The Audi A4 years to avoid are 2011, 2009, 2003, 2008, and 2017, with the 2011 model being the worst due to excessive oil consumption requiring $6,000 engine replacements at approximately 65,000 miles[1]. Despite these problematic years, the A4 earns a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating overall, ranking 14th out of 31 luxury midsize cars[2]. The safest choices for used A4 buyers are 2018-2020 models, which earned near-perfect reliability scores[3].
While the Audi A4 maintains reasonable overall reliability, certain model years experienced significant problems that make them poor used car choices:
| Model Year | Primary Issue | Avg Repair Cost | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Excessive oil consumption[1] | $6,000 | High |
| 2009 | Excessive oil consumption[1] | $1,400+ | Most complaints |
| 2013 | Engine failure[1] | $8,800 | Moderate |
| 2003 | Fuel system/cooling issues[3] | High | 215 NHTSA complaints |
| 2017 | Electrical/climate control[4] | Varies | 37/100 reliability |
| 2008 | Engine problems[5] | $1,200+ | Moderate |
The 2011 A4 holds the distinction of being the worst model year based on repair severity and cost[1]. Although the 2009 model accumulated more total complaints, the 2011's problems prove more expensive and occur at lower mileage.
The primary issue involves excessive oil consumption with the 2.0 TFSI engine[1]. Owners report consuming one quart of oil every 300-500 miles—far exceeding acceptable consumption levels[6]. This problem stems from:
Average repair costs reach $6,000 when engine replacement becomes necessary, typically occurring around 65,000 miles[1]. Consumer Reports rated this model year 1 out of 5 stars for reliability[3].
For buyers researching similar Audi models, see our guides on Audi A3 years to avoid and Audi A5 years to avoid.
The 2009 A4 marked the first year of the B8 fourth-generation platform, bringing typical first-year production problems[5]. This model year accumulated the highest total complaint volume of any A4 generation.
Issues affecting the 2009 model include:
FIXD assigned the 2009 A4 a reliability score of just 1 out of 10[5]. While the used market value sits around $6,219, high ownership costs offset any purchase price savings[5].
The 2013 A4 experienced engine failures costing an average of $8,800 to repair at approximately 91,000 miles[1]. This represents the most expensive average repair cost of any A4 model year.
Common 2013 problems include:
The severity of potential repairs makes the 2013 A4 a risky purchase, particularly for vehicles approaching the 90,000-mile mark.
The 2003 A4 recorded 215 complaints to NHTSA—the highest since 1999[3]. This model year came from the second-generation B6 platform and marked the beginning of a particularly troublesome period for the A4.
Problems spanning the 2003 model include:
The combination of age, high complaint volume, and systematic reliability problems makes the 2003 A4 unsuitable for buyers seeking dependable transportation.
The 2017 A4 introduced the B9 fifth-generation platform with updated technology but also brought new reliability concerns[4]. CarComplaints data shows a dramatic spike in complaints compared to the 2015-2016 model years[4].
Issues affecting the 2017 model include:
Forum owners specifically recommend avoiding the early B9 generation due to these issues[7].
The entire B7 third-generation A4 (2006-2008) warrants caution[5]. FIXD assigned these model years the lowest possible reliability score of 1 out of 10 due to:
If budget constraints limit options to the B7 generation, the 2008 model year represents the most reliable choice after Honda resolved early production issues[8].
Excessive oil consumption remains the most reported A4 problem, primarily affecting vehicles with the 2.0 TFSI engine[9]. The issue stems from carbon deposits packing around piston rings, preventing proper sealing[6].
Symptoms include:
Contributing factors:
Forum members specifically note that 3,000-5,000 mile oil change intervals significantly reduce oil consumption problems[7].
The timing chain tensioner poses critical reliability concerns in certain A4 model years[9]. When this component fails, it disrupts engine synchronization and can cause catastrophic damage.
Signs of timing chain tensioner problems:
Timing chain repairs typically cost $1,500-$3,000 depending on damage severity and whether the chain jumped timing.
The fifth-generation A4 introduced sophisticated electronics that created new failure points[10]. Owners report:
These problems prove difficult to diagnose and often require dealer-level equipment to resolve properly.
For information on Audi servicing options, see our guide on whether Audi can be serviced anywhere.
Despite problematic years, several A4 model years offer excellent reliability:
| Model Year | Consumer Reports Score | Why It's Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-2020 | 5/5[3] | Perfect scores, minimal issues |
| 2015-2016 | 4/5[3] | Most refined B8, bugs resolved |
| 2014 | Good | Final B8 years, proven reliability |
| 2005 | Good | Most reliable B6 option[3] |
Forum owners consistently recommend the 2014-2016 A4 as the optimal used purchase[7]. These final years of the B8 generation benefit from:
The key to ownership success involves purchasing examples under 80,000 miles and maintaining 3,000-5,000 mile oil change intervals[7].
Consumer Reports assigned 2018-2020 A4 models perfect or near-perfect 5 out of 5 reliability scores[3]. By this point, Audi had resolved the early B9 generation issues that plagued the 2017 model year.
These years benefit from:
For buyers exploring other Audi models, see our rankings of the best Audi sedans and best Audi cars overall.
The Audi A4 maintains average reliability within its segment despite problematic model years[2]:
These figures indicate the A4 offers reasonable long-term ownership when buyers select appropriate model years and maintain proper service intervals.
Given known issues, used A4 buyers should verify:
For general used car guidance, see our article on how many miles is good for a used car.
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