Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2017 | 3 | 5% | — |
| 2016 | 3 | 27% | — |
| 2014 | 9 | 28% | 80,000 miles |
| 2013 | 10 | 42% | 75,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 5% | 138,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 5% | 71,000 miles |
| 2009 | 15 | 13% | 28,000 miles |
| 2007 | 5 | 3% | 73,000 miles |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% | 54,000 miles |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% | 56,000 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 2% | 47,000 miles |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% | 67,000 miles |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% | 65,000 miles |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% | 89,000 miles |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% | 40,000 miles |
| 1999 | 15 | 8% | 74,000 miles |
| 1998 | 23 | 9% | 74,000 miles |
| 1997 | 4 | 4% | 64,000 miles |
| 1996 | 10 | 11% | 71,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
2017 A4 Audi Allroad- while making turns at low speeds with the steering wheel, the vehicle makes cracking, popping and vibration noises. The noise was inspected and reproduced, confirmed on 1/4/2023 by Audi Fletcher Jones, Costa Mesa, California and advised to replace engine mounts, and both front upper control arms, total repair bill $3240.27. After vehicle repairs the steering noises and vibration returned again with no warning lamps, or messages. The vehicle was dropped off at Audi Fletcher Jones, Costa Mesa, CA on 11/28/2023. Audi Fletcher Jones now states it is due to possible defective steering rack and quoted $4,237.9 for repairs on 12/27/2023. Possible safety risk to myself and others if there is an Audi Manufacture defect within the steering rack which can cause loss of steering. Steering rack failure should not be occurring on a vehicle with mileage - only 46,742 miles. …
The power steering on my A4 went out randomly with only 52k miles on the odometer. Thankfully it went out while the car was parked, but if it went out while I was driving it could've caused an accident. I towed it to a shop to diagnose the issue and they confirmed that the power steering rack went bad. While doing research I found that Audi extended the warranty on the steering racks for 2013-2016 model year A4s. The part number for the 2016 steering rack is shared with the 2017 steering rack as well, which means audi should've included the 2017 model year with that extended warranty.
We live in Montana where it gets very cold on a regular basis while driving our Audi the steering wheel ceased to function and would not allow us to control the vehicle this occurred three times. A warning on the dash came up that said steering malfunction stopped vehicle but it was very scary and intimidating to know that your steering wheel could quit at any time we got stranded and took it to a dealer and they said that the steering rack computer had failed and could not get the part for at least a month since they had so many of these vehicles having the exact same issue in the United States the dealership stated that the other three dealers locally to them all were waiting on the same exact part for the same problem they charge us $6,000 to repair it I would think that if so many of the same vehicles are having the same problems that there's no parts available in the country that …
Rubber boot around the electronic steering rack wore out after only 30k miles. This has caused no warning lights, and very dangerous behaviour from the steering mechanisms. To include the steering wheel locking up mid turn, and the steering wheel "stuttering" due to the electronic motor failing.
Steering wheel doesn't want stay center. Kicks left or right, in a kind of 'notchy' way. Almost feels like it wants to click from side to side and won't stay centered. Vehicle was recently aligned and utilizes all OEM parts.
Car is feeling jerky and shaky at the steering wheel when driving or sitting still. Very common problem on these cars. Will probably need new steering rack. This issue needs to become a recall. Very frustrating.
2013 Audi A4 with a 2.0 turbo engine approximately 62.5K miles and up to date with all services. I was driving on the highway at highway speeds when the engine suddenly started to misfire with a partial loss of power making the car difficult to steer. At that time the check engine light was not illuminated. I was able to get off the highway and drive home about 2 miles away from when the misfires first occurred. The police did not get involved as I was able to return home. The following week the car was towed to my mechanic where it was diagnosed that cylinder 3 had a problem. At that time the check engine light illuminated. He recommended that I tow my car to the Audi dealership as they have better availability of parts. The dealer took apart the engine and diagnosed a broken piston ring which destroyed many other parts of the engine. …
Purchased my 2013 Audi A4 in 2017 and similar to all the other complaints the steering seized sporadicly indicating it was unsafe to drive etc.. The car was towed and I after a couple weeks the problem was that the power steering module was defective. I had a new one installed at the cost of 2500$ (the dealer wanted to charge 4000$!) . The car was running smoothly until recently (it always seems to be in the winter when it becomes mild) the steering has begun to stick once again and its only a matter of time before my dash lights up notifying me the car cant be driven. This is clearly a problem as there are hundreds of complaints for the same issue. Please fix it!
Related recalls (2)
Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals May not seal properly.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tie rods.
Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals May not seal properly.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tie rods.
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi A4 years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (23), 1999 (15), 2009 (15), 1996 (10) and 2013 (10) model years. Steering complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Audi A4 steering problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 00V-414 (connecting, Dec 6, 2000); 99V-248 (connecting, Sep 13, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Audi A4 steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the linkages › tie rod assembly (29 mentions), followed by the linkages › rod › relay › connecting (5).
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.