine space in the car. Dealership considers that fluids used to coat Audi engine wiring attract rodents. Dealership considers this to be a health and safety issue. Dealership considers it essential to replace the Audi air filter. Dealership is checking wires to assess any gnawed damage. I need the engine to be power-washed and the nest area treated w/bleaching agents. I do not have the total estimate on this but it will be greater than $1,000.
I went to Audi Fort Worth (116 University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76107) to fix my PODS recall currently on my Audi A4. After a day of servicing my vehicle for the recall the dealership handed me back my vehicle in the condition attached in the photo. You can see the huge gap in the seat which is a safety hazard considering there is high voltage wires in the seat and they just left it exposed with a considerable gap. They refused to reassemble my seat so I am unsure if my airbag sensors even work now, it has been a week of waiting and my VIN still shows that it has a recall even though the service was completed a week ago. I asked for a service ticket of he work preformed but Audi Fort Worth refused to provide me one. I went in for the recall service on 1/24/2021. Is there any way we can remove my VIN from this recall list since the service was completed? I have messaged the Audi Service manager Veronica about this issue but still no response from her. Even left her an email and voice message. I just would like to file a complaint about this service center, and get my VIN removed from the recall list since the work was performed according to Audi.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have been trying to register my vehicle in California for several months, however, in order to do so, I need the car to pass SMOG. Initially I was told that the issue was related to an emissions sensor and that I had to drive the vehicle a few more miles to get the sensor to register properly. This turned out not to be the case. A short time later, the fuel gauge completely stopped working. I took it to an authorized Audi repair shop that told me the issue was related to a the "Fuel Tank Sending Unit". That part was replaced by the repair shop, however, the issue persisted. The authorized repair shop is now telling me that it the entire tank needs to be replaced in order to fix the issue.. I have searched and this seems to be a common issue among Audi vehicles; the sensor stops working and the gauge stops responding. Audi seems to know that this is an issue. Can this possibly be investigated.
The fuel level sensor that is built into the gas tank, sensor #2, has failed and I only had 30,354 miles on the car at the time of failure. Audi Birmingham, in Birmingham, MI, confirmed the failure via a diagnostic test.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Coolant leak from thermostat/ water pump housing.
Turbo needs to be replaced after only 58,000 miles. This has been an issue causing recalls on Audi models in different years.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have been experiencing something that might be related to safety recall 74E3, but i am not sure. I've been driving with my seatbelt on with no one at the passenger seat. But the seatbelt sign keeps showing up with the beeping sound, and the sign says Safety System Malfunction with front airbags off.... I called the Audi Fletcher Jones dealership in Irvine, California, the service team told me that they don't have the part to help fix this recall and there is nothing they can do. They also would not tell me when this recall can be fixed. I called a few other dealership in Orange County, California, seems none of the dealership has the parts to fix this. I have not yet encountered an accident, but felt risky driving the car now.
I went to Audi Fort Worth (116 University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76107) to fix my PODS recall currently on my Audi A4. After a day of servicing my vehicle for the recall the dealership handed me back my vehicle in the condition attached in the photo. You can see the huge gap in the seat which is a safety hazard considering there is high voltage wires in the seat and they just left it exposed with a considerable gap. They refused to reassemble my seat so I am unsure if my airbag sensors even work now, it has been a week of waiting and my VIN still shows that it has a recall even though the service was completed a week ago. I asked for a service ticket of he work preformed but Audi Fort Worth refused to provide me one. I went in for the recall service on 1/24/2021. Is there any way we can remove my VIN from this recall list since the service was completed? I have messaged the Audi Service manager Veronica about this issue but still no response from her. Even left her an email and voice message. I just would like to file a complaint about this service center, and get my VIN removed from the recall list since the work was performed according to Audi.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
2017 A4 Audi Allroad- while making turns at low speeds with the steering wheel, the vehicle makes cracking, popping and vibration noises. The noise was inspected and reproduced, confirmed on 1/4/2023 by Audi Fletcher Jones, Costa Mesa, California and advised to replace engine mounts, and both front upper control arms, total repair bill $3240.27. After vehicle repairs the steering noises and vibration returned again with no warning lamps, or messages. The vehicle was dropped off at Audi Fletcher Jones, Costa Mesa, CA on 11/28/2023. Audi Fletcher Jones now states it is due to possible defective steering rack and quoted $4,237.9 for repairs on 12/27/2023. Possible safety risk to myself and others if there is an Audi Manufacture defect within the steering rack which can cause loss of steering. Steering rack failure should not be occurring on a vehicle with mileage - only 46,742 miles. NHSTA please investigate Audi of America for possible manufacture defects of engine mounts, control arms, and steering racks. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
The power steering on my A4 went out randomly with only 52k miles on the odometer. Thankfully it went out while the car was parked, but if it went out while I was driving it could've caused an accident. I towed it to a shop to diagnose the issue and they confirmed that the power steering rack went bad. While doing research I found that Audi extended the warranty on the steering racks for 2013-2016 model year A4s. The part number for the 2016 steering rack is shared with the 2017 steering rack as well, which means audi should've included the 2017 model year with that extended warranty.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have been experiencing something that might be related to safety recall 74E3, but i am not sure. I've been driving with my seatbelt on with no one at the passenger seat. But the seatbelt sign keeps showing up with the beeping sound, and the sign says Safety System Malfunction with front airbags off.... I called the Audi Fletcher Jones dealership in Irvine, California, the service team told me that they don't have the part to help fix this recall and there is nothing they can do. They also would not tell me when this recall can be fixed. I called a few other dealership in Orange County, California, seems none of the dealership has the parts to fix this. I have not yet encountered an accident, but felt risky driving the car now.
I RECENTLY PURCHASED MY AUDI A4 AND IMMEDIATELY HAVE HAD ELECTRICAL ISSUES. JUST RECENTLY THE BACK WINDOW WILL RANDOMLY ROLL DOWN AND LAST NIGHT WHEN I STARTED MY CAR THE SAFETY SYSTEM LIGHT AND MESSAGE CAME ON. IT STATED SEE OWNERS MANUAL. I BEGAN TO DRIVE AND THE LIGHT TURNED OFF. AS I DROVE IT BEGAN TO BLINK ON AND OFF THEN FINALLY STAYING ON AND MAKING IT DISTRACTING TO DRIVE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving on Interstate at normal speed the tire pressure light for the driver rear came on. There was no road debris or road hazard material present. On exiting the tire was going flat . The car was placed on the jack and removed and noted tread separation and protruding steel belt wiring . The steel belt wiring protruded through the tread in several places up to several inches away from site of the tread separation and exposed steel belt material . There was probably 10000 miles on this tire. The tire was purchased from the Audi dealer in Charleston , SC. The dealer was 100 % unhelpful in requesting help with having Pirelli inspect this tire for its structural failure. I have had multiple emails with Pirelli and they have been unhelpful with my request for them to examine this tire failure. I feel there is a manufacturing defect that needs to be evaluated . 245/40 R18 97H M+S I have the tire at home for inspection. The photos do not show the protruding steel belt wires well.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have been an Audi A4 owner for more than 10 years. During that time, I have had 2 incidents where I could have easily been killed as well as injured or killed passengers in oncoming vehicles. The latest was this morning on March 23, 2022. The other was nearly 10 years ago. My personal investigation has led me to a conclusion that I have not yet seen anywhere else. In both cases, I am trying to get into a heavy flow of traffic. I know that I will have to "gun it" to get up to speed. For that reason, I have one foot on the accelerator and one on the brake. When traffic opens to where I think it is safe to proceed, I press the accelerator while my foot is still on the brake. In the situation this morning, I intended to execute a sharp right turn into the closest lane of a road with 2-lanes going in that direction. I pressed the accelerator hard while turning the steering wheel. Instead of turning right, the car shot across both lanes of traffic, wiped out a traffic sign and entered the lanes of oncoming traffic. I had zero control. It was only dumb luck that I avoided traffic in both directions (both of which were travelling at roughly 60 mph). Even though I knew about this risk from my earlier incident, I didn't think about it at the time. I realize that my actions send conflicting signals to the car (go/don't go), but the last thing the car should do is propel itself forward with no control on the part of the driver. I don't know if this is limited to Audi or the A4, but I wanted to make my experience public to possibly avoid a serious or fatal accident by someone else. It is very avoidable with proper knowledge and attention. I'd be interested in knowing if you have been notified of any other incidents of this type.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have been an Audi A4 owner for more than 10 years. During that time, I have had 2 incidents where I could have easily been killed as well as injured or killed passengers in oncoming vehicles. The latest was this morning on March 23, 2022. The other was nearly 10 years ago. My personal investigation has led me to a conclusion that I have not yet seen anywhere else. In both cases, I am trying to get into a heavy flow of traffic. I know that I will have to "gun it" to get up to speed. For that reason, I have one foot on the accelerator and one on the brake. When traffic opens to where I think it is safe to proceed, I press the accelerator while my foot is still on the brake. In the situation this morning, I intended to execute a sharp right turn into the closest lane of a road with 2-lanes going in that direction. I pressed the accelerator hard while turning the steering wheel. Instead of turning right, the car shot across both lanes of traffic, wiped out a traffic sign and entered the lanes of oncoming traffic. I had zero control. It was only dumb luck that I avoided traffic in both directions (both of which were travelling at roughly 60 mph). Even though I knew about this risk from my earlier incident, I didn't think about it at the time. I realize that my actions send conflicting signals to the car (go/don't go), but the last thing the car should do is propel itself forward with no control on the part of the driver. I don't know if this is limited to Audi or the A4, but I wanted to make my experience public to possibly avoid a serious or fatal accident by someone else. It is very avoidable with proper knowledge and attention. I'd be interested in knowing if you have been notified of any other incidents of this type.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The headlights on my 2017 Audi A4 have developed stress cracks in the headlamp housing. According to the inspection performed by an authorized Audi dealer, these cracks will obscure headlight projection and lower the visibility range at night. The dealer specifically noted there were no signs of outside influence or misuse, and the issue is likely due to internal headlight temperature, external ambient temperature, and age. This defect directly impairs visibility and makes it unsafe to drive the vehicle at night or in low-light conditions. Headlights are a critical safety system. The problem has been confirmed and documented by the Audi dealership in a written inspection report. Audi of America has acknowledged that the defect is unrelated to misuse but refuses to fully assist with repairs, despite admitting it impacts visibility. The issue is ongoing and worsens with time. There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages related to the defect prior to its discovery. The vehicle and documentation are available for inspection upon request. This is a safety concern that puts me and others at risk due to reduced nighttime visibility.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving like normal and the stability light came on and the car started to swing left to right by it self.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving like normal and the stability light came on and the car started to swing left to right by it self.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .