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2016 Audi A4 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Audi A4 has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 26owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 2fire reports
- 20%fail the UK MOT
26 complaints, against an average of 50 for the other 11 Audi A4 model years.
Every Audi A4 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 Audi A4?
The components named most often in the 26 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2016 Audi A4 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 Audi A4 as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2016 Audi A4 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAVehicles may have been fitted with a hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty
Risk: Vehicles may have been fitted with a hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.
Fix: The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and where necessary replaced on the vehicles affected.
UK DVSAThe locking mechanism in the hinged towing bracket could be faulty
Risk: Hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be faulty.
Fix: The hinge module for the towing bracket must be checked and replaced if required.
UK DVSAFuel may escape from one or both fuel rails
Risk: It is possible that fuel may escape from one or both fuel rails (low-pressure side).
Fix: The fuel rails for the low-pressure side of both cylinder banks must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
UK DVSARisk of overheating and failure of additional coolant pump
Risk: On affected vehicles moisture may enter the electronic components and cause overheating and failure of the additional coolant pump. localised smoulder damage cannot be ruled out and in individual cases may cause vehicle to catch fire.
Fix: The additional coolant pump must be replaced and in addition a software update of the engine control unit must be carried out
UK DVSAAluminium trim may partly detach from loudspeaker trim in doors and cause injury to occupants
Risk: The aluminium trim may become detached from the loud speaker trim in the front or rear doors. Cuts and other injuries from the sharp edges may occur.
Fix: The affected vehicles will be recalled and all four aluminium strips on the loud speaker trims will be replaced.
UK DVSAAuxilliary heater element in air conditioning may fail and/or overheat
Risk: The auxiliary heater element in the air conditioner may fail as the result of overheating in the area of the connectors. This can lead to smoulder damage or potentially a fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and change the auxiliary heater element for one with optimised electrical connectors.
UK DVSAAuxilliary heater element in air conditioning may fail and/or overheat
Risk: The auxilliary heater element in the air conditioner may fail as a result of overheating in the area of the connectors in conjunction with smoulder damage or potential fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and fit an auxilliary heater element with opimised electrical connectors. The activation of the electric auxilliary heater must be adjusted by updating the software for the air conditioning control console.
UK DVSACoolant pump may overheat
Risk: Foreign particles in the engine coolant can lead to a blockage in the additional coolant pump and cause the pump to overheat.Foreign particles in the coolant can lead to a blockage in the additional coolant pump and cause the pump to overheat.
Fix: Recall the machines that are likely to be affected and update the software which will deactivate the additional coolant pump in the event of malfunction. If there has been a malfunction of the additional water pump it will be replaced.
UK DVSAAirbag/belt tensioners may not trigger in event of an accident
Risk: Due to an error in the manufacturing process the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision
Fix: On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly and seta belt pretensioner where necessary.
UK DVSAFront backrest may not perform correctly
Risk: The back-rests of the front seats may not have been assembled correctly. This may increase risk of injury to occupants during a collision.
Fix: On affected vehicles check frames and if necessary replace affected components.
EU Safety GateThe vehicles are equipped with control software regarded as unauthorised by the competent authorities.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 23/04/2021
EU Safety GateThe vehicles may be fitted with a towbar with a swivel mechanism that may have a defective locking pin.As a result, the pin could break while driving, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateIn certain vehicles, fuel can leak onto the engine fuel rail.Fuel leakage close to a source of ignition may increase the risk of the vehicle catching fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe auxiliary coolant pump may seize up.This could lead to the pump overheating after the engine has been switched off with the risk that the vehicle could catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDecorative aluminium strips on the lower part of the front or rear door trims may become partly detached.The sharp ends of the strips could cause injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe additional coolant pump can block due to foreign particles in the cooling system.This can result in the pump overheating which could lead to a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDifferences in the mixture ratio for the initiating devices for the airbags or seat-belt pre-tensioners could lead to the airbags or…Differences in the mixture ratio for the initiating devices for the airbags or seat-belt pre-tensioners could lead to the airbags or seat-belt pre-tensioners not activating in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe backrest structure of the front seats may not have been welded correctly and could fail in the event of a rear-end collision.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2016 Audi A4 fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2016, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2016 Audi A4 owners report?
12 of the 26 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Suspension subframe crossmember (Upper)(part number 8K0505235AQ) has severe rust Corrosion perforation, and is available for inspection. Fear of unsafe vehicle operation due to the Structural integrity being severely compromised rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate. The rusted subframe as been confirmed by an Audi dealer and an independent service center. The vehicle has been inspected by the Audi dealer and the independent service center. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the discovery of the subframe failure. The rusted subframe was first…
Rear Suspension cross- member. Extensive corrosion hidden behind stone guard trapping dirt and moisture. I would not have known the rust was there if the stone guard had not come apart from the cross member I cannot trust the safety of this vehicle until it is repaired Audi requires a dealer inspection at the cost of the consumer. Audi Suspension cross member components are the same for many models. The Allroad should be included in the class action lawsuit.
Car has 69,700 miles. All Audi suggested maintenance has been done. Synthetic oil changed every 5,000 miles (more frequently than Audi 10,000 mile recommendation). At 60,000 mile oil change, engine used 1 qt of oil. At 65,000 miles engine used 2 qts oil. At 69,500 mile oil change engine used 3.5 qts of oil. Audi is not sure this is excessive oil use. Must perform oil consumption test at our expense. Really?!?! Audi solution is for us to pay $8,500 for new pistons and rings. From what I see online, this is a common problem, a manufacturer defect that Audi is unwilling to stand behind. Please…
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…
The car is completely not safe it seems to have a mind of its own and that’s saying that I’ve maintained everything up to par and it’s still a safety hazard
Ok before my previous incident it must’ve been 2 weeks ago that my car just sped up and broke on it’s on on a 65 mile road it’s to the point that I’m very hesitant to drive the car but it’s my only means of commute it’s just a total safety problem and I don’t feel safe one bit
Brucken motors, I purchased an Audi a4 that was advertised on your Facebook as safe, reliable, and dependent. I came to you with a down payment in hand, stating that I needed a car that drove without issues. I can afford minor repairs, but I wanted something with a clean HISTORY and service RECORD. Zachary Laney, the salesman, claimed that there was nothing wrong with this car. I asked about the headlight and was told, "Oh no, it's just a bulb! I will buy it so you can replace it." Asked about any issues and was told the car was absolutely clean. Sure enough, less than a week after I bought…
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.
INITIALLY MY FUEL PUMP BEGAN LEAKING FUEL. TWO WEEKS AFTER REPLACEMENT, THE NEW AUDI FACTORY FUEL PUMP BEGAN LEAKING AGAIN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED THE SECOND TIME, A LARGE AMOUNT OF FUEL BEGAN LEAKING AROUND THE FUEL INJECTORS. THIS WAS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE OF THE LARGE AMOUNT OF FUEL LEAKING AND FALLING ONTO THE ALTERNATOR AND OTHER PARTS.
AIR SYSTEM IS PUTTING OUT EXCESSIVE DEBRIS AND PARTICLES . COMPUTER MMI DOES NOT WORK. CAN NOT LOG INTO TO AUDI PORTAL PROPERTLY AND SYNC. MY SOFTWARE. NEVER RECEIVED MY RECALL ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WIRING. HAD IT AT THE DEALER FOR SERVICES MULTIPLE TIMES AND PROBLEM NOT RESOLVED. KEEPS REOCCURRING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V229000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL A DEALER TO SEE IF THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE RECALL LETTER STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 AUDI A4. UPON ACTIVATING THE AIR CONDITIONER, AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR EMERGED FROM THE VENTS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
2016 Audi A4: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Audi A4 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 26 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Audi A4; the most common categories were engine (8, 30.8%), electrical system (5, 19.2%), steering (4, 15.4%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 2 mention a fire.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi A4?
Across 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (30.8% of complaints), electrical system (19.2% of complaints), steering (15.4% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (11.5% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (7.7% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Audi A4 have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 Audi A4. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own A4
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2016 only.