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2021 Audi A4

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Audi A4
Pictured: Audi A4 B9 sedans (FL) 1X7A2441. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan Quattro, Allroad Quattro
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower
261 hp
Transmission
7-speed automatic, automatic
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Hybrid
MPG (best)
28 combined · 25 city / 34 hwy
Length
187.4 in
Curb weight
3,633–3,854 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Audi A4 is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 187 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,633 lb (4dr Sedan Quattro).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 34 highway), 2% better than the 2021 compact car average of 27.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,950 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2021

  • New hybrid version
  • Best combined MPG down from 30 to 28

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 A4 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–turbo
Engine261 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Engine261 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Transmission7-speed automatic · automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

quattro Premiumquattro Premium Plusquattro Prestige

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringSome trims
Lane departure warningStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Ingolstadt, Germany · Neckarsulm, Germany

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 A4 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan Quattro187.4 in72.8 in56.3 in111 in61.8 / 61 in3,633 lb56/44
Allroad Quattro187.4 in72.8 in59.1 in111 in62.2 / 61.8 in3,854 lb

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
A4 quattro Hybrid2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)All-Wheel Drive25 / 34 / 28+2%$2,950311
A4 S line quattro Hybrid2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)All-Wheel Drive24 / 31 / 27-2%$3,050331
A4 allroad quattro Hybrid2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)All-Wheel Drive24 / 30 / 26-16%$3,150335
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27.5 MPG2021 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Audi A4 allroad SW AWDNot ratedNot rated–★ / –★★★★★★★★★★★Not rated–
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning

Similar 2021 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Audi A4 (this car)28 MPGNot rated4
2021 BMW 3 Series30 MPG★★★★★0
2021 BMW 5 Series28 MPGNot rated0
2021 Lexus IS25 MPGNot rated0
2021 Tesla Model 3353 mi★★★★★22
2021 Audi A626 MPG★★★★★12
2021 Tesla Model S405 miNot rated23

Recalls (4)

Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Oct 5, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V742000 · 170,296 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Tires · Jan 26, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V034000 · 31,058 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Risk
Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor · Aug 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V606000 · 45,496 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-Powered Axle Assembly · Apr 26, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V295000 · 40,993 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Risk
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Audi A4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

13Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
4,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train3
Unknown Or Other3
Electrical System3
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Suspension2
Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection2
Air Bags1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/05: 121/07: 121/11: 122/04: 124/08: 125/04: 125/06: 125/08: 425/10: 126/10: 121/0521/1124/0825/0625/10max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Audi A4 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 3 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 4,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Audi A4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other A4 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2025 A429187.4 inNot rated01
2024 A430187.4 inNot rated06
2023 A428187.4 inNot rated111
2022 A429187.4 inNot rated37
2020 A430187.4 inNot rated3158
2019 A430186.2 inNot rated113
2018 A431186.2 inNot rated454
2017 A431186.2 inNot rated687
2016 A427185 inNot rated326
2015 A426185.8 inNot rated443
2014 A426185.8 inNot rated470
2013 A426185 inNot rated490

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Audi. How we calculate this →