Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 17% | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 18% | — |
| 2018 | 5 | 11% | 14,000 miles |
| 2017 | 4 | 7% | 257,000 miles |
| 2016 | 1 | 9% | — |
| 2015 | 1 | 5% | — |
| 2014 | 2 | 6% | — |
| 2012 | 2 | 11% | 80,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 27% | 75,000 miles |
| 2010 | 9 | 14% | 54,000 miles |
| 2009 | 6 | 5% | 11,000 miles |
| 2008 | 12 | 7% | 68,000 miles |
| 2007 | 11 | 6% | 93,000 miles |
| 2006 | 14 | 5% | 61,000 miles |
| 2005 | 16 | 7% | 50,000 miles |
| 2004 | 12 | 6% | 41,000 miles |
| 2003 | 43 | 20% | 75,000 miles |
| 2002 | 16 | 9% | 75,000 miles |
| 2001 | 5 | 4% | 65,000 miles |
| 2000 | 8 | 8% | 51,000 miles |
| 1999 | 10 | 5% | 127,000 miles |
| 1998 | 7 | 3% | 45,000 miles |
| 1997 | 5 | 5% | 76,000 miles |
| 1996 | 6 | 7% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
A vehicle diagnostic scan dated 04/15/2026 at approximately 88,502 miles showed a stored transmission electronics fault: P084100, described as "Transmission fluid pressure sensor/switch A range/performance," with status listed as passive/sporadic. This indicates a transmission / powertrain control concern involving the transmission fluid pressure sensor, transmission electronics, wiring, control logic, pressure monitoring, or related powertrain components. The vehicle also has prior transmission/powertrain history, including a March 2023 transmission-pan-gasket concern documented in service records, so this later transmission electronics fault is being reported in that broader powertrain context. …
The all-wheel-drive clutch in the vehicle had to be replaced. The symptoms were heavy vibrations or thumping when starting to drive forward from a stop with the wheels turned in either direction. A dealership - New Country Audi of Greenwich - did the repair at a cost of $4,308.85 (including tax). This drivetrain failure occurred at less than 48,000 miles. The vehicle came with a 50,000 mile or 4 year warranty. Since it was in service for over 5 years, this defect was not covered under warranty. There is a Techical Service Bulletin on this issue, number 39 21 43 2059057/4 July 16, 2021. The dealer confirmed my issue was indeed the same as that addressed in the TSB. It seems to me that a major known issue occurring at less than 50,000 miles is a defect. I do not know if it is ultimately a safety hazard, but it seems it could become dangerous if not addressed. …
My 2017 Audi A4 transmission started to fail as it frequently was not able to shift gears unless I came to a complete stop and restarted my car. This made it difficult to drive at a higher speed when I was on a major road or highway. I took it to a mechanic specializing in transmissions and he confirmed that the transmission was failing. The car would give me an indicator light of a transmission malfunction. I find it ridiculous that my cars transmission would go out around 5 yrs/60,000 miles. Since the pandemic, it hasn't been driven a whole lot as I've worked from home.
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Audi A4. The contact stated that the ac began to blow hot air. The dashboard was removed to replace the sensor used for releasing cold air. Then while driving approximately 65 MPH, the transmission warning system activated and informed the contact that they would have to use the paddles to steer the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer (Audi fort lauderdale - sales department 1200 n federal hwy, fort lauderdale, fl 33304; [phone]) who removed the console to replace the transmission. The third issue was that the vehicle had failed to start. The certified mechanic towed the vehicle due to connector function to start the vehicle. The vehicle was returned the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the communication between key and starter had failed and the device that provided this function was replaced. …
Vehicle has horrible oil consumption due to piston rings being defective upon manufacture. Vehicle will have slew of problems, including stopping in the middle of the street, risking the lives of everyone in the car. Audi Dealer knows of the problem with the model from this year (B8) and they refuse to fix.
Vehicle has 73,000 miles and the transmission has severe juddering. Transmission jerks continually while driving at all speeds, and makes it unsafe to drive. Apparently a common problem with Audi's. Fix is $6000.00, making car worthless.
Purchased a used lease vehicle in 2014, 63,000 miles on it. Looked like a creampuff. Carfax was clean. Used oil excessively. Was told by local dealer I could not get car fixed per class action settlement because I was not original owner or did not have all service records. Car has now had an intake valve failure in cylinder 3 while driving on highway at normal speed. Possibly caused by defective piston rings breaking. 101,000 miles and just out of extended warranty I purchased for $2500 extra. Car is not drivable and stuck 3 hours from my home. Audi of America says car was "fixed" in 2012 and will not release maintenance records, citing privacy of previous owner, a corporate lease. Audi dealer in melbourne fl who did the repair in 2012 will not release records so I do not know what was fixed and what parts were used. Total runaround by Audi of America and Audi of melbourne. …
Car randomly shut off after making a quick turn causing it to lose power and stopped in the middle of a busy intersection. Luckily I was able to make it to the side of the road before the car completely turned off. Waited for a few moments to try and start to car, after the 3 time trying, the car starte.
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi A4 years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (43), 2002 (16), 2005 (16), 2006 (14) and 2004 (12) model years. Transmission complaints make up 20% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Audi A4 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Audi A4 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Audi A4 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 34% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (63 mentions), followed by the clutch assembly (12).
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.