Is the 2017 Audi A4 reliable?

The 2017 Audi A4 has 75 complaints filed with NHTSA (3.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Audi A4?

Top problems: ENGINE (23 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (13 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (9 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Audi A4?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): SEATS. Contact any Audi dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Audi A4?

The 2017 Audi A4 gets 28 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1714. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Audi A4?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Audi A4 is approximately $2,014/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2017 Audi A4

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Audi A4 has 75 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.3x the segment average of 23. The most common issue is engine problems (31% of all complaints), specifically: coolant level was low so took it into the dealer. the thermostat housing was leaking coolant. *tr. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

2 crash reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

3.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

23 complaints

31%

• COOLANT LEVEL WAS LOW SO TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER. THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING WAS LEAKING COOLANT. *TR
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AC BEGAN TO BLOW HOT AIR. THE DASHBOARD WAS REMOVED TO REPLACE THE SENSOR USED FOR RELEASING COLD AIR. THEN WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION WARNING SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO
• COOLANT RESERVOIR WAS REALLY LOW. FILLED IT RIGHT AWAY BUT IT WENT LOW AGAIN A MONTH AFTER. CONFIRMED FROM OTHER OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“COOLANT LEVEL WAS LOW SO TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER. THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING WAS LEAKING COOLANT. *TR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Audi A4

Based on 17 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 37K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 28K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (1)

SEATS10/11/2021

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.

Risk: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 74E3. This recall is an expansion of Recall 19V-547 (74D9). Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-547 will need to return for the new remedy.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2017 Audi A4

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,715

Per month

$143

Per mile

14.3¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,920/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,455/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Audi A4

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,014

Full coverage / month

$168

Liability only / year

$668

vs US avg

+20%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$2014

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Audi A4 Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

40K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

40K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

40K mi

Long-interval service (LongLife) uses fully-synthetic oil. Some engines have timing belts (check owner's manual).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Audi New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion coverage is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Audi. If you're buying a used 2017 A4, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Audi dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 75 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: COOLANT LEVEL WAS LOW SO TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER. THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING WAS LEAKING COOLANT. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: FAULTY AUDI A4 PODS SENSOR DESPITE PREVIOUSLY REPLACING RECALLED CONNECTOR. PASSENGER AIRBAG DEACTIVATES AND CAUSES FREQUENT DASH ALARMS. REPLACEMENT / REPAIR NOT COVERED UNDER MANUFACTURER OR EXTENDED WARRANTIES. QUOTED REPAIR BY AUDI DEALERSHIP $1700 OUT-OF-POCKET FOR AN OBVIOUSLY FAULTY COMPON
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: REAR WINDOW ON DRIVER'S SIDE OF VEHICLE LOWERS ITSELF 6-INCHES AFTER VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED AND LOCKED WITH FOB REMOTE. HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH SINCE OWNERSHIP. NO DEALERSHIPS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: REAR WINDOW ON DRIVER'S SIDE OF VEHICLE LOWERS ITSELF 6-INCHES AFTER VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED AND LOCKED WITH FOB REMOTE. HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH SINCE OWNERSHIP. NO DEALERSHIPS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Audi dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)