Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 30% | — |
| 2021 | 3 | 27% | — |
| 2020 | 91 | 71% | 54,000 miles |
| 2019 | 3 | 30% | — |
| 2018 | 17 | 38% | — |
| 2017 | 6 | 11% | 37,000 miles |
| 2016 | 3 | 27% | — |
| 2015 | 3 | 16% | — |
| 2014 | 3 | 9% | 64,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 8% | — |
| 2012 | 2 | 11% | 175,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 9% | — |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% | 150,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% | 45,000 miles |
| 2008 | 9 | 5% | 68,000 miles |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% | 73,000 miles |
| 2006 | 21 | 7% | 70,000 miles |
| 2005 | 24 | 11% | 60,000 miles |
| 2004 | 15 | 8% | 65,000 miles |
| 2003 | 32 | 15% | 57,000 miles |
| 2002 | 76 | 42% | 10,000 miles |
| 2001 | 35 | 27% | 45,000 miles |
| 2000 | 11 | 11% | 52,000 miles |
| 1999 | 11 | 6% | 98,000 miles |
| 1998 | 23 | 9% | 68,000 miles |
| 1997 | 33 | 34% | 118,000 miles |
| 1996 | 26 | 29% | 91,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
"Locked doors make it more difficult for emergency workers to enter the vehicle, which puts lives at risk." This quote is from the warning on page 40 of the Audi owners manual. I do not wish to drive wth the doors locked for this reason, yet the Audi computer automatically locks the doors every time the car exceeds about 10 MPH. The local dealer was unable to reprogram the vehicle to turn off auto lock. After consulting with tech support, they said it is not possible to turn off auto lock. I strongly believe there needs to be a software upgrade to correct this vehicle deficiency. Owners must be permitted to drive with the doors unlocked so if we are involved in a collision bystanders and/or emergency personnel may assist us.
Since I bought this car in June 2023, I've had two instances where the presence feature malfunctioned when there was no danger of any accident. I've had one instance when all of the safety sensors illuminated at the same time while driving. Finally, this past Saturday, my car malfunctioned and died/ turned off while I was driving. It took a minute or so to get the car started. A malfunction notice illuminated. The area traffic is congested, so people honking at me but nobody hit me. Luckily, I was not on the freeway.
I have a 2021 audi a4 that is also being affected by the instrument cluster failure/recall. My model , a4 was not included but I am experiencing the same failure and this was reported to the dealership. An online search will show just how many people have issues with the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster screen just went out while driving. I have to monitor my functions via the app on my phone. The dealer wants to charge me full price when every other model in 2021 has been recalled for the same issue. The A4 should be added to the instrument cluster recall for 2021 audi.
The main instrument cluster is not stable- it tries to start up then crashes. As a result, speedometer, rpm's, gas tank gauge, etc are not available while driving. The screen displays blank with a red triangle, tries to start up then crashes again. This seems similar to Audi recall campaign 90VC, but for some reason the A4 was not included in the recall, but I'm having similar symptoms with my A4.
The contact owns a 2020 Audi A4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message SOS module no longer connected was displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle failed to shut off. The contact believed that the failure was a safety issue due to the loss of communication, including the hands-free features, mobile phone connectivity, and the regular safety features failing to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the communication module failure was the same as the SOS module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.
The MMI (multi-media interface) often restarts unexpectedly while driving, causing the display to go black and disabling essential features like the backup camera, rear sensor alerts, navigation, and hands-free phone connectivity. When this occurs, the system demands user interaction-such as re-entering a PIN (if one is configured) and repeatedly pressing the interface-to restore functionality. These interruptions can be particularly distracting, as they occur without warning and pull the driver's focus away from the road. In most cases, drivers end up addressing the issue while parked, typically right after turning on the vehicle. This issue started in October-November 2024. This problem raises safety concerns, particularly when the system restarts during reverse parking, temporarily disabling both the rearview camera and obstacle detection sensors until the MMI reloads. …
As I was pulling into a parking spot, traveling at a low speed I naturally applied the brakes but the car accelerated instead jumping a concrete curb and hitting a wall. In that moment I realized I had no control of the vehicle. This sudden unintended acceleration was accompanied by a loss of braking. Pressing on the brakes harder did not stop or slow the car. Brake and accelerator failed. The vehicle is available for inspection. Thankfully the car hit a wall, and there was no injury to myself or others. The parking spot is positioned in front of a concrete wall. The problem has not been confirmed by the dealer as of yet. No warning lamps, message or other signs of malfunction were evident.
I am filing a complaint concerning my recent experience with the Audi service department located in San Rafael, California. On May 24, 2021 I brought my 2019 Audi A4 in for service due to an error message stating, "Front parking aid: malfunction! Obstacles cannot be detected". I purchased the car in December 2019 from the dealership in Burlingame, California. It was previously used as a loaner car, and to my knowledge the car was in original condition with no prior bodywork done on the vehicle. When my car was inspected by the dealership in San Rafael, they discovered the error message was the result of a faulty left center front parking aid where pinched wires were found from a previous bumper repair/ removal. I was told that this work required immediate attention, wasn't covered under warranty, and the total cost of repair was $784.29. …
Related recalls (3)
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
On certain passenger vehicles, as a result of a problem in the production process of the ignition switch, the anchor point of the spring May crack. This could potentially cause the return spring force to be insufficient for returning the ignition key to the running position after starting the engine.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new ignition switch with an optimized anchor point free of charge. The recall began on November 27, 2006. Owners May contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The plastic ignition switch housing can fracture at the return spring anchor point. Fracture of the housing could cause the return spring force to be insufficient for returning the ignition key to the running position after starting the engine.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Electrical system › Horn
The horn can work only intermittently due to insufficient electrical ground contact.
Remedy: Corrective action: dealers will install a ground contact spring which will enhance the electrical ground connection.
NHTSA investigations
Ignition switch
There is no summary currently available
Degraded braking wet weather condition
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi A4 years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2020 (91), 2002 (76), 2001 (35), 1997 (33) and 2003 (32) model years. Electrical complaints make up 71% of all complaints for the 2020.
Is there a recall for Audi A4 electrical problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 06V-403 (switch, Oct 23, 2006); 00V-317 (switch, Oct 11, 2000); 96V-088 (horn, May 23, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Audi A4 electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles; 39% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the ignition (96 mentions), followed by the ignition › switch (54).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.