2013 Audi A4 Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026
Ranks 15th of 24 A4 years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 157
- 9 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 31.6
- 46,850 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.89×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 56
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 4
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5★
- overall, out of 5
Should You Buy the 2013 Audi A4?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2013 Audi A4 is 74 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 15th of the 24 A4 years we score.
The most reported problem is the steering, mostly sticking or stiffness (83 of 157 complaints). Owners also complain about the transmission and the cooling system. 56 of the 157 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 4 recalls. Audi also offers seven warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the engine, steering and driver assistance systems. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2012 scores 82 and the 2014 scores 78.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-13-07 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- Good reliability score of 74
- Recent complaints at or below average
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
Cons
- Steering: sticking or stiffness83 complaints
- Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts11 complaints
- Cooling system: a leak8 complaints
How the 2013 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 | 0.86× | −10 |
| Everyday problems | 0.96× | −4 |
| Problems in the last two years | 0.60× | −7 |
| Recalls | 0.84× | −5 |
| Score | 74 |
What Owners Report
We read all 157 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 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 157.
Steering: sticking or stiffness
83 complaints (53%)
Sticking or stiffness, loss of steering control and pulling or wandering. 26 of these 83 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 8 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 9 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 35,000 miles.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
11 complaints (7%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, shattering or cracking and failure or loss of drive. 8 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 41,000 miles.
Cooling system: a leak
8 complaints (5%)
A leak, a failure and a fire. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 74,000 miles.
Engine failure
4 complaints (3%)
A failure, damage and parts breaking or coming apart. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 73,000 miles.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
4 complaints (3%)
Rust or corrosion. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Timing chain or camshaft: the car not starting
4 complaints (3%)
The car not starting and a failure. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
3 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash.
Dual-clutch transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
3 complaints (2%)
Harsh or delayed shifts. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 36,000 miles.
Fuel leak
3 complaints (2%)
A leak. Median mileage when it started: about 101,000 miles.
Piston rings: a loss of power
3 complaints (2%)
A loss of power, parts breaking or coming apart and burning or using oil. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (2%)
Hesitation. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 35,000 miles.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
3 complaints (2%)
The car not starting. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
3 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part, a fire and damage. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire.
Engine: a fire
2 complaints (1%)
A fire. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
2 complaints (1%)
Burning or using oil.
Show 3 more problems
Engine sensors or computer failure
2 complaints (1%)
A failure and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
2 complaints (1%)
No deployment in a crash.
Fuel system: warning lights
2 complaints (1%)
Warning lights and a bad smell.
Reported Once (24)
Show the 24 problems reported once
- ABS: fault code
- Brakes: not releasing
- Coil spring: parts breaking or coming apart
- Control module (unspecified): damage
- CV axles: a leak
- Engine mounts failure
- Engine oil leak
- Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
- Fuel pump failure
- Ignition or push-button start: works on and off
- Screen and audio: stopped working
- Coolant valve: a leak
- Drive position sensor: fault code
- Parking brake: fault code
- Door lock actuators: the system acting on its own
- Seat belts: not closing or latching
- Seats: damage
- Stability control (ESC): warning lights
- Sunroof drains (water leak): water leaking in
- Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
- Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
- Valve train: damage
- Wheel bearings: vibration or shudder
- Windshield wipers: stopped working
How the 2013 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 This year | 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 | 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 |
2013 Audi A4 Recalls
Four recalls cover the 2013 Audi A4. The most recent was issued in April 2018: “Coolant Pump May Overheat or Short-Circuit.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Coolant Pump May Overheat or Short-Circuit
A blocked pump or a short-circuited pump can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 18V229000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 11, 2018. By the second quarter of 2020, 87% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Auxiliary Heater Electrical Connector May Melt
Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt. The melted wires can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 17V622000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 5, 2017. By the first quarter of 2019, 86% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Coolant Pump May Overheat and Cause Fire
If the coolant pump overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 17V002000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 3, 2017. By the second quarter of 2018, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Front Air Bags May Not Deploy on Secondary Impact
If the front air bags do not deploy in the event of a secondary impact to the front of the vehicle, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
NHTSA 14V667000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 24, 2014. By the first quarter of 2016, 95% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2013 Audi A4 Warranty Extensions and Programs
Audi has seven warranty extensions for the 2013 Audi A4, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine, steering and driver assistance systems. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.
- 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-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-21-03
Electromechanical steering unit malfunction
- The problem:
- The electromechanical steering unit can malfunction. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a malfunctioning steering unit, with any parts and labor needed.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain 2012 to 2015 A4, Q5, SQ5 and A6. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not.
- Coverage:
- 10 years or 125,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-21-04
Turbocharger failure
- The problem:
- The turbo can fail. The bulletin does not describe the symptoms.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs or replaces a failed turbo, with any parts and labor needed.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain settlement class cars: 2013 to 2016 A4 sedan and allroad, 2013 to 2017 A5 and Q5, and 2012 to 2015 A6. Cars already repaired still qualify, but totaled cars do not. Each car's term depends on coolant pump work.
- Coverage:
- At least 14 months from April 12, 2021 or a coolant pump recall. No miles are stated. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-01
High oil use or fractured pistons
- The problem:
- 2012 to 2014 A4, A5, A6, Q5 and TT can use too much oil. On 2015 to 2017 A3 and 2016 to 2017 TT, a piston can fracture.
- The fix:
- Audi pays 75 percent of an Audi dealer's repair. Engine damage caused by the problem is paid at 25 to 100 percent, based on age and mileage.
- Who qualifies:
- Cars in the settlement class. The owner must prove oil maintenance within 10 percent of schedule during their ownership, or sign a sworn statement if records are missing. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
- Coverage:
- 9 years or 90,000 miles from the in-service date, whichever comes first. Cars past 9 years on January 29, 2024 got until April 8, 2024.
- Warranty extensionAudi AWA-24-04
Automatic emergency braking system faults
- The problem:
- The automatic emergency braking, or AEB, system can malfunction when its control unit, a camera, the LIDAR or a sensor fails.
- The fix:
- An Audi dealer repairs the AEB fault and Audi pays 75 percent of the cost. Damage from crashes, impacts, moved sensors or weather is not covered.
- Who qualifies:
- Certain Audis covered by the settlement, with a confirmed fault in the AEB control unit, cameras, LIDAR or sensors. If the new car warranty's time ran out by May 16, 2024, the extension's time limit was November 16, 2024.
- Coverage:
- Up to 12 months or 12,000 miles after the new car warranty ends. Ask an Audi dealer for the exact terms.
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2013 A4 ratings on NHTSA.gov.
4-door FWD, 4-door AWD and S4 4-door AWD
allroad 4-door AWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2013 A4, from its four recalls, seven 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.
- Coolant Pump May Overheat or Short-Circuit NHTSA 18V229000
- Auxiliary Heater Electrical Connector May Melt NHTSA 17V622000
- Coolant Pump May Overheat and Cause Fire NHTSA 17V002000
- Front Air Bags May Not Deploy on Secondary Impact NHTSA 14V667000
Ask an Audi Dealer
Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- AWA-13-07: carbon buildup in engine secondary air ports
- AWA-18-15: timing chain or tensioner failure, 2.0 engine
- AWA-19-06: engine water pump failure, 2.0 engine
- AWA-21-03: electromechanical steering unit malfunction
- AWA-21-04: turbocharger failure
- AWA-24-01: high oil use or fractured pistons
- AWA-24-04: automatic emergency braking system faults
On the Test Drive
- Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
- 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.
- 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.
- Steering
- Transmission
- Cooling system
- 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