GradeAudi A4 Reliability Grade
Excellent reliability
Grade a specific Audi A4
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Audi A4 earns an A- overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B+ for its engine and an A for its transmission. It ranks 5th of 17 luxury vehicles we grade. The engine (B+) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 579 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Audi A4 reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Best years: 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023
Years to avoid: 2002–2003 (transmission slipping / rough shifting)
How long does the Audi A4 last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Audi A4 vs. other luxury vehicles
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus RX | A | A | A |
| Lexus ES | A | A | A |
| Lexus GS | A- | A | A |
| Lexus NX | A | A | A |
| BMW 5 Series | B | A- | A- |
| Audi A4 | B+ | A | A- |
| BMW 3 Series | B- | B+ | B+ |
| BMW X3 | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | B | A- | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | B+ | A- | B+ |
| Audi Q5 | B | A- | B+ |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC | C+ | B+ | B |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | B | B | B |
| Acura RDX | B+ | B | B |
| BMW X5 | C | C+ | C+ |
| Acura MDX | B- | D | C |
| Acura TLX | C | D | C- |
Own a Audi A4?
Tell other buyers how yours has held up: mileage, engine, and any problems with what they cost to fix. It takes about a minute, and your first car earns a free full report.
Rate your A4Audi A4 reliability FAQ
Is the Audi A4 reliable?
Excellent reliability. The Audi A4 earns an A- overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B+ for its engine and an A for its transmission. It ranks 5th of 17 luxury vehicles we grade. The engine (B+) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 579 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Audi A4 last?
We estimate a well-maintained Audi A4 lasts around 175,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Audi A4?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Audi A4 model years are 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023.
What Audi A4 years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Audi A4 years to be most careful with are 2002 and 2003. The 2003 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting. The 2002 grades a D overall (engine D, transmission C), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting.
Is the Audi A4 transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Audi A4 transmission an A (excellent reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Audi A4 engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Audi A4 engine a B+ (above-average reliability).