2017 Audi A4 Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 26 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2017 Audi A4. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH with the front driver's seat heater engaged, she felt a burning sensation as the seat was overheating. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact disengaged the seat heater. The contact stated that upon arriving at her destination and exiting the vehicle, she noticed that a portion of the seat's lumbar support had melted and created a hole. Additionally, the contact noticed that there was a hole in her coat. There was no warning light illuminated. There was no injury sustained. The contact was able to drive to he…”
NHTSA complaint #11501571, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11488793, 2022

“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, Cali…”
NHTSA complaint #11461481, 2022

Engine 20

“I experienced similar undesirable engine behavior on two occasions. Upon coming to a stop, the auto start/stop system stopped the engine. Shortly after, when attempting to drive away, the stop/start system attempted to start the engine, but failed; the starter briefly activated to turn over the engine, but the engine did not start and continue running. The car was left in the following condition: Engine off. Gear indicator showing "D". Accelerator pedal unresponsive. Regaining engine power required turning the car off, applying the brake pedal, turning the car on, and selecting "D" with the g…”
NHTSA complaint #11578793, 2024

“Turbo needs to be replaced after only 58,000 miles. This has been an issue causing recalls on Audi models in different years.”
NHTSA complaint #11568964, 2024

“2017 A4 B9 premium plus model, AWD, 2.0T. I have had an Audi dealership service my car for all major service intervals outside of oil change, not only at recommended intervals but even early. 3 years ago I had my 40K mile service done at 35K miles. Spark plugs were replaced by Audi Hawthorne in Westchester county, NY. One week ago, at 49K miles (well before the 6 years or 60K miles Audi says their spark plugs will last) my engine seized while driving and was misfiring. This caused an engine shut down WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION on the highway. I was able to restart and make it off the highway…”
NHTSA complaint #11546491, 2023

Unknown Or Other 15 1 crash 1 injury

“AFTER PARKING MY CAR, MY DAUGHTER, THE PASSENGER IN THE RIGHT BACK SEAT, OPENED THE DOOR TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. SHE SUDDENLY FELT ACUTE PAIN ON THE TOP OF HER FOOT AND SAW BLOOD GUSHING OUT OF IT. I WENT TO HER SIDE OF THE CAR AND SAW AN AVULSION OF THE SKIN ON THE TOP RIGHT OF THE FOOT, AND BLOOD ALL OVER THE FLOOR OF THE CAR AND THE DOOR. A SHARP PIECE OF METAL TRIM LABELED "BANG & OLUFSON" (SEE PHOTO) HAD SEMI-DETACHED FROM THE DOOR PANEL AND LACERATED HER FOOT, PIERCING THROUGH HER FOOT AND COMING OUT BETWEEN HER TOES. THIS METAL TRIM PIECE LOOKED LIKE A SHARP KNIFE BLADE, AND HAD COME…”
NHTSA complaint #11033873, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN RAINY CONDITIONS. (DRIVING ACCORDING TO SPEED LIMIT) AND I SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL. THE CAR WOULDN'T TURN WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL AND STARTED VEERING OUT OF THE LANE. IT THEN TURNED INTO THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION INTO TRAFFIC AND EVENTUALLY SPUN TO A STOP.”
NHTSA complaint #10971541, 2017 · crash

“The Audi "Drive Select" transmission function switches to "Sports Mode" in rain and snow. This makes the vehicle dangerously jumpy in slippery conditions. This has happened to me (I think) three times in the last couple of years, always in rain or snow. My knowledge of the car allowed me to slowly delve into the screen functions to reprogram the transmission while driving in these dangerous conditions, but I don't know if I could always do it again, or if others might find it too confusing in the moment.”
NHTSA complaint #11631789, 2024

Seats 11 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2017 Audi A4. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH with the front driver's seat heater engaged, she felt a burning sensation as the seat was overheating. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact disengaged the seat heater. The contact stated that upon arriving at her destination and exiting the vehicle, she noticed that a portion of the seat's lumbar support had melted and created a hole. Additionally, the contact noticed that there was a hole in her coat. There was no warning light illuminated. There was no injury sustained. The contact was able to drive to he…”
NHTSA complaint #11501571, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)

“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, Cali…”
NHTSA complaint #11461481, 2022

“The contact owns a 2017 Audi A4. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V874000 (Seats, Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer had been notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11459238, 2022

Electrical System 10 1 crash 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2017 Audi A4. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH with the front driver's seat heater engaged, she felt a burning sensation as the seat was overheating. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact disengaged the seat heater. The contact stated that upon arriving at her destination and exiting the vehicle, she noticed that a portion of the seat's lumbar support had melted and created a hole. Additionally, the contact noticed that there was a hole in her coat. There was no warning light illuminated. There was no injury sustained. The contact was able to drive to he…”
NHTSA complaint #11501571, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)

“A FEW DAYS AGO I HAD AN ACCIDENT. I MADE A LEFT TURN ONTO THE EXPRESSWAY RAMP AT 42 MPH. THE ROAD WAS WET AND AUDI IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN ACTIVATED “PRECRASH SENSORS” AND BEGAN TO BRAKE HARD AND THE SYSTEM LOCKED THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY UNCONTROLLABLE AND CRASHED THE FRONT WHEEL INTO THE HIGH CURB, WHICH DAMAGED THE WHEELS, RIM AND AXLES. THE AUDI EXCHANGE DEALERSHIP IN IL CHECKED AND THE SENSORS ARE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THEY CLAIMED THAT I IMAGINE THINGS THAT DO NOT EXIST AS THEY SAID IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE CAR TO TAKE CONTROL AND TO BRAKE THE CAR. THEY…”
NHTSA complaint #10926549, 2016 · crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11478719, 2022

Fuel/Propulsion System 5 1 crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11457955, 2022 · crash

“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 authori…”
NHTSA complaint #11703360, 2025

“Turbo needs to be replaced after only 58,000 miles. This has been an issue causing recalls on Audi models in different years.”
NHTSA complaint #11568964, 2024

Seat Belts 5

“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, Cali…”
NHTSA complaint #11461481, 2022

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11402580, 2021

“WHILE DRIVING WITH THE DRIVER'S SEATBELT LATCHED, I RECEIVED A WARNING/REMINDER TO FASTEN THE SEATBELT. AFTER SEVERAL SECONDS, THE CHIME AND WARNING MESSAGE STOPPED. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE SEATBELT RECEPTACLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11084316, 2018

Service Brakes 5 2 crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11457955, 2022 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN RAINY CONDITIONS. (DRIVING ACCORDING TO SPEED LIMIT) AND I SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL. THE CAR WOULDN'T TURN WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL AND STARTED VEERING OUT OF THE LANE. IT THEN TURNED INTO THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION INTO TRAFFIC AND EVENTUALLY SPUN TO A STOP.”
NHTSA complaint #10971541, 2017 · crash

“AFTER HAVING THIS VEHICLE FOR 18 MONTHS THE CAR BEGAN TO FREEZE WHILE BACKING UO. THERE ARE NO OBJECTS, CARS OR HUMANS ANYWHERE AROUND THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS OCCURS. THE CAR WAS MOVING AT A VERY LOW SPEED WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE AUTO LOCKS UP AND THE BRAKES ENGAGE, YOU HAVE TO STEP ON THE BRAKE IN ORDER TO RELEASE THE VEHICLE. THIS OCCURS WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, MY GARAGE WHERE THERE IS NOTHING NEAR THE VEHICLE. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO AUDI 3 TIMES AND EACH TIME THEY TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED AUDI USA NUMEROUS TIMES AND WAS AGAIN T…”
NHTSA complaint #11128708, 2018

Power Train 4

“Coolant leak from thermostat/ water pump housing.”
NHTSA complaint #11577361, 2024

“Turbo needs to be replaced after only 58,000 miles. This has been an issue causing recalls on Audi models in different years.”
NHTSA complaint #11568964, 2024

“My 2017 Audi A4 transmission started to fail as it frequently was not able to shift gears unless I came to a complete stop and restarted my car. This made it difficult to drive at a higher speed when I was on a major road or highway. I took it to a mechanic specializing in transmissions and he confirmed that the transmission was failing. The car would give me an indicator light of a transmission malfunction. I find it ridiculous that my cars transmission would go out around 5 yrs/60,000 miles. Since the pandemic, it hasn’t been driven a whole lot as I’ve worked from home.”
NHTSA complaint #11470067, 2022

Steering 4 2 crash

“I was driving like normal and the stability light came on and the car started to swing left to right by it self.”
NHTSA complaint #11450854, 2022 · crash

“A FEW DAYS AGO I HAD AN ACCIDENT. I MADE A LEFT TURN ONTO THE EXPRESSWAY RAMP AT 42 MPH. THE ROAD WAS WET AND AUDI IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN ACTIVATED “PRECRASH SENSORS” AND BEGAN TO BRAKE HARD AND THE SYSTEM LOCKED THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY UNCONTROLLABLE AND CRASHED THE FRONT WHEEL INTO THE HIGH CURB, WHICH DAMAGED THE WHEELS, RIM AND AXLES. THE AUDI EXCHANGE DEALERSHIP IN IL CHECKED AND THE SENSORS ARE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THEY CLAIMED THAT I IMAGINE THINGS THAT DO NOT EXIST AS THEY SAID IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE CAR TO TAKE CONTROL AND TO BRAKE THE CAR. THEY…”
NHTSA complaint #10926549, 2016 · crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11562212, 2023

Wheels 3 1 crash

“I was driving like normal and the stability light came on and the car started to swing left to right by it self.”
NHTSA complaint #11450854, 2022 · crash

“I LEASED MY AUDI A4 IN JUNE 2017 AND I TOOK MY CAR TO DEALER FOR THE FIRST SERVICE AT 8000 MILES AND THEY SAID I NEED TO REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES AS TIRES HAS NO MORE LIFE IN IT. LATER, I CHECKED WITH THE OTHER DEALER AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING. I HAD CONTINENTAL SPORTCONTACT 6 R02 BW 245/35R19 93Y TIRES. THERE MUST BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THESE TIRES OR QUALITY OF THESE TIRES ARE REALLY BAD. AUDI DO NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AS THEY SAY CONTACT CONTINENTAL. WHY WOULD AUDI PUT SUCH BAD TIRES IF THEY WOULD NOT EVEN LAST FOR 8000 MILES?”
NHTSA complaint #11164862, 2018

“I HAD TWO TIRE SIDE WALL DEFECTS THAT RESULTED IN "BALLOONING" OF THE SIDE OF THE TIRE. THE TIRES ARE PIRELLI 245/40/ R-18. THE CAR HAS 12,500 MILES ONLY. I FOUND OUT THE FIRST BIG BALLOON AT HOME AND NEXT DAY NOTICED THE SECOND ONE SMALLER BUT GROWING.”
NHTSA complaint #11064297, 2017

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2 2 crash

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN RAINY CONDITIONS. (DRIVING ACCORDING TO SPEED LIMIT) AND I SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL. THE CAR WOULDN'T TURN WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL AND STARTED VEERING OUT OF THE LANE. IT THEN TURNED INTO THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION INTO TRAFFIC AND EVENTUALLY SPUN TO A STOP.”
NHTSA complaint #10971541, 2017 · crash

“A FEW DAYS AGO I HAD AN ACCIDENT. I MADE A LEFT TURN ONTO THE EXPRESSWAY RAMP AT 42 MPH. THE ROAD WAS WET AND AUDI IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN ACTIVATED “PRECRASH SENSORS” AND BEGAN TO BRAKE HARD AND THE SYSTEM LOCKED THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY UNCONTROLLABLE AND CRASHED THE FRONT WHEEL INTO THE HIGH CURB, WHICH DAMAGED THE WHEELS, RIM AND AXLES. THE AUDI EXCHANGE DEALERSHIP IN IL CHECKED AND THE SENSORS ARE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THEY CLAIMED THAT I IMAGINE THINGS THAT DO NOT EXIST AS THEY SAID IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE CAR TO TAKE CONTROL AND TO BRAKE THE CAR. THEY…”
NHTSA complaint #10926549, 2016 · crash

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“anti-freeze started coming out from the bottom of my vehicle... seems like that is a water pump issue, also I seen that I'm not the only person with this same issue with Audi A4... this should be a recall to resolve this problem.... thank you”
NHTSA complaint #11478733, 2022

“I took my car in for a routine check and the dealership noted a potent is coolant /transmission fluid leak. However they said that it could have just been when coolant bubbled over so they decided not to repair anything and to just monitor. The next time I brought my car in my warranty was done and they noted the same issue and told me that I now had a coolant / transmission fluid lead that requires $3,000 to repair. I can clearly see the coolant reservoir tank leaking and upon googling this issue, it looks like a lot of 2017 A4s have the same issue, yet there has been no recall to fix this is…”
NHTSA complaint #11432081, 2019

Tires 2

“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 % unhel…”
NHTSA complaint #11426691, 2021

“CPSC: DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH, SIDEWALL BLEW OUT ON TIRE. PIRELLI CINTURATO P7, 245/40R18. THIS IS THIRD TIRE IN A SET OF 4 TO FAIL ON AN AUDI A4, 2017 MODEL *DT *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11173990, 2018

Exterior Lighting 1

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11682928, 2025

Suspension 1 1 crash

“I was driving like normal and the stability light came on and the car started to swing left to right by it self.”
NHTSA complaint #11450854, 2022 · crash

Vehicle Speed Control 1 1 crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11457955, 2022 · crash

Visibility 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A4. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO ASSIST. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO CALL HER INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11202837, 2019