2013 Audi A4Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 111 owner complaints for the 2013 Audi A4. Most complaints involve steering (57) and engine (20). The EPA rates it 23–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Steering57
- Engine20
- Electrical system11
- Power train9
- Air bags6
- Fuel/propulsion system4
- Suspension3
- Engine and engine cooling3
- Vehicle speed control3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each A4 model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 92 |
| 1997 | 99 |
| 1998 | 258 |
| 1999 | 190 |
| 2000 | 96 |
| 2001 | 130 |
| 2002 | 189 |
| 2003 | 215 |
| 2004 | 189 |
| 2005 | 219 |
| 2006 | 298 |
| 2008 | 191 |
| 2009 | 144 |
| 2010 | 64 |
| 2011 | 42 |
| 2012 | 45 |
| 2013 | 111 |
| 2014 | 76 |
| 2015 | 44 |
| 2016 | 26 |
| 2017 | 84 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 158 |
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
- 6
- Deaths reported
- 0
What owners report most
Steering
“August of 2021. It was raining out and I drove through a puddle and my electric steering shut down. This has been a known defect for at least 10 years with Audi and NHTSA has done NOTHING about it.”
Engine
“The contact owned a 2013 Audi A4 Allroad. The contact stated that while parked and occupied in the vehicle, after starting the vehicle, her friend heard a puff noise coming from under the vehicle. No warning light illuminated however, after starting the vehicle, the electronic power control illuminated. In addition, the contact's friend lifted the hood of the vehicle, and he noticed smoke and flames coming from the engine. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. The fire was extinguished by the contact and her friend. A fire department arrived at the scene however the fire was already extinguished upon their arrival. The fire report was unknown. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to Accu-Tech Auto Body. The vehicle engine was destroyed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by her insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.”
Electrical system
“After run collant pump caught fire and damaged the engine wiring harness. I reported it to progressive insurance and they came and inspected it at a body shop. They concluded it was due to an open recall on the vehicle so insurance refuses to cover it. Had car towed to Audi dealership and they reported it to Audi USA. They came back and told me that because of the mileage and year of the vehicle that they wouldn't cover it.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AV-S8) · Manual 6-spd · Automatic (S8)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A4 Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 31 | 26 | $3,000 | 342 |
| A4 quattro Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 26 | $3,000 | 343 |
| A4 quattro Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 24 | $3,200 | 374 |
| A4 quattro Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo, SIDI; FFV · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,350 | 379 |
- 26mpg comb.
- 26mpg comb.
- 24mpg comb.
- 23mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 9.9%
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 9.9%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2013 A4 questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Audi A4 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 2013 Audi A4 problems?
Owners filed 111 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (57), engine (20), electrical system (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2013 Audi A4 get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Audi A4 at 23–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
How safe is the 2013 Audi A4?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Audi A4 5 out of 5 stars overall.