A4 (2001)
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
1.8-I4-Gas
1.8L 4-cyl / 150 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.7-V6-Gas
2.7L 6-cyl / 250 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Audi A4 Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
2.8-V6-Gas
2.8L 6-cyl / 193 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 200 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Audi A4, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2001 Audi A4
On a used 2001 Audi A4, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (82), the engine (43) and the cooling system (41). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 82 owner complaints on the 2001 Audi A4 about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 43 owner complaints on the 2001 Audi A4 about the engine, all engines combined.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 41 owner complaints on the 2001 Audi A4 about the cooling system, all engines combined.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 36 owner complaints on the 2001 Audi A4 about the brakes.
- Measure the tread on all four tires, read the date codes and look at each wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 11 owner complaints on the 2001 Audi A4 about the wheels and tires.
Recalls (3)
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2000-2001 Audi TT Coupe, TT Roadster, 2000-2002 A4, and S4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver Air Bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2001-2001 Audi A4 complaints?
Owners have filed 217 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2001 Audi A4. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the engine and the cooling system.
Is the 2001-2001 Audi A4 a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 217 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2001 Audi A4. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001-2001 Audi A4 have?
NHTSA has 217 owner complaints on file for the 2001-2001 Audi A4 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2001-2001 Audi A4?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls covering some 2001-2001 Audi A4 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Audi A4?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the engine and the cooling system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the A4 have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2001 Audi A4. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 217 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.