Audi Quattro Problems by Year

We compared every Audi Quattro model year from 1996–2002 using 77 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 0 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 1999, which drew far more complaints than other Quattro years at the same age. The best years are 1996 and 2000.

7model years
77complaints
0recalls
1999worst years
1996, 2000best years

Complaints by model year

199619971998199920002001200261192171112
Owner complaints per model year, Audi Quattro. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
2002121.3×—ElectricalAverage
2001111.2×—Wheel & TireAverage
20007−25%—BrakeAverage
1999212.0×—BrakeCaution
19989typical—BrakeAverage
199711typical—AccelerationAverage
19966−50%—ElectricalGood

* Complaints compared with the median Quattro year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Audi Quattro problems

  • Brakesworst: 1999
    1722%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 1999
    1317%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2002
    1013%
  • Steeringworst: 1999
    912%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2001
    912%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 1997
    912%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 1999
    810%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2001
    79%
  • Suspensionworst: 1997
    68%
  • Lightsworst: 1996
    56%
  • Body & structureworst: 1999
    45%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2001
    45%
  • Air bagsworst: 1997
    34%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 1999
    34%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 1997
    11%
  • Other / not specified
    11%
  • Seatsworst: 2001
    11%

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Audi Quattro should you avoid?

1999 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Quattro years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 1999.

What is the best year for the Audi Quattro?

1996 has the fewest complaints compared with other Quattro years at the same age, followed by 2000. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Audi Quattro problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (17), engine & cooling (13) and electrical system (10). Brake complaints peak in the 1999 model year.

How many recalls has the Audi Quattro had?

0 recalls across 1996–2002.

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.