Recall history

Audi A4 recall history: what has been recalled and why

Audi A4 recall history: which model years were affected, what was fixed, and how to check your own car.

Updated 4th September 2026 DVSA data: Across 241,912 recorded MOT tests, 22.7% failed.

Audi A4
Image via Wikipedia, CC-licensed.

The Audi A4 has experienced several recalls over the years, primarily due to issues related to safety and performance. Key recalls have involved problems with the airbag system, fuel system, and electrical components. Affected build years range from 2001 to 2021, with most recalls resolved and the vehicles deemed safe for road use.

Overview of Audi A4 Recalls

The Audi A4 has been subject to multiple recalls since its introduction in 1994. These recalls are issued to address safety concerns, compliance with regulations, and potential defects that could affect the vehicle’s performance. The recalls span various model years, with the most significant issues arising in the B6, B7, B8, and B9 generations.

Recalls often stem from manufacturer reports or safety investigations initiated by regulatory bodies such as the DVSA. Audi takes these matters seriously, and the company typically provides solutions through repairs, replacements, or software updates. Owners are encouraged to check their vehicle’s recall status regularly.

Notable Recalls by Build Year

The Audi A4 has had notable recalls across different build years. For instance, the 2001-2008 models experienced issues with the airbag system, where the airbags could inadvertently deploy. This recall affected a significant number of vehicles and was addressed through an inspection and replacement of faulty components.

In the 2009-2016 models, recalls were primarily related to fuel system leaks, which posed a fire risk. Audi issued recalls to replace defective fuel pumps and seals. More recently, the 2017-2021 models faced recalls due to electrical issues that could lead to battery drain or malfunctions in the infotainment system.

Safety Concerns and Airbag Issues

One of the most critical recalls for the Audi A4 involved the airbag system. In certain models, a defect in the airbag control unit could cause the airbags to deploy unexpectedly or not deploy at all during a crash. This issue raised significant safety concerns, prompting Audi to issue recalls for affected vehicles.

Owners of the affected models were advised to bring their vehicles to authorised dealers for inspection and necessary repairs. The resolution typically involved updating the software or replacing the airbag control unit to ensure proper functionality. The DVSA has emphasised the importance of addressing these recalls promptly to maintain vehicle safety.

Fuel System Defects

Another major recall issue for the Audi A4 involved the fuel system, particularly in models produced between 2009 and 2016. Reports indicated that certain fuel pumps could fail, leading to fuel leaks and an increased risk of fire. This defect necessitated a recall to replace the affected components.

Audi’s response included notifying owners and providing free repairs at authorised service centres. The company also implemented quality control measures to prevent similar issues in future production runs. Owners are encouraged to check their vehicle’s service history to ensure all recall work has been completed.

Electrical System Problems

Recent recalls for the Audi A4 have focused on electrical system problems, particularly in the B9 generation (2017-2021). Issues have been reported regarding the vehicle’s infotainment system and battery management, which could lead to unexpected battery drain or system malfunctions.

Audi has addressed these concerns through software updates and, in some cases, hardware replacements. The company has worked closely with the DVSA to ensure that all affected vehicles are rectified. Owners are advised to stay informed about any recalls and to have their vehicles serviced regularly to avoid potential issues.

Current Status of Recalls

As of now, many of the recalls affecting the Audi A4 have been resolved, with the majority of vehicles deemed safe for road use. Audi continues to monitor the performance of its vehicles and remains committed to addressing any emerging issues promptly. The company encourages owners to stay updated on recall information through official channels.

For those considering purchasing a used Audi A4, it is advisable to check the vehicle’s recall history and ensure that all necessary repairs have been completed.

Conclusion

The Audi A4 has had a varied recall history, with significant attention given to safety-related issues such as airbag functionality, fuel system integrity, and electrical performance. While many recalls have been effectively addressed, potential buyers and current owners should remain vigilant about any outstanding recalls. Regular checks and maintenance can help ensure that the Audi A4 remains a reliable and safe vehicle on the road.

Audi A4 recall record

33 recalls have been issued for the Audi A4, between 1997 and 2025.

  1. Stop-drive TAKATA PSAN

    R/2025/387

    Issued 8 August 2025

    Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Affected vehicles were originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Certain front airbags contain an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.

    Remedy:Affected airbags will be be replaced. You can contact Audi's dedicated Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM.

    Affects cars built Mar 2005 to Mar 2008

  2. Replacing TAKATA driver airbag

    R/2024/312

    Issued 13 August 2024

    On imported Audi vehicles previously used in a warm climate zone and fitted with TAKATA driver airbag manufactured within a specific period it is possible that the gas generator housing may cause small metal parts to become dislodged from the housing and potentially injure the driver or a passenger.

    Remedy:As a precautionary safety measure it is necessary to replace the gas generator in the airbag unit on the driver side of the vehicle.

    Affects cars built Feb 2006 to Jan 2009

  3. Replacing Takata passenger airbag

    R/2024/158

    Issued 4 April 2024

    On affected vehicles the passenger airbag may in extremely rare cases be overloaded and even burst when the passenger airbag is triggered. If this were to happen small metal parts could become dislodged from the housing and potentially cause life-threatening injury to a vehicle occupant.

    Remedy:For safety reasons it is necessary to check the passenger airbag and if required to replace the airbag module.

    Affects cars built Oct 2004 to Apr 2008

  4. If a front airbag is deployed it is possible that the gas generator housing in which the propellant is generated may burst on vehicles manufactured within a limited period.

    R/2023/053

    Issued 1 February 2023

    If a front airbag is deployed it is possible that the gas generator housing in which the propellant is generated may burst on vehicles manufactured within a limited period.

    Remedy:As a precautionary safety measure it is necessary to replace the airbag unit on the passenger side.

    Affects cars built Jul 2006 to Aug 2006

  5. FOLLOWING A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN THE TOE AND/OR CAMBER VALUES ON THE REAR AXLE MAY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES INCORRECTLY BE CHANGED WITHOUT THIS BEING NOTICED

    R/2022/036

    Issued 14 February 2022

    Following a previous campaign the toe and/or camber values on the rear axle may in certain circumstances incorrectly be changed without this being noticed.

    Remedy:The wheel alignment must be checked and if necessary the suspension must be serviced on the affected vehicles.

    Affects cars built Nov 2019 to Feb 2021

  6. THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE TAKATA AIRBAG MAY BE DELAYED OR INSUFFICIENTLY POWERFUL DUE TO A POTENTIAL REDUCTION IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE GAS GENERATOR

    R/2021/234

    Issued 22 September 2021

    On vehicles with TAKATA driver airbag and NADI gas generator manufactured within a specific period it is possible that the function of the driver airbag may be restricted due to its age.

    Remedy:The driver airbag unit must be checked on the vehicles affected and the gas generator must be replaced if necessary

    Affects cars built Apr 1997 to Dec 1999

  7. FUNCTION OF THE DRIVER AIRBAG MIGHT BE RESTRICTED DUE TO ITS AGE

    R/2021/330

    Issued 22 September 2021

    On vehicles with 3-spoke steering wheel manufactured within a specific period the function of the driver airbag may be restricted due to its age.

    Remedy:The gas generator in the driver airbag must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

    Affects cars built Jan 2000 to Aug 2001

  8. REAR AXLE SUSPENSION LINKS NUTS DO NOT MEET SPECIFICATIONS

    R/2021/236

    Issued 25 June 2021

    One or more nuts which do not meet the specifications may have been fitted on the rear axle suspension links.

    Remedy:The affected nuts on the rear axle will be replaced on affected vehicles.

    Affects cars built Nov 2019 to Feb 2021

  9. VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN FITTED WITH A HINGED TOWING BRACKET ON WHICH THE LOCKING MECHANISM IN THE HINGE MODULE COULD BE FAULTY

    R/2021/204

    Issued 7 June 2021

    Vehicles may have been fitted with a hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.

    Remedy:The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and where necessary replaced on the vehicles affected.

    Affects cars built Dec 2015 to Dec 2018

  10. SEAT FRAME MAY NOT BE BOLTED CORRECTLY TO THE RAIL ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES

    R/2020/302

    Issued 26 October 2020

    The seat frame may not have been bolted correctly to the seat rail on the driver and/or front passenger side

    Remedy:Check the affected seat frame connection and replace the frame if required.

    Affects cars built Jul 2020 to Jul 2020

  11. MOISTURE MAY ENTER THE BELT DRIVEN STARTER-ALTERNATOR

    R/2020/265

    Issued 2 October 2020

    It is possible that moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator.

    Remedy:The starter-alternator must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

    Affects cars built Aug 2018 to Mar 2020

  12. MOISTURE MAY ENTER THE BELT-DRIVEN STARTER-ALTERNATOR

    R/2020/138

    Issued 30 June 2020

    It is possible that moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator.

    Remedy:The starter-alternator must be replaced on the affected vehicles.

    Affects cars built Jun 2017 to Mar 2020

21 older recalls not shown.

A recall applies to a build range, not to every car of this model. Check a registration to see whether one specific vehicle has an outstanding recall.

Audi A4 MOT record

From 241,912 recorded MOT tests, 22.7% failed.

MOT pass and failure rates by year of first registration
RegisteredTestsFailedMedian mileage
202333110.6%25,010 mi
20226,57510.5%29,162 mi
20216,97510.7%39,770 mi
20208,32210.9%45,443 mi
201912,96414.4%53,553 mi
201813,39818.2%62,132 mi
201720,91418.7%74,948 mi
201621,57218.7%85,997 mi

Most common reasons for failure

  1. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn33.3%
  2. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements29.2%
  3. A tyre seriously damaged14.2%
  4. A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened13.9%
  5. a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm9.4%

Figures cover every Audi A4 tested in the DVSA dataset, not this specific car. Check a registration for the actual history of one vehicle.

Frequently asked questions

Has the Audi A4 been recalled in the UK?

Recalls are issued against individual vehicles rather than a model as a whole, so a model-level yes or no would be guesswork. Enter the registration on Honest Car Check and we check the DVSA record for that specific car. Where DVSA holds no status, confirm it with a franchised dealer using the VIN.

How can I find out if my Audi A4 is affected by a recall?

Recalls are issued against individual vehicles rather than a model as a whole, so a model-level yes or no would be guesswork. Enter the registration on Honest Car Check and we check the DVSA record for that specific car. Where DVSA holds no status, confirm it with a franchised dealer using the VIN.

What should I do if my Audi A4 is recalled?

Recalls are issued against individual vehicles rather than a model as a whole, so a model-level yes or no would be guesswork. Enter the registration on Honest Car Check and we check the DVSA record for that specific car. Where DVSA holds no status, confirm it with a franchised dealer using the VIN.

Are recalls for the Audi A4 serious?

Recalls are issued against individual vehicles rather than a model as a whole, so a model-level yes or no would be guesswork. Enter the registration on Honest Car Check and we check the DVSA record for that specific car. Where DVSA holds no status, confirm it with a franchised dealer using the VIN.

How often does Audi issue recalls for the A4?

Recalls are issued against individual vehicles rather than a model as a whole, so a model-level yes or no would be guesswork. Enter the registration on Honest Car Check and we check the DVSA record for that specific car. Where DVSA holds no status, confirm it with a franchised dealer using the VIN.

Will I be charged for repairs related to a recall on my Audi A4?

Recalls are issued against individual vehicles rather than a model as a whole, so a model-level yes or no would be guesswork. Enter the registration on Honest Car Check and we check the DVSA record for that specific car. Where DVSA holds no status, confirm it with a franchised dealer using the VIN.

Can I still drive my Audi A4 if it has an open recall?

Recalls are issued against individual vehicles rather than a model as a whole, so a model-level yes or no would be guesswork. Enter the registration on Honest Car Check and we check the DVSA record for that specific car. Where DVSA holds no status, confirm it with a franchised dealer using the VIN.

Where can I find a list of past recalls for the Audi A4?

Recalls are issued against individual vehicles rather than a model as a whole, so a model-level yes or no would be guesswork. Enter the registration on Honest Car Check and we check the DVSA record for that specific car. Where DVSA holds no status, confirm it with a franchised dealer using the VIN.

Sources