2016 Audi A4 Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 8 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE DETECTED A BURNING ODOR. THE DASHBOARD GAUGES AND EPC WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A GAS STATION TO REFUEL THEN BACK TO HIS COMMERCIAL PROPERTY WHEN HE NOTICED THERE WAS FIRE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND THE FIRE WENT OUT ON IT'S OWN. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED HIS INSURANCE COMPANY AND WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND THE FAILURE WAS RELA…”
NHTSA complaint #11405958, 2021 · fire

“Car has 69,700 miles. All Audi suggested maintenance has been done. Synthetic oil changed every 5,000 miles (more frequently than Audi 10,000 mile recommendation). At 60,000 mile oil change, engine used 1 qt of oil. At 65,000 miles engine used 2 qts oil. At 69,500 mile oil change engine used 3.5 qts of oil. Audi is not sure this is excessive oil use. Must perform oil consumption test at our expense. Really?!?! Audi solution is for us to pay $8,500 for new pistons and rings. From what I see online, this is a common problem, a manufacturer defect that Audi is unwilling to stand behind…”
NHTSA complaint #11550868, 2023

“The car is completely not safe it seems to have a mind of its own and that’s saying that I’ve maintained everything up to par and it’s still a safety hazard”
NHTSA complaint #11457543, 2022

Electrical System 5 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A4. UPON ACTIVATING THE AIR CONDITIONER, AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR EMERGED FROM THE VENTS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11110339, 2018 · fire

“The car is completely not safe it seems to have a mind of its own and that’s saying that I’ve maintained everything up to par and it’s still a safety hazard”
NHTSA complaint #11457543, 2022

“Ok before my previous incident it must’ve been 2 weeks ago that my car just sped up and broke on it’s on on a 65 mile road it’s to the point that I’m very hesitant to drive the car but it’s my only means of commute it’s just a total safety problem and I don’t feel safe one bit”
NHTSA complaint #11457549, 2022

Unknown Or Other 5

“Rear Suspension cross- member. Extensive corrosion hidden behind stone guard trapping dirt and moisture. I would not have known the rust was there if the stone guard had not come apart from the cross member I cannot trust the safety of this vehicle until it is repaired Audi requires a dealer inspection at the cost of the consumer. Audi Suspension cross member components are the same for many models. The Allroad should be included in the class action lawsuit.”
NHTSA complaint #11748467, 2026

“GEAR SHIFTER PIN BROKE VIN # DOESN'T MATCH MY NAME NOR DMV”
NHTSA complaint #11363354, 2020

“WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS ON MY AUDI IT TAKES A WHILE TO GO IT FEELS LIKE IT HAS NO POWER IT ALSO HAS BEEN SHAKING REALLY BAD ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING UP HILL. IT HAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE THAT SOUNDS LIKE WHEN YOUR RIDING A BIKE ALL THESE PROBLEMS ARE WHILE IT'S IN MOTION IN BOTH CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS. THE FASTER I GO IN THE VEHICLE THE MORE IT SHAKES AND THE MORE I HEAR THE NOISE AS WELL. THERE IS NO LIGHT INDICATING THAT MY CAR HAS A PROBLEM BUT THERE DEFINITELY IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY AUDI AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT?”
NHTSA complaint #11110017, 2018

Steering 4

“We live in Montana where it gets very cold on a regular basis while driving our Audi the steering wheel ceased to function and would not allow us to control the vehicle this occurred three times. A warning on the dash came up that said steering malfunction stopped vehicle but it was very scary and intimidating to know that your steering wheel could quit at any time we got stranded and took it to a dealer and they said that the steering rack computer had failed and could not get the part for at least a month since they had so many of these vehicles having the exact same issue in the United Stat…”
NHTSA complaint #11506847, 2022

“Ok before my previous incident it must’ve been 2 weeks ago that my car just sped up and broke on it’s on on a 65 mile road it’s to the point that I’m very hesitant to drive the car but it’s my only means of commute it’s just a total safety problem and I don’t feel safe one bit”
NHTSA complaint #11457549, 2022

“Rubber boot around the electronic steering rack wore out after only 30k miles. This has caused no warning lights, and very dangerous behaviour from the steering mechanisms. To include the steering wheel locking up mid turn, and the steering wheel "stuttering" due to the electronic motor failing.”
NHTSA complaint #11423011, 2021

Fuel/Propulsion System 3

“Brucken motors, I purchased an Audi a4 that was advertised on your Facebook as safe, reliable, and dependent. I came to you with a down payment in hand, stating that I needed a car that drove without issues. I can afford minor repairs, but I wanted something with a clean HISTORY and service RECORD. Zachary Laney, the salesman, claimed that there was nothing wrong with this car. I asked about the headlight and was told, "Oh no, it's just a bulb! I will buy it so you can replace it." Asked about any issues and was told the car was absolutely clean. Sure enough, less than a week after I bought…”
NHTSA complaint #11454933, 2020

“INITIALLY MY FUEL PUMP BEGAN LEAKING FUEL. TWO WEEKS AFTER REPLACEMENT, THE NEW AUDI FACTORY FUEL PUMP BEGAN LEAKING AGAIN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED THE SECOND TIME, A LARGE AMOUNT OF FUEL BEGAN LEAKING AROUND THE FUEL INJECTORS. THIS WAS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE OF THE LARGE AMOUNT OF FUEL LEAKING AND FALLING ONTO THE ALTERNATOR AND OTHER PARTS.”
NHTSA complaint #11235269, 2019

“FUEL PUMP BEGAN LEAKING AT 55,000 MILE MARK”
NHTSA complaint #11228302, 2019

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL A DEALER TO SEE IF THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE RECALL LETTER STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11111182, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (AUDI CHANTILLY, 14839 STONECROFT CENTER CT, CHANTILLY, VA 20151, (703) 956-2100) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11105180, 2018

Exterior Lighting 2

“AIR SYSTEM IS PUTTING OUT EXCESSIVE DEBRIS AND PARTICLES . COMPUTER MMI DOES NOT WORK. CAN NOT LOG INTO TO AUDI PORTAL PROPERTLY AND SYNC. MY SOFTWARE. NEVER RECEIVED MY RECALL ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WIRING. HAD IT AT THE DEALER FOR SERVICES MULTIPLE TIMES AND PROBLEM NOT RESOLVED. KEEPS REOCCURRING”
NHTSA complaint #11128009, 2017

“LIGHTS JUST "DIP" AND TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING.... HAVE TO MANUALLY TURN LIGHTS OFF AND TURN BACK ON WHILE DRIVING. HAVE REPLACE BALASTS AND BULBS AS DEALER RECOMMENDED. STILL DIPS, AND TURNS OFF.. "VERY SERIOUS" PROBLEM.”
NHTSA complaint #10895451, 2010

Suspension 2

“Rear Suspension cross- member. Extensive corrosion hidden behind stone guard trapping dirt and moisture. I would not have known the rust was there if the stone guard had not come apart from the cross member I cannot trust the safety of this vehicle until it is repaired Audi requires a dealer inspection at the cost of the consumer. Audi Suspension cross member components are the same for many models. The Allroad should be included in the class action lawsuit.”
NHTSA complaint #11748467, 2026

“According to TSB 401548, car dealership/manufacture will not provide extended warranty to repair premature wheel bearing due to vehicle VIN not in their system as an affected vehicle. The 2016 A4 has premature wheel bearing as described in the TSB 401548. Covered vehicles are 2016 Audi A4. Faulty wheel bearing may result in loss of control of vehicle and will not pass Pennsylvania State Inspection. This is a safety defect and a wheel bearing should not fail with only 63,000 miles on the vehicle. Please assist. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #11448765, 2021

Air Bags 1

“TAKATA RECALL STILL NO REMEDY AVAILABLE FOR VEHICLE”
NHTSA complaint #11043912, 2017

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING BECAME DEFECTIVE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 75 MPH. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND PULLED TO THE RIGHT, NEARLY CAUSING A HIGH SPEED COLLISION WITH A SEMI. THE ERROR MESSAGE "STEERING IS DEFECTIVE, DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE" DISPLAYED AND HAS NOT GONE AWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11088990, 2018

Equipment 1 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A4. UPON ACTIVATING THE AIR CONDITIONER, AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR EMERGED FROM THE VENTS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11110339, 2018 · fire

Power Train 1

“According to TSB 401548, car dealership/manufacture will not provide extended warranty to repair premature wheel bearing due to vehicle VIN not in their system as an affected vehicle. The 2016 A4 has premature wheel bearing as described in the TSB 401548. Covered vehicles are 2016 Audi A4. Faulty wheel bearing may result in loss of control of vehicle and will not pass Pennsylvania State Inspection. This is a safety defect and a wheel bearing should not fail with only 63,000 miles on the vehicle. Please assist. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #11448765, 2021

Service Brakes 1

“The car is completely not safe it seems to have a mind of its own and that’s saying that I’ve maintained everything up to par and it’s still a safety hazard”
NHTSA complaint #11457543, 2022

Structure 1

“Rear Suspension cross- member. Extensive corrosion hidden behind stone guard trapping dirt and moisture. I would not have known the rust was there if the stone guard had not come apart from the cross member I cannot trust the safety of this vehicle until it is repaired Audi requires a dealer inspection at the cost of the consumer. Audi Suspension cross member components are the same for many models. The Allroad should be included in the class action lawsuit.”
NHTSA complaint #11748467, 2026

Vehicle Speed Control 1

“The contact owns a 2016 Audi A4. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started shaking. The EPC warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with cylinder #4 failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11464872, 2022

Visibility 1 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A4. UPON ACTIVATING THE AIR CONDITIONER, AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR EMERGED FROM THE VENTS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11110339, 2018 · fire