2010 Audi A4 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 16th of 24 A4 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 124
- Per 10,000 cars
- 40.2
- 30,863 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 1.2×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 56
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 0
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
- no overall rating before 2011
Should You Buy the 2010 Audi A4?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2010 Audi A4 is 71 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 16th of the 24 A4 years we score.
The most reported problem is the dual-clutch transmission, mostly harsh or delayed shifts (23 of 124 complaints). Owners also complain about the transmission and high oil consumption. 56 of the 124 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has no recalls. Audi also offers eight warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine and transmission. For comparison, the 2009 scores 74 and the 2011 scores 80.
Before you buy, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-15-03 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- Good reliability score of 71
- No recalls
- 8 Audi warranty extensions may cover repairs
Cons
- Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts23 complaints
- Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts22 complaints
- Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil21 complaints
How the 2010 A4 Earned Its Score
Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems | 1.3× | −19 |
| Everyday problems | 1.0× | −7 |
| Problems in the last two years | Not counted | – |
| Recalls | 0.34× | −3 |
| Score | 71 |
Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2010 A4. If it were exactly average, its 30,863 cars would draw about 3.3 complaints in two years at this age, too few to compare. Their 30% moves to serious and everyday problems, which count for 80% of this score instead of 50%.
What Owners Report
We read all 124 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Audi A4, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 124.
Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
23 complaints (19%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, reduced power or limp mode and failure or loss of drive. 11 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
22 complaints (18%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, reduced power or limp mode and warning lights. 8 of these 22 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
21 complaints (17%)
Burning or using oil. 2 of these 21 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 89,000 miles.
Timing chain or camshaft failure
11 complaints (9%)
A failure, parts breaking or coming apart and stalling. 9 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 114,000 miles.
Cooling system: a leak
10 complaints (8%)
A leak, a failure that needed a new part and parts breaking or coming apart. 6 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 10,000 miles.
Engine failure: damage
9 complaints (7%)
Damage, a failure and locking up. 1 of these 9 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 122,000 miles.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
7 complaints (6%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 72,000 miles.
Parking brake: warning lights
5 complaints (4%)
Warning lights, the car rolling away and not releasing. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Piston rings failure
5 complaints (4%)
A failure that needed a new part, burning or using oil and damage. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 46,000 miles.
Valve train: damage
5 complaints (4%)
Damage, a failure and parts breaking or coming apart. 4 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 101,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
4 complaints (3%)
Stalling. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Steering: unusual noises
3 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises, damage and pulling or wandering.
Fuel injector: stalling
2 complaints (2%)
Stalling and rough running or misfires.
Headlights: persistent condensation
2 complaints (2%)
Persistent condensation and problems that come and go.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
2 complaints (2%)
A loss of power. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Show 3 more problems
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (2%)
Hesitation and surging.
Taillights or brake lights failure
2 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part and water leaking in.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking.
Reported Once (13)
Show the 13 problems reported once
- EVAP system: sticking or stiffness
- Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
- Coil spring: parts breaking or coming apart
- Engine: rough running or misfires
- Engine oil leak
- Engine overheating
- Engine sensors or computer: wrong readings
- Fuel pump: rough running or misfires
- Passenger airbag sensor: wrong readings
- Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
- Module G676: warning lights
- Shifter or park: sticking or stiffness
- Vibration (cause not stated)
How the 2010 Audi A4 Compares With Other Years
The other A4 years of the 4th generation (B8), 2009 to 2016, and the years just before and after it.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Excellent | 85 | 0.39× | 13.7 | 6 | Cooling system: a leak |
| 2016 | Excellent | 86 | 0.38× | 11.2 | 3 | Steering: locking up |
| 2015 | Excellent | 80 | 0.35× | 12.8 | 4 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2014 | Good | 78 | 0.63× | 21.8 | 4 | Steering: pulling or wandering |
| 2013 | Good | 74 | 0.89× | 31.6 | 4 | Steering: sticking or stiffness |
| 2012 | Excellent | 82 | 0.53× | 20.6 | 1 | Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts |
| 2011 | Excellent | 80 | 0.62× | 18.8 | 1 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2010 This year | Good | 71 | 1.2× | 40.2 | 0 | Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts |
| 2009 | Good | 74 | 0.68× | 25.1 | 6 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2008 | Good | 77 | 0.49× | 17.8 | 6 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
2010 Audi A4 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has eight warranty extensions for the 2010 Audi A4, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine and transmission. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-15-03
Faulty fuel injector causing misfire
- The problem:
- A 2.0 TFSI fuel injector can be faulty. It causes a minor misfire and turns on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the fuel injectors and replaces any faulty injector for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2008 to 2012 Audis with the 2.0 TFSI engine, codes CAEB, CBFA or CCTA. An owner letter also lists CETA. Ask an Audi dealer whether a CETA car qualifies. Damage from a tuned engine computer is not covered.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-13-07
Carbon buildup in engine secondary air ports
- The problem:
- Carbon can build up in the engine's secondary air ports. Fault codes then turn on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the problem and, if needed, cleans the carbon out of the secondary air ports for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2009 to 2012 Audis with the 3.2 engine and 2009 to 2013 Audis with the 3.0T engine. Other causes of the warning light and damage from tuned engine computers are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 120,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-14-03
2.0 TFSI turbocharger fault with check engine light
- The problem:
- The turbocharger on the 2.0 TFSI engine can malfunction. Fault codes then turn on the check engine light, and the car can fail an emissions test.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses the turbocharger and replaces it for free if it is faulty.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2009 to 2012 Audis with the 2.0 TFSI engine, code CAEB. Other causes of the warning light and damage from tuned engine computers are not covered.
- Coverage:
- 7 years or 70,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-15-04
High oil consumption in the 2.0T engine
- The problem:
- The 2.0T engine can use too much oil. Pressure inside the engine can raise oil use, for example in stop-and-go traffic with long idling.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer does oil consumption repairs for free. The Service Adjustment replaces a crankcase pressure valve and the front crankshaft seal and bolt, and updates engine software.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2009 to 2011 A4, A5 and Q5 with the CAEB 2.0T engine. Cars without an earlier Service Adjustment could have it done within 18 months of January 28, 2015, at any age or mileage.
- Coverage:
- 8 years or 80,000 miles from the in-service date, or 12 months or 12,000 miles from a Service Adjustment if later, each whichever comes first.
- Warranty extension
Powertrain warranty after coolant pump seal leaks
- The problem:
- A seal inside the coolant pump can wear out early and leak coolant. Audi extended the powertrain warranty for certain affected cars.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer diagnoses and repairs any problem with the engine, transmission, differential or axles for free.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2009 to 2011 Audis with a 3.0 TFSI, 3.0 TDI or 3.2 FSI engine, in the coolant pump campaign or with a replaced pump. Only the owner Audi wrote to is covered, not later owners.
- Coverage:
- 5 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-18-15
Timing chain or tensioner failure, 2.0 engine
- The problem:
- The timing chain or its tensioner on the 2.0 EA888 engine can fail. A failed timing chain can also damage the engine.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed timing chain or tensioner. Audi pays 25 to 100 percent of engine damage it caused, based on age and mileage.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2008 to 2013 Audis with the 2.0 EA888 engine in the class action settlement. The owner must show on-time oil changes during their ownership, within 10 percent, or sign a sworn statement if records are lost.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 100,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-19-06
Engine water pump failure, 2.0 engine
- The problem:
- The main engine water pump on the 2.0 EA888 engine can fail. A failed water pump can also damage the engine.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed water pump. Audi pays 5 to 100 percent of engine damage it caused, based on age and mileage.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2008 to 2014 Audis with the 2.0 EA888 engine in the class action settlement. The owner needs records showing the right coolant was used and checked on schedule, within 10 percent, or a signed declaration. Totaled cars are excluded.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-22-03
DSG transmission shudder, rough shifts and limp mode
- The problem:
- The DSG transmission can shudder, judder, shift roughly or go into limp mode when it should not.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer replaces the mechatronics unit or the whole transmission, as the dealer decides. Audi pays 20 to 85 percent of the cost, based on age and mileage.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2010 to 2012 S4 and S5 in the settlement class. The owner must show transmission oil services were done on schedule during their ownership, within 10 percent, or sign a sworn statement if records are lost.
- Coverage:
- 9 years or 90,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first. Audi pays only a percentage. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA gave the 2010 A4 no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2010 A4 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
4-door, Avant 4-door, S4 4-door and S4 Avant 4-door, all with side airbags
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2010 A4, from eight Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-15-03: faulty fuel injector causing misfire
- AWA-13-07: carbon buildup in engine secondary air ports
- AWA-14-03: 2.0 TFSI turbocharger fault with check engine light
- AWA-15-04: high oil consumption in the 2.0T engine
- Powertrain warranty after coolant pump seal leaks
- AWA-18-15: timing chain or tensioner failure, 2.0 engine
- AWA-19-06: engine water pump failure, 2.0 engine
- AWA-22-03: DSG transmission shudder, rough shifts and limp mode
On the Test Drive
- Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
- Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.
- Check the coolant level and watch the temperature gauge on the test drive.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Dual-clutch transmission
- Transmission
- High oil consumption
- Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid changes.
Before You Pay
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
- Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
- Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.
What to do next