Used Audi A4 Saloon 2015-2024 reliability
Category: Executive car
The Audi A4 is a highly refined executive saloon with an upmarket interior that's also terrific value used.
What should I look for in a used Audi A4 saloon?
Many A4s will have been company or lease cars and, as a result, you should check the condition of the paintwork carefully. Most unsightly scuffs and dings will have been attended to at the end of the lease period, but these can often be of the ‘Smart’ repair type and the quality of finish can vary. Also, check for swirls in the paintwork from car washes.
The high-quality materials used in the A4 disguise high mileage well, making it an ideal candidate for clocking. Ensure the history is absolutely watertight and there are no mileage discrepancies. Look at the seats, pedals and steering wheel to make sure wear is commensurate with mileage. Despite the A4’s reputation for having a great interior, there have been some issues with rattling parcel shelves and buzzing from interior trims.
There have been some problems with the car’s infotainment system with phones not connecting properly and flickering screens being the main complaints. The latest software from Audi can cure some of these ills.
There are no specific diesel problems to be aware of, other than diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues that can affect modern diesel engines if they don’t get hot enough for the DPF to regenerate. If the majority of your driving will be short urban trips, then a petrol-engined model is a better bet.
What are the most common problems with a used Audi A4 saloon?
Airbags and seatbelt tensioners
There have been two recalls relating to airbags. The first one is due to a manufacturing error that could prevent both the airbags and seatbelt tensioners from working correctly in a collision and applies to examples made between 1 May and 31 October 2016. The second is due to the passenger airbag being loose of a small number of A5s built between 1 February 2017 and 31 July 2017. Speak to an Audi dealer because in both cases, your car will need to be inspected before repairs can be carried out.
Shock absorber fork
A problem with the casting process of the shock absorber forks used on the suspension of some A4s manufactured from 26 February 2019 and 14 March 2019 could lead to the forks failing. Find out from an Audi dealer if your A4 is affected since it will need to have replacement forks fitted to prevent future issues.
Towing hinge bracket
The locking mechanism for the hinged towing bracket (if equipped with a tow bar) could be faulty on examples constructed from 2 December 2015 and 17 December 2018. If affected, it will need to be inspected by a dealer and replaced if necessary.
Backrest for the front seats
Both backrests for the front seats of A4s built between 1 August and 31 October 2016 might not have been assembled correctly at the factory, and could cause injury in the event of a collision. Speak to your local Audi dealer for further information because affected examples will need to be inspected by a technician and have the frames repaired.
Is a used Audi A4 saloon reliable?
In petrol form, it ranked 12th out of 18 cars in the executive car class with a score of 86.6%. This result placed the A4 above the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class.
Audi came 26th out of 32 manufacturers featured with an overall score of 89%. This put it above Alfa Romeo, Jaguar and Vauxhall, but below rivals like BMW, Mercedes and Toyota.
Used Audi A4 reliability: the owners' view
As part of our annual Reliability Survey, What Car? readers shared their experiences with the Audi A4. On the whole, the A4 was considered reliable, but there are recurrent issues, especially with the electronic systems and engine components. Several readers reported frustrating experiences with warning lights and unexplained noises, leading to repeated dealership visits.
The feedback on dealer service was a bit mixed, however. Some readers praised their dealers for being attentive and resolving issues efficiently, often under warranty, which mitigated the inconvenience and cost. However, others felt let down, citing slow service, lack of communication, and instances where multiple visits were required to address a single problem. This inconsistency in dealer service seems to be a significant concern for A4 owners, impacting their overall satisfaction and trust in the brand.
