Whether you’re planning to buy a new or used Audi A4, you’re sure to get the best value for your money. The car boasts excellent handling, intuitive safety and technology features, and an impeccably constructed cabin. CarEdge.com reports that it has a 49% depreciation rate after five years, which is better than most of its competitors.
Are Audi A4s Reliable?
RepairPal gives the A4 a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, ranking it 14th out of 31 luxury midsize cars. The typical annual maintenance and repair cost for this model is $739, which is the average for luxury sedans. It is, however, pricier than other models, as the average repairs and maintenance for other vehicles usually amount to $652.
A4 owners seldom need to bring in their vehicles for unscheduled repairs. The drivers of this model bring in their sedans to a repair shop 0.4 times a year, which is less than the average 0.6 times annually for luxury midsize cars. The A4, however, has a 13% probability of needing a major fix compared to the usual 12% for all vehicle models.
Top Audi A4 Problems
As reliable as it is, the Audi A4 is no exception to issues that can affect its performance. Below are some of the most common ones reported by drivers across different model years.
Decreased Power and Poor Fuel Economy
Carbon build-up in the intake system of some 2006-2017 A4s has been reported to cause power loss, an illuminated check engine light, rough idling, and decreased fuel economy.
Because A4s are built with direct injection engines, gasoline doesn’t flow through the usual areas where carbon builds up. This is why experts recommend removing the intake manifold to clean the intake system.
Clogged Plenum Tray Drain
Many owners of 1996-2010 and 2014 Audi A4s have complained about water leaking from the driver’s and passenger’s side due to a clogged plenum tray drain. The leak usually fried the wiring from various components, such as the airbag light and seat belt warning light.
Some drivers have also reported having a damaged electronic control module, malfunctioning interior lights, and defective power windows. To prevent these issues, it’s important to keep the drain clean from leaves, pine needles, and other debris.
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
Hesitation upon acceleration due to a faulty high-pressure fuel pump has been a common issue found in some 2006-2010 and 2012 Audi A4s. The part usually fails due to contamination, overheating, and worn-out gears.
If your A4’s high-pressure fuel pump gets damaged, your vehicle may exhibit symptoms like sputtering, stalling, surging, and poor fuel economy. In some cases, your Audi may not even start at all. The cost of replacing a bad fuel pump typically ranges from $200 to $600 plus labor costs.
Excessive Oil Consumption
One of the most common 2011 Audi A4 problems is excessive oil consumption. Many drivers of this model year noticed excessive vibration from their vehicles when braking due to little to no oil in the engine. Most drivers said that they’ve topped up on engine oil multiple times, but their vehicles continued to burn oil at an alarming rate.
Other than the 2011 redesign, certain 1997-2010 A4s have also been reported to have engine oil problems. Many owners of these model years report seeing puddles of oil coming from the underside of their vehicles. Some also report that oil began to leak into the transmission bell housing, which forced them to replace parts like the valve cover gasket and camshaft tensioner gasket.
Engine Misfire
There have been several cases of engine misfires in some 1997-2007, 2009, and 2011 Audi A4s. Some drivers complained that their engines died after idling. Others had to replace multiple ignition coils because the coils failed in quick succession. Damaged or worn-out spark plugs and spark plug wires have also been reported to cause engine misfires.
Suspension Parts Wear Prematurely
Some 1996-2010 A4 owners have reported hearing clunking noises from their vehicles and experiencing a rough ride. The affected drivers had to replace several suspension parts, such as the lower rear control arms, control arm bushings, struts, and driveshafts due to premature wear. If left unaddressed, worn-out suspension parts can cause uneven tire wear and steering alignment issues.
Flasher Relay and Control Module Failure
Drivers of many 1997-2006 A4s have complained about a faulty turn signal switch. Most of them report having a left turn signal and fog light that won’t turn off due to a faulty turn signal flasher relay.
Other issues found on these model years include a faulty anti-lock braking system (ABS) control module, which triggered the check engine light. Some Audi owners also report replacing all four wheel sensors after their rear wheels locked up upon applying the brakes.
Engine Failure
Many owners of the 2002 A4 redesign have complained about engine failure. Most of them had to replace the timing belt before the recommended interval. Several drivers also report having an illuminated low oil pressure warning lamp a day after their engines were flushed to replace the coolant.
Keep in mind that engine failure can have more than one cause. Some of the most common ones include a low or discharged battery, ignition switch failure, clogged fuel filters, emissions control faults, and catalytic converter failure. If you find yourself dealing with the same issue with your A4, make sure to consult a licensed mechanic for a proper diagnosis before replacing any part.
Even a luxury sedan such as the Audi A4 is no stranger to having damaged or worn-out components that may affect its drivability. It’s important to stay on top of its maintenance to keep your sedan running for a long time. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the model’s most common issues to know which parts may develop issues as your Audi racks up mileage.
Where to Get New Parts for Your Audi A4
Your Audi A4 is definitely a fun car to drive, but a couple of damaged or worn-out parts can lead to an accident or an unexpected trip to the repair shop. Immediate replacement of damaged parts is key to keeping your Audi A4 around for a long time, and that’s exactly what CarParts.com does best.
Find everything you need to get your Audi A4 running like it’s new at CarParts.com. With only a few clicks, you can get high-quality Audi A4 replacement parts, accessories, and upgrades delivered straight to your doorstep in as fast as two business days.
All you have to do is enter your ride’s specifications into our vehicle selector to browse our catalog of direct-fit parts for your A4. You can even use the search filters to find products according to your preferred brand, price range, quantity, and more.
Never worry about going over budget when you shop from us. All our products come with a lifetime replacement and low-price guarantee, helping you get the best value for your money.
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