2021 Audi A4: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 2021 Audi A4
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Mild-hybrid models
Starter-alternator recall (mild hybrids)
Moisture could get into the starter-alternator on mild-hybrid cars, which led to two recalls in 2020.
At the viewing: Ask an Audi dealer or the seller to confirm the recall work was done.
- All engines
Seat and airbag recalls
There were recalls for front seats and seat frames, and for airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners that might not work.
At the viewing: Make sure the airbag light goes out, and ask for proof of recall work.
- All engines
Stop-start problems
Some owners report problems with the stop-start system.
At the viewing: Watch the engine stop and restart smoothly at junctions, with no warning lights.
- All engines
Trim rattles
Rattles from the cabin trim are a common complaint.
At the viewing: Drive on a rough road and listen around the dashboard and doors.
- Avant estate
Powered tailgate faults (Avant)
The powered tailgate on Avant estates can play up.
At the viewing: Open and close it several times with the button and the key.
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Other years
Every year of the Audi A4 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 362 | Tyres 19% |
| 2022 | 7,043 | Tyres 28% |
| 2020 | 25,381 | Tyres 28% |
| 2019 | 39,575 | Tyres 30% |
| 2018 | 40,399 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 63,211 | Tyres 28% |
| 2016 | 65,764 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 48,854 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 50,261 | Tyres 31% |
| 2013 | 47,748 | Tyres 32% |
| 2012 | 40,105 | Tyres 33% |
| 2011 | 41,085 | Suspension 39% |
| 2010 | 38,856 | Suspension 40% |
| 2009 | 38,253 | Suspension 41% |
| 2008 | 45,736 | Suspension 47% |
| 2007 | 45,101 | Suspension 48% |
| 2006 | 38,799 | Suspension 50% |
| 2005 | 22,925 | Suspension 49% |
| 2004 | 19,785 | Suspension 50% |
| 2003 | 11,574 | Suspension 52% |
| 2002 | 6,124 | Suspension 54% |
| 2001 | 2,778 | Suspension 48% |
| 2000 | 2,815 | Suspension 45% |
| 1999 | 2,189 | Suspension 46% |
| 1998 | 1,448 | Suspension 45% |
| 1997 | 812 | Suspension 49% |
| 1996 | 551 | Suspension 46% |
| 1995 | 174 | Brakes 40% |