2021 Audi A4 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
11 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
2,674 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 11 complaints (27.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 18.2% |
| Braking behavior | 2 | 18.2% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 9.1% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 9.1% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 2 |
| Power Train | 2 |
| Suspension | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
| Engine | 1 |
Electrical System: 3; Unknown Or Other: 3; Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection: 2; Power Train: 2; Suspension: 2; Vehicle Speed Control: 2; Air Bags: 1; Engine: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 9 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2025 | 7 |
2021: 3; 2022: 1; 2025: 7
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11652167 · 2025-04-01 (April 1, 2025)
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 …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11652167 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11684155 · 2025-08-31 (August 31, 2025)
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…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11684155 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11418441 · 2021-05-25 (May 25, 2021)
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 wer…
Owner-reported narrative. 4,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11418441 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11440644 · 2021-11-16 (November 16, 2021)
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…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,347 miles reported. Look up ODI 11440644 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11681029 · 2025-08-16 (August 16, 2025)
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 A…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11681029 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11667730 · 2025-06-18 (June 18, 2025)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11667730 at NHTSA ↗