AUDI A4 · model year

2021 AUDI A4

19 NHTSA complaints, 5 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2021AUDIA4 carries 19 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 5 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 5/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2021 A4 is unknown or other with 3 filings, followed by electrical system (3) and vehicle speed control (2). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 9 investigation files overlapping the 2021 A4. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

19
Complaints
5
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
2021 AUDI A4 — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2021 AUDI A4. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 5.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

19 filings

Crashes Reported

5 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 5/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
SUSPENSION2
POWER TRAIN2
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION2
AIR BAGS1
ENGINE1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS1
TIRES1

Recalls (4)

21V29500026/04/2021

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe,

22V03400026/01/2022

TIRES

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7,

22V74200005/10/2022

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro

21V60600005/08/2021

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS

Recent Complaints

20251008ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The instrument cluster has stop working. Have to monitore vehicle information, Mileage, service, Safty notifications and general vehicle information from the Audi app.

20250831TIRES

Tires are original equipment. Only 19,000 miles on them. Was told all 4 tires have belt shifts and hop some. Suggested they should be replaced. These tires were great when new but you could tell from driving they were degrading. I'm [XXX] and never had an issue with tires this new. The belt shifting could be a manufacturing issue or hitting to many potholes. I suspect it is a combination of the two. Tire size is 245/40R18. Looking at internet reviews, these tires are great but wear out very prematurely. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250816POWER TRAIN

I am writing to report a persistent issue with my 2021 Audi A4, VIN [XXX] . I have been experiencing a noticeable vibration, humming, and shuddering sensation that occurs specifically when turning at slow speeds (e.g., in a parking lot or when making a tight turn at an intersection). This issue has been diagnosed at a dealership, and the diagnostic report from the service invoice dated 07/12/2025 noted "VIBRATION HUMMING SHUDDER WHILE TURNING." The vehicle's mileage at the time was 38,888 miles. Dealership diagnosed this issue as a failing AWD clutch system. I took the car to a different repair shop, and they redirected me to the Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB). The symptoms described in the TSB—"vibrations, humming, droning, or rubbing can be heard and/or felt in the vehicle interior... when the steering wheel is turned to full lock"—perfectly matches my experience. TSB Link - [XXX] The vehicle details are: Model: Audi A4 Year: 2021 VIN: [XXX] Current Mileage: 39490

20250813UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The instrument cluster has failed per the recall 90VC. Audi issued the recall for every model made in 2021 with the exception of the A3 and A4 and I believe this was a mistake as my instrument cluster has the same failure.

20250813LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

The instrument cluster has failed per the recall 90VC. Audi issued the recall for every model made in 2021 with the exception of the A3 and A4 and I believe this was a mistake as my instrument cluster has the same failure.

20250813FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

The instrument cluster has failed per the recall 90VC. Audi issued the recall for every model made in 2021 with the exception of the A3 and A4 and I believe this was a mistake as my instrument cluster has the same failure.

20250801ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have a 2021 audi a4 that is also being affected by the instrument cluster failure/recall. My model , a4 was not included but I am experiencing the same failure and this was reported to the dealership. An online search will show just how many people have issues with the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster screen just went out while driving. I have to monitor my functions via the app on my phone. The dealer wants to charge me full price when every other model in 2021 has been recalled for the same issue. The A4 should be added to the instrument cluster recall for 2021 audi.

20250801LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

I have a 2021 audi a4 that is also being affected by the instrument cluster failure/recall. My model , a4 was not included but I am experiencing the same failure and this was reported to the dealership. An online search will show just how many people have issues with the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster screen just went out while driving. I have to monitor my functions via the app on my phone. The dealer wants to charge me full price when every other model in 2021 has been recalled for the same issue. The A4 should be added to the instrument cluster recall for 2021 audi.

20250801FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

I have a 2021 audi a4 that is also being affected by the instrument cluster failure/recall. My model , a4 was not included but I am experiencing the same failure and this was reported to the dealership. An online search will show just how many people have issues with the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster screen just went out while driving. I have to monitor my functions via the app on my phone. The dealer wants to charge me full price when every other model in 2021 has been recalled for the same issue. The A4 should be added to the instrument cluster recall for 2021 audi.

20250618ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The main instrument cluster is not stable- it tries to start up then crashes. As a result, speedometer, rpm’s, gas tank gauge, etc are not available while driving. The screen displays blank with a red triangle, tries to start up then crashes again. This seems similar to Audi recall campaign 90VC, but for some reason the A4 was not included in the recall, but I’m having similar symptoms with my A4.

20250401ENGINE

The vehicle at 13,xxx miles on the high ways, and during stop & go traffic; vehicle begins to tremble, transmission and floor shakes, rpms are higher than normal, abnormal noises coming from engine (screeching), jerking on acceleration on the first gears, rough idle, happens only on highways after 1hr of driving. Can drive over 40 min without any check engine light turning on. No codes come up, while clearly having issues. After a day of being off, car goes back to normal without those issues, just vibrations and pulsing on idle. -happens on Texas highways where vehicle begins to have trouble with acceleration and transmission shakes yet no check engine or error messages appear. -problem has been shown to one Audi dealer while happening and another Audi dealer was able to reproduce the problem. They even noted how vehicle will do all the issues noted above while not providing any error codes or messages. - vehicle has been inspected but all they do is reset software and hand ba

20250401POWER TRAIN

The vehicle at 13,xxx miles on the high ways, and during stop & go traffic; vehicle begins to tremble, transmission and floor shakes, rpms are higher than normal, abnormal noises coming from engine (screeching), jerking on acceleration on the first gears, rough idle, happens only on highways after 1hr of driving. Can drive over 40 min without any check engine light turning on. No codes come up, while clearly having issues. After a day of being off, car goes back to normal without those issues, just vibrations and pulsing on idle. -happens on Texas highways where vehicle begins to have trouble with acceleration and transmission shakes yet no check engine or error messages appear. -problem has been shown to one Audi dealer while happening and another Audi dealer was able to reproduce the problem. They even noted how vehicle will do all the issues noted above while not providing any error codes or messages. - vehicle has been inspected but all they do is reset software and hand ba

20250401UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle at 13,xxx miles on the high ways, and during stop & go traffic; vehicle begins to tremble, transmission and floor shakes, rpms are higher than normal, abnormal noises coming from engine (screeching), jerking on acceleration on the first gears, rough idle, happens only on highways after 1hr of driving. Can drive over 40 min without any check engine light turning on. No codes come up, while clearly having issues. After a day of being off, car goes back to normal without those issues, just vibrations and pulsing on idle. -happens on Texas highways where vehicle begins to have trouble with acceleration and transmission shakes yet no check engine or error messages appear. -problem has been shown to one Audi dealer while happening and another Audi dealer was able to reproduce the problem. They even noted how vehicle will do all the issues noted above while not providing any error codes or messages. - vehicle has been inspected but all they do is reset software and hand ba

20220407CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER

The reversing image occasionally appears white screen phenomenon During the process of reversing, the reversing screen suddenly turns white and cannot see anything behind, which brings danger to the driver and others, causing danger to life and property. Apparently the dealer didn't take this seriously

20211116CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact leased a 2021 Audi A4. The contact stated that the dealer had provided her with the vehicle rental while her vehicle was being repaired. The contact stated that while driving at 4 MPH and turning into a parking pace on the 4th floor of a parking garage, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated on its own at 100 MPH. The contact depressed the brake pedal several times but it failed to respond. The vehicle crashed into the fence of steel and broke a portion of the wall. The air bags deployed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained two concussions and a heart attack. The contact sought medical assistance the next day and had been seeking medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and it was totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,347.

Mileage: 1,347

20211116CrashSUSPENSION

The contact leased a 2021 Audi A4. The contact stated that the dealer had provided her with the vehicle rental while her vehicle was being repaired. The contact stated that while driving at 4 MPH and turning into a parking pace on the 4th floor of a parking garage, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated on its own at 100 MPH. The contact depressed the brake pedal several times but it failed to respond. The vehicle crashed into the fence of steel and broke a portion of the wall. The air bags deployed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained two concussions and a heart attack. The contact sought medical assistance the next day and had been seeking medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and it was totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,347.

Mileage: 1,347

20210719SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2021 Audi A4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V295000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20210525CrashAIR BAGS

The contact owned a 2021 Audi A4. The contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed through a parking lot, the vehicle independently accelerated and the brake pedal locked. The vehicle accelerated up a hill as the contact was unable to depress the brake pedal; he collided with an electric pole which caused the vehicle to stop. Due to the shock and abruptness of the failure, the contact was uncertain if any warning lights illuminated the instrument panel. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact and no other bystanders were injured as a result of the failure. The police and fire department arrived at the scene and a police report was filed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed from the scene to an independent body shop. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had been destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Mileage: 4,000

20210525CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owned a 2021 Audi A4. The contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed through a parking lot, the vehicle independently accelerated and the brake pedal locked. The vehicle accelerated up a hill as the contact was unable to depress the brake pedal; he collided with an electric pole which caused the vehicle to stop. Due to the shock and abruptness of the failure, the contact was uncertain if any warning lights illuminated the instrument panel. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact and no other bystanders were injured as a result of the failure. The police and fire department arrived at the scene and a police report was filed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed from the scene to an independent body shop. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had been destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Mileage: 4,000

Compare 2021AUDIA4 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2021 AUDI A4 have?
The 2021 AUDI A4 has 19 NHTSA complaints, 5 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 AUDI A4?
The 2021 AUDI A4 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 5/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 AUDI A4?
Yes, the 2021 AUDI A4 has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 AUDI A4?
The most-complained component for the 2021 AUDI A4 is UNKNOWN OR OTHER with 3 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
Is the 2021 AUDI A4 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2021 AUDI A4 has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.