2011 Audi A4 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 7th of 24 A4 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 69
- 3 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 18.8
- 35,079 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.62×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 34
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 1
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4★
- overall, out of 5
Should You Buy the 2011 Audi A4?
Yes. Our reliability score for the 2011 Audi A4 is 80 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 7th of the 24 A4 years we score.
The most reported problem is high oil consumption, mostly burning or using oil (18 of 69 complaints). Owners also complain about the dual-clutch transmission and the transmission. 34 of the 69 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 1 recall. Audi also offers eight warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine and transmission. NHTSA rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2010 scores 71 and the 2012 scores 82.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, 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
- Excellent reliability score of 80
- About half the problems of the average car its age
- Recent complaints at or below average
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
Cons
- Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil18 complaints
- Dual-clutch transmission: failure or loss of drive14 complaints
- Transmission: reduced power or limp mode11 complaints
How the 2011 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 | 0.69× | −9 |
| Everyday problems | 0.45× | −3 |
| Problems in the last two years | 0.33× | −4 |
| Recalls | 0.48× | −4 |
| Score | 80 |
What Owners Report
We read all 69 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 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 69.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
18 complaints (26%)
Burning or using oil. 1 of these 18 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Dual-clutch transmission: failure or loss of drive
14 complaints (20%)
Failure or loss of drive, harsh or delayed shifts and stalling. 9 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
Transmission: reduced power or limp mode
11 complaints (16%)
Reduced power or limp mode, harsh or delayed shifts and failure or loss of drive. 7 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 73,000 miles.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
6 complaints (9%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 66,000 miles.
Engine failure: damage
5 complaints (7%)
Damage and locking up. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Piston rings: burning or using oil
5 complaints (7%)
Burning or using oil, parts breaking or coming apart and damage. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 102,000 miles.
Steering failure
4 complaints (6%)
A failure, sticking or stiffness and problems that come and go. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Cooling system: overheating
3 complaints (4%)
Overheating and a failure that needed a new part. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 69,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
3 complaints (4%)
Stalling. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Engine sensors or computer: a loss of power
2 complaints (3%)
A loss of power and wrong readings. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Fuel injector: stalling
2 complaints (3%)
Stalling and a failure that needed a new part.
Manual transmission or clutch: failure or loss of drive
2 complaints (3%)
Failure or loss of drive. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Timing chain or camshaft failure
2 complaints (3%)
A failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Reported Once (17)
Show the 17 problems reported once
- A/C compressor: stopped working
- Uneven tire wear: early wear
- Ball joints and control arms: unusual noises
- Brakes: early wear
- Engine oil leak
- Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
- Headlights: stopped working
- Ignition coils or spark plugs: stalling
- Loss of power (cause not stated)
- Cruise control: sudden acceleration
- Fire (cause not stated)
- Timing tensioner (belt or chain unclear) failure
- Seat belts: not closing or latching
- Stall (cause not stated)
- Timing belt failure
- Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
- Wiring, fuses or body control module: a fire
How the 2011 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 This year | Excellent | 80 | 0.62× | 18.8 | 1 | Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil |
| 2010 | 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 |
2011 Audi A4 Recalls
One recall covers the 2011 Audi A4. It was issued in January 2015: “Fuel Injection System Fuel Leak.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows whether it is still open on a given car.
Fuel Injection System Fuel Leak
A fuel leak in the injection system in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 15V019000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 20, 2015. By the second quarter of 2016, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2011 Audi A4 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has eight warranty extensions for the 2011 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 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2011 A4 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
4-door AWD, 4-door FWD, Avant AWD, S4 4-door AWD and S4 Avant AWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2011 A4, from its recall, eight Audi warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Fuel Injection System Fuel Leak NHTSA 15V019000
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
- Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.
- 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 the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- High oil consumption
- Dual-clutch transmission
- Transmission
- 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