Is the 2021 Audi A4 reliable?

The 2021 Audi A4 has 19 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Audi A4?

Top problems: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (4 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (3 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (3 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Audi A4?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR, TIRES, SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY, BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION. Contact any Audi dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Audi A4?

The 2021 Audi A4 gets 26 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1846. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Audi A4?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Audi A4 is approximately $1,570/year (wagon 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.

2021 Audi A4

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Audi A4 has 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 23. The most common issue is driver assist/cameras problems (21% of all complaints), specifically: i have a 2021 audi a4 that is also being affected by the instrument cluster failure/recall. my model , a4 was not included but i am experiencing the same failure and this was reported to the dealership. an online search will show just how many people have issues with the instrument cluster. the inst. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year.

5 crash reports 2 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

4 complaints

21%

• I have a 2021 audi a4 that is also being affected by the instrument cluster failure/recall. My model , a4 was not included but I am experiencing the same failure and this was reported to the dealership. An online search will show just how many people have issues with the instrument cluster. The inst
• I have a 2021 audi a4 that is also being affected by the instrument cluster failure/recall. My model , a4 was not included but I am experiencing the same failure and this was reported to the dealership. An online search will show just how many people have issues with the instrument cluster. The inst
• The instrument cluster has failed per the recall 90VC. Audi issued the recall for every model made in 2021 with the exception of the A3 and A4 and I believe this was a mistake as my instrument cluster has the same failure.

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

“I have a 2021 audi a4 that is also being affected by the instrument cluster failure/recall. My model , a4 was not included but I am experiencing the same failure and this was reported to the dealership. An online search will show just how many people have issues with the instrument cluster. The inst”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (4)

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR05/08/2021

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Audi A4

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,847

Per month

$154

Per mile

15.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,001/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,600/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 2021 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

$1,570

Full coverage / month

$131

Liability only / year

$571

vs US avg

-6%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (wagon)0.95x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1570

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 2021 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

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 19 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: I have a 2021 audi a4 that is also being affected by the instrument cluster failure/recall. My model , a4 was not included but I am experiencing the same failure and this was reported to the dealership. An online search will show just how many people have issues with the instrument cluster. The inst
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: The reversing image occasionally appears white screen phenomenon During the process of reversing, the reversing screen suddenly turns white and cannot see anything behind, which brings danger to the driver and others, causing danger to life and property. Apparently the dealer didn't take this serio
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: 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, bu
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Audi dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)