2014 Audi A4 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Good

Ranks 10th of 24 A4 years we score.

Owner complaints: 101; 9 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 21.8; 42,282 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.63×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 34; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 4
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2013 A4 2015 A4 →

Should You Buy the 2014 Audi A4?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2014 Audi A4 is 78 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 10th of the 24 A4 years we score.

The most reported problem is the steering, mostly pulling or wandering (30 of 101 complaints). Owners also complain about the cooling system and the fuel pump. 34 of the 101 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 4 recalls. Audi also offers five 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 2013 scores 74 and the 2015 scores 80.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-19-06 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 78
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

Steering: pulling or wandering30 complaints
Cooling system: overheating11 complaints
Fuel pump: stalling8 complaints

How the 2014 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

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.60×	−8
Everyday problems	0.70×	−4
Problems in the last two years	0.43×	−5
Recalls	0.78×	−5
Score		78

What Owners Report

We read all 101 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 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 101.

Steering: pulling or wandering
30 complaints (30%)
Pulling or wandering, locking up and problems that come and go. 8 of these 30 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 60,000 miles.
Cooling system: overheating
11 complaints (11%)
Overheating, a failure that needed a new part and a leak. 3 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 63,000 miles.
Fuel pump: stalling
8 complaints (8%)
Stalling, a failure that needed a new part and a leak. 5 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Engine failure
6 complaints (6%)
A failure, locking up and stalling. 4 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
6 complaints (6%)
Burning or using oil. Median mileage when it started: about 85,000 miles.
Brakes: early wear
3 complaints (3%)
Early wear and rust or corrosion.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
3 complaints (3%)
Shattering or cracking.
Engine oil leak
2 complaints (2%)
A leak.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
2 complaints (2%)
A bad smell. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Passenger airbag sensor: wrong readings
2 complaints (2%)
Wrong readings and warning lights.
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
2 complaints (2%)
A fire. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Piston rings: lost compression
2 complaints (2%)
Lost compression and a loss of power. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Tires: damage
2 complaints (2%)
Damage and a failure that needed a new part.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
2 complaints (2%)
Harsh or delayed shifts.
Wheel bearings failure
2 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part and unusual noises.

Reported Once (29)

Show the 29 problems reported once

CVT: harsh or delayed shifts
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
Alternator or charging failure
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
Carbon buildup (intake valves)
Control arm bushings failure
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
Engine mounts: a leak
Engine overheating
Engine sensors or computer failure
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
Fuel system: reduced power or limp mode
Screen and audio: not shutting off
Loss of power (cause not stated)
Manual transmission or clutch: failure or loss of drive
Airbag clockspring failure
Fuel pressure regulator failure
Fuel pump sensor failure
Fuel rail sensor failure
Paint and rust: damage
Parking brake: not releasing
Rearview camera failure
Seat belts: stopped working
Taillights or brake lights: works on and off
Timing chain or camshaft: early wear
Transmission computer: works on and off
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
Valve train: parts breaking or coming apart
Wheel rim: damage

How the 2014 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 This year	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	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

See every A4 year

2014 Audi A4 Recalls

Four recalls cover the 2014 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 18V229000 Recall 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 17V622000 Recall 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 17V002000 Recall 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 14V667000 Recall 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.

2014 Audi A4 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has five warranty extensions for the 2014 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-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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)
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.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2014 A4 ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door FWD, 4-door AWD and S4 4-door AWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover5/5

allroad AWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2014 A4, from its four recalls, five 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-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.
Check the coolant level and watch the temperature gauge on the test drive.
Confirm any fuel pump recall was done. Hard starting or stalling is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Steering
Cooling system
Fuel pump
Also ask for the service records, especially oil 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

All A4 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.