2014 Audi A4 Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 26 2 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 AUDI A4. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION OFF, THE CONTACT'S NEIGHBOR ALERTED HIM OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT GRABBED THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND OPENED THE FRONT DOOR WHERE HE NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS IN FLAMES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND THEY ALSO FILED A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY FOR INVESTIGATION. AUDI NATICK (549 WORCESTER ST, NATICK, MA 01760, (508) 651-0388) AND THE M…”
NHTSA complaint #11194700, 2019 · fire

“ON 4/17/2018 I DROVE MY CAR FROM SAINT PETERSBURG , FLORIDA TO RUSKIN, FL, WHICH IS ABOUT 40 MILES ONE WAY. ON THE WAY BACK I WOULD SAY I DROVE ABOUT 28 MILES THEN SUDDENLY THE CAR STARTED SMOKING FROM THE FRONT & BACK OF CAR. I PULLED OVER ON THE HIGHWAY AFTER COMING ACROSS THE SKYWAY BRIDGE, THE CAR CUTS OFF. I WOULD SAY 1 OR 2 MINS LATER FLAMES WERE ON TOP OF THE HOOD OF THE CAR. AT THAT TIME I EXIT THE CAR & WAITED TIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT & STATE TROOPER COME. CASE NUMBER: FHPC180FF040720 . TROOP: SOLLEY 941-492-5850 GERMAN LUXURY AUTOMAKER AUDI IS RECALLING MORE THAN A MILLION OF…”
NHTSA complaint #11090166, 2018 · fire

“The timing chain and tensioner in my 2014 Audi A4 Quattro (VIN: [XXX] ) failed without warning, causing the engine to suddenly stall and become inoperable while in motion. This presented a serious safety hazard. Although my vehicle is slightly outside the settlement mileage and time limit, timing chains are considered a lifetime component and are not a maintenance item, meaning they are not expected to fail and are not listed as requiring inspection or replacement under any Audi maintenance schedule. This failure was sudden, catastrophic, and safety-related. Audi and Volkswagen have already…”
NHTSA complaint #11700399, 2025

Steering 24

“Car is feeling jerky and shaky at the steering wheel when driving or sitting still. Very common problem on these cars. Will probably need new steering rack. This issue needs to become a recall. Very frustrating.”
NHTSA complaint #11439794, 2021

“Steering wheel doesn’t want stay center. Kicks left or right, in a kind of ‘notchy’ way. Almost feels like it wants to click from side to side and won’t stay centered. Vehicle was recently aligned and utilizes all OEM parts.”
NHTSA complaint #11421222, 2021

“THE STEERING LOCKS UP OUT OF NO WERE WHILE DRIVING MAKING IT SEEM LIKE POWER STEERING FAILURE AND GIVES YOU A STUCK THEN LET GO FEELING. I'M A MECHANIC AND HAVE COME TO FIND OUT THE STEERING UNIVERSAL JOINTS SEIZED AND RUSTED BAD MAKING IT WELL NOT STEER SMOOTH IT'S VERY DANGEROUS AND A CAR ONLY 6 YEARS OLD WITH 80000 MILE SHOULD NOT HAVE AN ISSUE LIKE THAT BUT IT'S VERY VERY COMMON AFTER RESEARCH”
NHTSA complaint #11403177, 2021

Electrical System 6

“This is my second time contacting you in reg. this vehicle, it was previously in the shop for the same repairs the engine was replaced and the coolant system was fixed, now it has been about two mo and again it is having issues with the coolant system and now transmission issues, I also just found out that this vehicle was in a accident in 2014, in which I was told t had not been, so I am currently reaching out to the Audi dealership trying to receive previous service history done to vehicle Oasis report. I feel this vehicle is a safety hazard, I am a single mom and grandmother and I do not fe…”
NHTSA complaint #11456007, 2022

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, I GET AN 'ALTERNATOR FAILURE - BATTERY MIGHT NOT BE CHARGING' WARMING, FEW SECONDS LATER THE CAR ALMOST COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES SUPER STIFF, CAN'T ACCELERATE, I ALMOST HIT A CAR NEXT TO ME WHILE TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE ROAD AND PARK IN A SAFE PLACE! LUCKILY WAS A 35 MPH ZONE, IN THE HIGHWAY WOULD HAVE BEEN REALLY DANGEROUS! I TOWED TO A SHOP AND YES, IS THE ALTERNATOR. THE CAR SHOULD GIVE AN EARLIER WARNING AND DEFINITELY NOT SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING!”
NHTSA complaint #11342774, 2020

“I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF A RECALL AND NOW MY ENGINE IS BAD. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11327893, 2020

Fuel/Propulsion System 6 1 fire

“ON SATURDAY 10/26/2019 AS I LEFT MY OFFICE TO HEAD HOME THAT DAY FROM WORK MY EPC LIGHT AND ENGINE MIL LIGHT IN MY DASHBOARD CAME ON AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. I STARTED TO SMELL GAS FUMES IN THE CAR AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE BACK SEAT LIKE A FIRE HAD STARTED. I SHUT OFF THE CAR, GOT OUT AND OPENED ALL THE DOORS AND AS I APPROACHED THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE I SPOTTED LARGE AMOUNTS OF FUEL LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH WHERE THE FUEL PUMP IS LOCATED. I CALLED MY AUTHORIZED MECHANIC AS HE HAS DEALT WITH MY VEHICLE BEFORE AND HE CAME AND DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE, HOOKED IT UP TO HIS COMPUTER AND G…”
NHTSA complaint #11271520, 2019 · fire

“Driving on a two lane busy road, car started to jerk and shut down. Lost steering capability immediately, car veered toward ditch, stopped. Called 911 immediately because the road was busy and cars could not safely get around my stalled vehicle. I told 911 that I was exiting the vehicle for my safety. I could not restart the vehicle. There were no warning lamps or messages or symptoms alerting me to a problem UNTIL after the occurrence. I had no idea what was happening, and it was frightening. Never had this situation with any of my Audi's and I only have approximately 41,000 miles on it. Aft…”
NHTSA complaint #11482567, 2022

“THIS VEHICLE IS NEEDING A QUART OF OIL EVERY 300-400 MILES. IT'S A 6 YEAR OLD CAR, THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH AUDI ENGINE DESIGN. A QUART OF OIL EVERY 300-400 MILES IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. SINCE DAY 1 THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD AN OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM NOW AT 75K MILES AND THE PROBLEM JUST CONTINUES TO GET WORSE.”
NHTSA complaint #11376353, 2019

Power Train 5

“The TCM doesn't properly communicate with sensors in the transmission of my Audi A4 such as one of the speed sensors and this issue is inspectable by most certified technicians. The equipment failure can result in the transmission not being able to engage the gears into a "forward" motion causing the vehicle to seemingly stall in traffic. It can also cause it to shift roughly, which could further damage equipment and pose higher safety risks to not only to me, but other drivers on the roads as well, both of which issues I mentioned have occurred to me on multiple occasions. I've recently had t…”
NHTSA complaint #11459394, 2022

“This is my second time contacting you in reg. this vehicle, it was previously in the shop for the same repairs the engine was replaced and the coolant system was fixed, now it has been about two mo and again it is having issues with the coolant system and now transmission issues, I also just found out that this vehicle was in a accident in 2014, in which I was told t had not been, so I am currently reaching out to the Audi dealership trying to receive previous service history done to vehicle Oasis report. I feel this vehicle is a safety hazard, I am a single mom and grandmother and I do not fe…”
NHTSA complaint #11456007, 2022

“THIS IS THE 4TH TIME I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE MY GAS PUMP AND /OR MY 3RD ENGINE IN MY 2014 AUDI A4. MY EPC LIGHT TURNS ON THEN MY CAR VIOLENTLY SHAKES AND THEN IT CUTS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE CROSSING AN INTERSECTION, DRIVING IN THE GAS STATION PARKING LOT, AT A PARKING LOT AFTER LEAVING A FRIENDS HOME AND AT MY HOME. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO AUDI USA, LAS VEGAS AUDI AND THE FINANCE COMPANY. TODAY IT HAPPENED 1 YEAR AND 1 DAY AFTER IT HAPPENED LAST. I PARKED AT THE STORE RAN IN AND CAME OUT TURNED ON THE CAR AND THE EPC LIGHT CAME ON. I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON REPAIRS, CAR RENTAL…”
NHTSA complaint #11255768, 2019

Unknown Or Other 4 1 fire

“ON 4/17/2018 I DROVE MY CAR FROM SAINT PETERSBURG , FLORIDA TO RUSKIN, FL, WHICH IS ABOUT 40 MILES ONE WAY. ON THE WAY BACK I WOULD SAY I DROVE ABOUT 28 MILES THEN SUDDENLY THE CAR STARTED SMOKING FROM THE FRONT & BACK OF CAR. I PULLED OVER ON THE HIGHWAY AFTER COMING ACROSS THE SKYWAY BRIDGE, THE CAR CUTS OFF. I WOULD SAY 1 OR 2 MINS LATER FLAMES WERE ON TOP OF THE HOOD OF THE CAR. AT THAT TIME I EXIT THE CAR & WAITED TIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT & STATE TROOPER COME. CASE NUMBER: FHPC180FF040720 . TROOP: SOLLEY 941-492-5850 GERMAN LUXURY AUTOMAKER AUDI IS RECALLING MORE THAN A MILLION OF…”
NHTSA complaint #11090166, 2018 · fire

“I was driving down the highway and my sunroof suddenly exploded randomly. No signs of anything hitting it at all.”
NHTSA complaint #11528827, 2023

“MY CAR STARTED BURNING OIL MUCH MORE FREQUENTLY AFTER IT HIT 120K MILES. THE LIGHT WOULD COME ON TO ADD A QUART OF OIL EVERY 1500 MILES. THE CAR NOW HAS 145K MILES ON IT AND THE OIL LIGHT COMES ON AFTER 500-600 MILES, WHICH SEEMS MUCH TOO FREQUENT. THE CAR IS ONLY 6 YEARS OLD AND I WOULD EXPECT IT TO LAST ANOTHER 50K MILES BUT I'M CONCERNED THAT THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE ENGINE THAT'S CAUSING IT TO BURN SO MUCH OIL SO QUICKLY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11328678, 2020

Air Bags 3 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDIO A4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE WAITING TO TURN LEFT, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN THROUGH THE LIGHT AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE AIR BAG WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM IF THERE WERE ANY INJURIES OR IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10653799, 2014 · crash

“MY AUDI A4 PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM IS NOT DETECTING AN ADULT PASSENGER WITHIN A RANGE OF 120 LBS SITTING STRAIGHT IN NORMAL POSITION AND THE AIRBAG STAYS OFF. WHEN THE PERSON SITS APPLYING MORE FOR ON ONE SIDE OF THE BODY THE PODS DETECTS THE PERSON AND THE AIRBAG IS ON. HAVING THE PERSON SIT BACK IN NORMAL POSITION THE AIRBAG TURNS OFF AGAIN. THIS BEHAVIOR HAPPENS IN AT LEAST THREE OTHER A4 LOANERS WE GOT, MODEL YEARS 2014 AND 2015. THE PODS WAS CHANGED TWO TIMES ABOUT 1 YEAR APART BUT THE ISSUE WAS STILL THERE EVERY TIME. THE THIRD TIME THE CAR WAS BROUGHT IN FOR THE S…”
NHTSA complaint #10902954, 2016

“I AM FINDING THAT AUDI IS NOT HANDLING THE AIRBAG RECALL VERY DILIGENTLY. AUDI HAS MY NAME, MAIL ADDRESS, EMAIL ADDRESS AND CELL PHONE NUMBER AND HAS MADE NO EFFORTS TO CONTACT ME. I RECEIVE MAIL FROM AUDI REGULARLY, INCLUDING EMAILS WITH SERVICE SPECIALS AND YET NONE OF THEM MENTION THIS RECALL WHATSOEVER. YOUR PDF ISSUED THE REQUIRED RECALL ON OCTOBER 23. WHY ARE THEY NOT REQUIRED TO ACT QUICKLY? *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10654024, 2014

Suspension 3

“DESCRIPTION OF THE SAFETY DEFECT On February 24, 2026, an Audi-certified technician at Audi of Milwaukee discovered substantial rust perforation of the rear subframe on my 2014 Audi A4 Allroad (Repair Order #[XXX]). The technician documented the condition as follows: “INSPECTED REAR SUBFRAME CORROSION. RECOMMEND TO REPLACE REAR SUBFRAME AND RELATED PARTS.” The quoted cost to replace the rear subframe, control arms, and related components is $11,583.00. The vehicle was otherwise inspected as being in excellent condition with no body panel corrosion. Root Cause: Manufacturer-Installed Plastic Sh…”
NHTSA complaint #11722350, 2026

“I BOUGHT THIS 2014 AUDI A4 USED IN 1/2019. THE CAR SEEMS TO HAVE MAJOR STEERING AND SUSPENSION ISSUES. ALTHOUGH I'VE HAD IT CHECKED BY PROFESSIONALS MULTIPLE TIMES,?ALIGNED MULTIPLE TIMES, AND TIRES REBALANCED MULTIPLE, NO ONE CAN DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. IT'S HARD TO CONTROL THE CAR ON FREEWAYS. SOMETIMES IT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP THE CAR IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE CAR WANDERS ALL OVER THE FREEWAY. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS. UNFORTUNATELY I'M UNABLE TO SUE USING THE LEMON LAW BECAUSE I BOUGHT IT USED.”
NHTSA complaint #11299800, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDI A4. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE AND AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS. THE FIRST DEALER (AUDI MEMPHIS, LOCATED AT 1825 COVINGTON PIKE, MEMPHIS, TN 38128, (901) 388-8989) DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL ARM BUSHING AND ALL FOUR TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SECOND DEALER (AUDI WEST PALM BEACH, LOCATED AT 2101 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33409, (561) 688-2000) DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE THIRD DEALER (AUDI FORT LAUDERDALE, LOCATED AT 120…”
NHTSA complaint #11221331, 2015

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER FURTHER STATED THAT THEY WERE WORKING WITH NHTSA TO HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE IN NOVEMBER OF 2018; HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE AT THAT TIME. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11101644, 2018

“I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW FROM A DEALERSHIP IN OCT 2014 AND AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS I WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE STARTED TO BACK INTO MY PARKED CAR. I ATTEMPTED TO BLOW MY HORN AS A WARNING WHEN I DISCOVERED THAT THE HORN WILL NOT BLOW (SOUND) IF THE ENGINE IS NOT TURNED ON! THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN I ASKED THE DEALERSHIP THEY DESCRIBED THIS AS "A FEATURE' OF THE AUDI. I ASKED IF THEY COULD WIRE MY HORN SO IT WOULD BLOW WHEN THE ENGINE WAS SHUT DOWN AND THEY SAID THE WIRING WAS TOO COMPLEX TO MAKE THAT CHANGE! THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE AN IF MY…”
NHTSA complaint #10615093, 2014

Exterior Lighting 2

“The third brake light intermittently stops working. Being that it is intermittent, it tells me the led and circuitry are working. Also, a warning alert will illuminate on my dash instrument cluster and not when the light is working again. Upon further searching on-line, there is an issue with a solder joint cracking. I believe this is the case because when i jiggle the connector, the light will illuminate. Since this light is required by law, this is a very important safety issue. And a rather expensive one since the replacement part alone is $150-$200.”
NHTSA complaint #11579220, 2024

“I WANT TO COMPLAINT ABOUT THE BRAKE LIGHT OF ALL THE NEW AUDI CARS, BECAUSE THOSE LED LIGHTS ARE JUST WAY TOO HARSH AND DAZZLING. I KNOW MAKING THOSE LIGHT BE BRIGHT IS GOOD TO CAUGHT OTHER DRIVERS' ATTENTION. HOWEVER, AUDIS ARE DOING IT TOO MUCH. EVERY TIME I STOPPED BEHIND AN AUDI, I FELT DIZZY AND COULD NOT OPEN MY EYES. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10692278, 2015

Service Brakes 2

“The parking break malfunction light keeps coming on and off for the past few months. Last year the malfunction light came on and I was unable to release the parking break. My car had to be towed to mechanic for reviews. The light is now back; on and off for several months. I fear using my parking brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #11431321, 2021

“BUILDUP OF RUST ON PAD WEARING SURFACE. COMPLAINED ABOUT LACK OF BRAKE PERFORMANCE SINCE LEASE START.”
NHTSA complaint #10933996, 2016

Structure 2

“The contact owns a 2014 Audi A4 Allroad. The contact stated that water had leaked into several electrical components including the back-up camera and the sound system. The contact stated that the radio could not be turned off and remained on with the volume on high. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who stated that water had leaked through sunroof rails that opened and closed the sunroof. The certified mechanic replaced the radio receiver. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the back-up camera system. The manufacturer was not mad…”
NHTSA complaint #11432744, 2019

“SUNROOF/MOONROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING”
NHTSA complaint #11176231, 2019

Wheels 2

“THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE MAKING NOISE @ 76,756 MILES, WHILE DRIVING ON THE OPEN ROAD, SO BOTH WERE CHANGED OUT. UPON CHECKING THE INTERNET I FOUND TSB NO. 401548 REFERRING TO THE PROBLEM IN MANY AUDI MODELS FROM 2009-2016. WITH THIS EXTENSIVE PROBLEM, A RECALL SHOULD BE ENFORCED. A MONTH LATER @ 78998 MILES THE ELECTRONIC RACK AND PINION STEERING STARTED TO MAKE A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNED, SITTING OR TRAVELING AND AN ON BOARD RED NOTICE CAME UP INDICATING STEERING PROBLEM SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP. THE UNIT WAS ELECTRICALLY DIAGNOSED WITH A FAILED AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING AND AN ELECTRONIC STE…”
NHTSA complaint #11300855, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 AUDI A4. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE AND AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS. THE FIRST DEALER (AUDI MEMPHIS, LOCATED AT 1825 COVINGTON PIKE, MEMPHIS, TN 38128, (901) 388-8989) DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL ARM BUSHING AND ALL FOUR TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SECOND DEALER (AUDI WEST PALM BEACH, LOCATED AT 2101 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33409, (561) 688-2000) DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE THIRD DEALER (AUDI FORT LAUDERDALE, LOCATED AT 120…”
NHTSA complaint #11221331, 2015

Seat Belts 1

“I RELEASED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT PUSHING THE RED RELEASE MECHANISM AFTER I PARKED MY CAR AND TURNED IT OFF. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE I DISCOVERED THE SEAT BELT HAD, IN FACT, NOT RETRACTED BUT HAD TWISTED ITSELF INTO THE HOLDER. I WAS UNABLE TO FREE IT. IT WOULD NOT PULL OUT OR REWIND. AUDI CHARGED ME THE REPAIR. WHEN I OBJECTED STATING IT WAS A DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT AND AS IT IS A SAFETY ITEM THAT IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO BE USABLE, THE SAFETY BELT SHOULD HAVE BEEN WARRANTED FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD AUDI DOESN'T DO THAT. AS THEY DID NOT QUOTE ME OR TELL ME THE ITEM WAS…”
NHTSA complaint #11157125, 2018