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Vehicle safety record

2017 Audi A4 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 84 complaints about the 2017 Audi A4 with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (26) and the engine & cooling (23). Those complaints describe 4 crashes and 2 injuries. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in November 2021 for the seats. For comparison, the 2016 has 26 and the 2018 has 43.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical A4 year, for its age

#102 most complained-about 2017 vehicle

Complaints
84
Recalls
1
Crashes
4
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Deaths
0

Most common 2017 Audi A4 problems

Share of all 84 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2017 Audi A4 recalls 1

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Seats

21V874000208,332 vehicles affected

The problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. 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.
The risk
A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 74E3. This recall is an expansion of Recall 19V-547 (74D9). Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-547 will need to return for the new remedy.

What owners say

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84 complaints about the 2017 Audi A4

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 4.

Brakes

The contact owns a 2017 Audi A4. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the brakes engaged independently, hesitated momentarily and then the vehicle operated as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The brake booster was replaced four times and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 108,902.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11774102
Other & unknown

I am reporting a recurring safety defect involving the interior speaker trim assemblies on my 2017 Audi A4 Prestige. The affected speaker trim was previously repaired under an Audi safety recall by an authorized Audi service provider. This recall repair is documented in Audi's service records. Despite the completed recall remedy, the same component has failed again. The deterioration affects multiple locations in the vehicle, and sharp edges are now exposed, creating a potential laceration hazard for vehicle...

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occupants. Audi San Diego subsequently inspected the vehicle and acknowledged the speaker trim issue. However, the dealership declined responsibility for correcting the recurring defect, stating that the recall had already been performed and was now closed. My concern is that the original safety recall remedy has not provided a lasting correction. The same safety-related component has failed again after the manufacturer's authorized repair, leaving occupants exposed to the hazard the recall was intended to address. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the recurrence of this defect and the effectiveness of Audi's original recall remedy, including whether additional corrective action is warranted. The vehicle and affected components are available for further inspection upon request, subject to scheduling.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11771624
Engine & cooling

my initial water pump from Audi was replaced via recall. then I recently changed the thermostat hose and my water pump started leaking again. can you please look into these faulty water pumps?

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11763714
Fuel system

I have been trying to register my vehicle in California for several months, however, in order to do so, I need the car to pass SMOG. Initially I was told that the issue was related to an emissions sensor and that I had to drive the vehicle a few more miles to get the sensor to register properly. This turned out not to be the case. A short time later, the fuel gauge completely stopped working. I took it to an authorized Audi repair shop that told me the issue was related to a the "Fuel Tank Sending Unit". That...

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part was replaced by the repair shop, however, the issue persisted. The authorized repair shop is now telling me that it the entire tank needs to be replaced in order to fix the issue.. I have searched and this seems to be a common issue among Audi vehicles; the sensor stops working and the gauge stops responding. Audi seems to know that this is an issue. Can this possibly be investigated.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11703360
Lights

The headlights on my 2017 Audi A4 have developed stress cracks in the headlamp housing. According to the inspection performed by an authorized Audi dealer, these cracks will obscure headlight projection and lower the visibility range at night. The dealer specifically noted there were no signs of outside influence or misuse, and the issue is likely due to internal headlight temperature, external ambient temperature, and age. This defect directly impairs visibility and makes it unsafe to drive the vehicle at night...

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or in low-light conditions. Headlights are a critical safety system. The problem has been confirmed and documented by the Audi dealership in a written inspection report. Audi of America has acknowledged that the defect is unrelated to misuse but refuses to fully assist with repairs, despite admitting it impacts visibility. The issue is ongoing and worsens with time. There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages related to the defect prior to its discovery. The vehicle and documentation are available for inspection upon request. This is a safety concern that puts me and others at risk due to reduced nighttime visibility.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11682928
Other & unknown

The Audi "Drive Select" transmission function switches to "Sports Mode" in rain and snow. This makes the vehicle dangerously jumpy in slippery conditions. This has happened to me (I think) three times in the last couple of years, always in rain or snow. My knowledge of the car allowed me to slowly delve into the screen functions to reprogram the transmission while driving in these dangerous conditions, but I don't know if I could always do it again, or if others might find it too confusing in the moment.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11631789
Engine & cooling

I experienced similar undesirable engine behavior on two occasions. Upon coming to a stop, the auto start/stop system stopped the engine. Shortly after, when attempting to drive away, the stop/start system attempted to start the engine, but failed; the starter briefly activated to turn over the engine, but the engine did not start and continue running. The car was left in the following condition: Engine off. Gear indicator showing "D". Accelerator pedal unresponsive. Regaining engine power required turning the car...

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off, applying the brake pedal, turning the car on, and selecting "D" with the gear selector. This behavior occurred on two occasions on different days; once on 16 March 2024 and the first time within several days prior. Both occasions occurred before the engine was at full operating temperature, and while the car was on a slight uphill slope. Ambient temperatures were in the high 40's or 50's Fahrenheit. By luck, neither occasion resulted in an unsafe traffic condition.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11578793
Transmission & drivetrain

Coolant leak from thermostat/ water pump housing.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11577361
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingFuel system

Turbo needs to be replaced after only 58,000 miles. This has been an issue causing recalls on Audi models in different years.

Filed Incident Power train · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11568964
Steering

2017 A4 Audi Allroad- while making turns at low speeds with the steering wheel, the vehicle makes cracking, popping and vibration noises. The noise was inspected and reproduced, confirmed on 1/4/2023 by Audi Fletcher Jones, Costa Mesa, California and advised to replace engine mounts, and both front upper control arms, total repair bill $3240.27. After vehicle repairs the steering noises and vibration returned again with no warning lamps, or messages. The vehicle was dropped off at Audi Fletcher Jones, Costa Mesa,...

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CA on 11/28/2023. Audi Fletcher Jones now states it is due to possible defective steering rack and quoted $4,237.9 for repairs on 12/27/2023. Possible safety risk to myself and others if there is an Audi Manufacture defect within the steering rack which can cause loss of steering. Steering rack failure should not be occurring on a vehicle with mileage - only 46,742 miles. NHSTA please investigate Audi of America for possible manufacture defects of engine mounts, control arms, and steering racks. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11562212
Engine & cooling

2017 A4 B9 premium plus model, AWD, 2.0T. I have had an Audi dealership service my car for all major service intervals outside of oil change, not only at recommended intervals but even early. 3 years ago I had my 40K mile service done at 35K miles. Spark plugs were replaced by Audi Hawthorne in Westchester county, NY. One week ago, at 49K miles (well before the 6 years or 60K miles Audi says their spark plugs will last) my engine seized while driving and was misfiring. This caused an engine shut down WHILE THE CAR...

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WAS IN MOTION on the highway. I was able to restart and make it off the highway where the car seized again. I had to then be towed 30 miles back home. Took it to my locally well known body shop that I have used for years for them to say: 1. My spark plugs were loose and installed incorrectly and 2. The electrode at the top of the plug had broken off TWO SEPERATE SPARK PLUGS and fallen into the engine, causing scoring to the engine and #4 piston as well as blow-by during combustion. They said this had to be caused by a manufacturing defect PLUS incorrect install. they fixed what they could and recommended I take it to Audi. Audi is now saying I need a whole new engine because of damage to piston 4, and not saying they will cover the replacement cost of $21,500.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11546491
Engine & cooling

Start Stop system failures. Upon engine restarting, it stalls instead. This has happened on multiple occasions and the dealer response is to just turn it off every time you start the car. Causes dangerous situations due to inability to move car until full power cycle happens.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11521754
Other & unknown

I was driving on the freeway at night. There was a sudden explosion that sounded like a gunshot. I was shocked and afraid. I heard the rain outside, so it seemed like there was a hole in the car. I pulled off the freeway and went to a well lit gas station to inspect the car. The sunroof had exploded upward. Fortunately the fabric sunshade was closed so the shards of glass remained above it. There was no hole in the fabric so nothing had fallen through the glass. There is no trajectory of a rock kicked up by...

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another vehicle that could have exploded a roof outward. I did not go under an overpass from which something could have fallen. There was no rock or meteor in my car - as mentioned, the underlying sunshade was not pierced by a falling object. This occurred suddenly and without warning. Consumers are clearly complaining about this problem but nothing is being done. I will talk to my insurance company and Audi tomorrow as this happened late on a Friday night. Audi should not only eat the cost of this repair but these manufacturers should be forced to fix this problem. It is a horrible sudden sound, shards of glass could have hit me driving if the fabric had been open, and anyone in the back seat could have been injured or blinded by shattered glass. This problem has been a problem for years. Shame on everyone for allowing this to continue.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11520720
Engine & cooling

The Thermostat and it's house is failing on my of the 2017 audi a4 causing the coolant water to leak which makes the car heat up quickly due to leak and not having sufficient coolant water. So many of the b9 generation of audi a4 owners are also complain about this issue. Audi is charging $2500 to fix this known issue.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11517663
Engine & cooling

Random Engine Coolant Warning. Since purchase of vehicle mid-March 2022, I have randomly received engine coolant warnings on the dashboard. Visual checks of the coolant reservoir reveal no issues. Internet search of issue reveals a number of other owners have had the same problem. Issue has occurred at all speeds and temperature conditions.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11507741
Electrical systemAirbagsSeats & seat belts1 injury

The contact owns a 2017 Audi A4. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH with the front driver's seat heater engaged, she felt a burning sensation as the seat was overheating. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact disengaged the seat heater. The contact stated that upon arriving at her destination and exiting the vehicle, she noticed that a portion of the seat's lumbar support had melted and created a hole. Additionally, the contact noticed that there was a hole in her coat. There was no warning light...

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illuminated. There was no injury sustained. The contact was able to drive to her residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V874000 (Seats, Air Bags) as the VIN was included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,867.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bags · SeatsNHTSA 11501571
Engine & cooling

Symptom of low coolant in overflow reservoir; below minimum line. Pressure test concluded leak in thermostat/water pump part. Appears to be a rampant problem spanning over a decade and affecting multiple trims and redesigns (i.e B8/B9 redesign/updates). Safety put at risk for possible vehicle fire or high pressure damage for engine coolant/radiator. The problem was reproduced and confirmed at a local (non-audi dealership) repair shop. They stated that the low level of coolant was due to a small leak in the...

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thermostat/water pump housing. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. It will soon be in the local Audi dealership for a second opinion and/or possible resolution. I received a warning indicator on the dash and written pop up message on the dash board that indicated low coolant reservoir level. No OBD codes were collected by the independent service shop. They said that non were being displayed or read besides what was displayed on the dash.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11496622
Airbags

My 2017 Audi A4, is having a problem with the passenger air bag sensor. Whether there is a person on the passenger seat or not, the air bag sensor with turn on or off without warning and display a message. I have read that this problem has been recalled before.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11488793
Engine & cooling

anti-freeze started coming out from the bottom of my vehicle... seems like that is a water pump issue, also I seen that I'm not the only person with this same issue with Audi A4... this should be a recall to resolve this problem.... thank you

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11478733
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Engine light on Dealership found a rodent nest in the engine space in the car. Dealership considers that fluids used to coat Audi engine wiring attract rodents. Dealership considers this to be a health and safety issue. Dealership considers it essential to replace the Audi air filter. Dealership is checking wires to assess any gnawed damage. I need the engine to be power-washed and the nest area treated w/bleaching agents. I do not have the total estimate on this but it will be greater than $1,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11478719
Steering

The power steering on my A4 went out randomly with only 52k miles on the odometer. Thankfully it went out while the car was parked, but if it went out while I was driving it could've caused an accident. I towed it to a shop to diagnose the issue and they confirmed that the power steering rack went bad. While doing research I found that Audi extended the warranty on the steering racks for 2013-2016 model year A4s. The part number for the 2016 steering rack is shared with the 2017 steering rack as well, which means audi should've included the 2017 model year with that extended warranty.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11478654
Transmission & drivetrain

My 2017 Audi A4 transmission started to fail as it frequently was not able to shift gears unless I came to a complete stop and restarted my car. This made it difficult to drive at a higher speed when I was on a major road or highway. I took it to a mechanic specializing in transmissions and he confirmed that the transmission was failing. The car would give me an indicator light of a transmission malfunction. I find it ridiculous that my cars transmission would go out around 5 yrs/60,000 miles. Since the pandemic, it hasn't been driven a whole lot as I've worked from home.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11470067
Other & unknown

While dropping off a passenger at a store front during a rain storm and a few seconds after the passenger exited the vehicle the sunroof glass exploded upward spontaneously! Some glass chunks flew out of the car and then gravity pulled the rest back down inside onto me and scattered around the interior in tiny little shards. Fortunately I was wearing a jacket and nothing got in my hair or on my face so I was able to brush off all debris. My passenger was already outside the car so she was safe. The insurance claim...

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adjuster inspected the damage and it they will cover the repair. My local Audi dealer will be doing the repair. There was no warning of the problem. The glass was in perfect condition prior to this so I am not sure how it could just happen all of the sudden. I am shocked that the glass does not have the plastic layer to prevent shattering when used overhead like this. I just wanted to report it so someone knows it and can try to prevent it from happening again.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11466161
AirbagsSeats & seat belts

I have been experiencing something that might be related to safety recall 74E3, but i am not sure. I've been driving with my seatbelt on with no one at the passenger seat. But the seatbelt sign keeps showing up with the beeping sound, and the sign says Safety System Malfunction with front airbags off.... I called the Audi Fletcher Jones dealership in Irvine, California, the service team told me that they don't have the part to help fix this recall and there is nothing they can do. They also would not tell me when...

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this recall can be fixed. I called a few other dealership in Orange County, California, seems none of the dealership has the parts to fix this. I have not yet encountered an accident, but felt risky driving the car now.

Filed Incident Air bags · Seat belts · SeatsNHTSA 11461481
AirbagsSeats & seat belts

The contact owns a 2017 Audi A4. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V874000 (Seats, Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer had been notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Air bags · SeatsNHTSA 11459238

Audi A4: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
202111430Electrical systemA
2020128310Electrical systemD
20195100Driver assistanceA
201843110Electrical systemA
201784140AirbagsC
201626002Engine & coolingA
201544040Engine & coolingB
201476013Engine & coolingB
2013111053SteeringC
All A4 years

2017 Audi A4 vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2017 Audi A4

Does the 2017 Audi A4 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2017 Audi A4: seats (November 2021). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Audi A4?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (26), engine & cooling (23), seats & seat belts (15).

How many complaints has the 2017 Audi A4 had?

84 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 16, 2016 and the latest on October 27, 2026. Of these, 4 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 2 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2017 Audi A4 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 54 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Audi A4 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Audi A4 years have the most complaints?

2006 (298), 1998 (258), 2005 (219). See every Audi A4 year compared.

What should I do if my 2017 Audi A4 has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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