The Lemon Index2017 Audi A4.
The 2017 Audi A4 is better than average by owner complaints: 33 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 83, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 25 to 31 mpg combined. The best Audi A4 year is 2019.
Better than average. 1.2× fewer complaints than average.
Best year 2019
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 89 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Audi A4 year. 2017 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 8K to 36K miles on the car (35 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 6
- seats 2021
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.
- airbags 2019
Oxidation on the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) connecting cable may cause the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
- airbags 2018
A passenger air bag module mounting screw may not have been sufficiently tightened, possibly affecting the deployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.
Show all 6 recalls
- body structure 2017
The aluminum trim on the front and rear doors can come loose from around the door speakers, leaving sharp edges exposed.
- seat belts 2016
Additionally, certain 2017 Audi Q7, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, and 2018 Audi Q5 vehicles are being recalled because the seat belt pretensioners may not activate properly.
- electrical 2016
The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Audi told dealers about
Audi sent dealers 1182 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This technical service bulletin provides troubleshooting for brake noise
- This bulletin provides instructions for brake noise analysis and handling
- This bulletin provides information for when there are noises when braking, and the brake pad…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A4 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Audi A4 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2550–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
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.
2017 Audi A4 owner · NHTSA complaint 11297986
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Audi A4 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 83; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Audi A4 year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2017 Audi A4 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (30%), electrical (21%) and brakes (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Audi A4 have?
6 safety recalls (latest: seats). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Audi A4 get?
25 to 31 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 Audi A4 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2017 Audi A4 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 8,000 and 36,500 miles. The middle report was at 18,500 miles, from 35 complaints.
Does the 2017 Audi A4 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2017 Audi A4 cost in fuel a year?
About $2550 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Audi A4 have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Audi A4 year is better than the 2017?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2016 and 2018.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works