Is the 2021 Audi A4 a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
The Audi A4 is a great blend of luxury and performance, but it may require higher maintenance over time. Consider if you value its premium interior and driving feel enough to justify potential costs.
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Pros
- High-quality interior materials
- Strong turbocharged engine
- Excellent driving dynamics
Cons
- High maintenance costs
- Complex electronics can be problematic
- Limited rear seat space
Ownership at a glance
Common problems to watch for
- Oil consumption issues
- Turbocharger wastegate rattle
- Electrical gremlins with MMI system
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (4)
The 2021 Audi A4 has 4 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Back Over Prevention — Display Function (campaign 22V742000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Seat Belts — Rear/Other — Retractor — 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 Qua…
- Tires — Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5,…
- Suspension — Rear — Axle — Non-Powered Axle Assembly — Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5,…
- Back Over Prevention — Display Function — Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A…
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.