2001 Audi A4
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 131
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 2001
Opened by NHTSA
28% of complaints
Complaints per year
2001: 131 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 89 |
| 1997 | 98 |
| 1998 | 258 |
| 1999 | 190 |
| 2000 | 96 |
| 2001 | 131 |
| 2002 | 181 |
| 2003 | 210 |
| 2004 | 189 |
| 2005 | 219 |
| 2006 | 295 |
| 2007 | 196 |
| 2008 | 175 |
| 2009 | 120 |
| 2010 | 64 |
| 2011 | 11 |
| 2012 | 19 |
| 2013 | 24 |
| 2014 | 32 |
| 2015 | 19 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 57 |
| 2018 | 45 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 128 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
28% · 37 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
Brakes were working fine, coming off freeway, was coasting thru light, traffic stopped, brakes no longer worked, brake pedal was suddenly flush with floor. Rearended a car, car started jumping forward.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-08-09
Electrical system
27% · 35 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
Car fire that totally destroyed the vehicle, with only 4000 miles on it. It was a 2001 Audi A4 1.8T.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-12-19
Vehicle was sitting for two hours with engine off. Consumer noticed smoke coming from out of the dash, and flames came through the passenger seat. Vehicle's battery was unhooked and fire went out. Radio and window were functioning on their own.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-14
While vehicle was parked over night a fire ignited in steering column under the dash area, and spread to the engine compartment due to an electrical short circuit . Please give any further details.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-02-25
Engine and engine cooling
24% · 31 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle lost power with the dashboard flashing. The consumer began smelling burnt wires and noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The consumer pulled over and opened the hood. Upon doing so, flames shot out.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-05-18
Air bags
8% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and inflator module.
Show complaint excerpts
I just purchased this vehicle from a private owner. I am already aware of the driver side airbag recall. Went to turn key to auxiliary to close sun roof and the steering wheel airbag deployed in my face.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-03-02
The contact owns a 2001 Audi A4. The contact stated that upon closing the driver's side door, her husband heard a loud gun-like sound and he noticed that the passenger-side curtain air bags had deployed. There were no warning lights illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-03-04
Power train
4% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2002-01-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-07-12 Brake and clutch pedal bracket
-
R
2006-07-01Exterior lighting06E049000 Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are…
Remedy: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
-
R
2014-05-01Engine and engine cooling14E007000 The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013...
Remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
-
R
2021-11-02Air bags21V470000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Buy-smart checklist
2001 Audi A4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 37 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 35 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 31 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 14E007000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 21V470000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2001 Audi A4 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Audi A4 is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Audi A4?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2001 Audi A4 have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.