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2017 Audi A4 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2017 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.
- 1safety recall
- 83owner complaints
- 4crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 17%fail the UK MOT
83 complaints, against an average of 45 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 2017 Audi A4?
The components named most often in the 83 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2017 Audi A4 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 83 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2017 Audi A4 been recalled?
1 U.S. safety recall. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Seats Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.
Risk: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 74E3. This recall is an expansion of Recall 19V-547 (74D9). Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-547 will need to return for the new remedy.
Is the 2017 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 DVSAMoisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator
Risk: It is possible that moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator.
Fix: The starter-alternator must be replaced on the affected vehicles.
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 DVSAPassenger airbag module bolts securing to the dash panel may be insufficiently tightened
Risk: Air bag securing bolts may not be to the correct torque.
Fix: Check and replace bolts as required.
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 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 GateMoisture can ingress into the belt starter generator, generating short-circuits.This can lead to local overheating of the component, increasing risk of 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 GateMoisture can penetrate into the belt starter generator.This can result in a short circuit, leading to local overheating and increased risk of fire.Due to the permanent power supply of the starter generator, this can occur when the vehicle has already been parked for a while.
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 GateA damaged transistor may have been installed in the airbag control unit.Years estimatedConsequently, it may not properly make contact leading to the passenger airbag not to be triggered in the event of an accident, increasing the risk of 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 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 screw fitting the passenger airbag module to the instrument panel may not have been correctly tightened.This could have an impact on the inflation of the airbag and thus the protection of the occupant.
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 adhesive attaching the windscreen is not sufficiently secure.In the event of an accident, the protective effect of the passenger airbag could be compromised.
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 2017 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 2017, 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 2017 Audi A4 owners report?
12 of the 83 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.
my initial water pump from Audi was replaced via recall. then I recently changed the thermostat hose and my water pump started leaking again. can you please look into these faulty water pumps?
I have been trying to register my vehicle in California for several months, however, in order to do so, I need the car to pass SMOG. Initially I was told that the issue was related to an emissions sensor and that I had to drive the vehicle a few more miles to get the sensor to register properly. This turned out not to be the case. A short time later, the fuel gauge completely stopped working. I took it to an authorized Audi repair shop that told me the issue was related to a the "Fuel Tank Sending Unit". That part was replaced by the repair shop, however, the issue persisted. The authorized…
I experienced similar undesirable engine behavior on two occasions. Upon coming to a stop, the auto start/stop system stopped the engine. Shortly after, when attempting to drive away, the stop/start system attempted to start the engine, but failed; the starter briefly activated to turn over the engine, but the engine did not start and continue running. The car was left in the following condition: Engine off. Gear indicator showing "D". Accelerator pedal unresponsive. Regaining engine power required turning the car off, applying the brake pedal, turning the car on, and selecting "D" with the…
Coolant leak from thermostat/ water pump housing.
The contact owns a 2017 Audi A4. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH with the front driver's seat heater engaged, she felt a burning sensation as the seat was overheating. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact disengaged the seat heater. The contact stated that upon arriving at her destination and exiting the vehicle, she noticed that a portion of the seat's lumbar support had melted and created a hole. Additionally, the contact noticed that there was a hole in her coat. There was no warning light illuminated. There was no injury sustained. The contact was able to drive to…
My 2017 Audi A4, is having a problem with the passenger air bag sensor. Whether there is a person on the passenger seat or not, the air bag sensor with turn on or off without warning and display a message. I have read that this problem has been recalled before.
Engine light on Dealership found a rodent nest in the engine space in the car. Dealership considers that fluids used to coat Audi engine wiring attract rodents. Dealership considers this to be a health and safety issue. Dealership considers it essential to replace the Audi air filter. Dealership is checking wires to assess any gnawed damage. I need the engine to be power-washed and the nest area treated w/bleaching agents. I do not have the total estimate on this but it will be greater than $1,000.
I have been experiencing something that might be related to safety recall 74E3, but i am not sure. I've been driving with my seatbelt on with no one at the passenger seat. But the seatbelt sign keeps showing up with the beeping sound, and the sign says Safety System Malfunction with front airbags off.... I called the Audi Fletcher Jones dealership in Irvine, California, the service team told me that they don't have the part to help fix this recall and there is nothing they can do. They also would not tell me when this recall can be fixed. I called a few other dealership in Orange County…
The contact owns a 2017 Audi A4. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V874000 (Seats, Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer had been notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I have been an Audi A4 owner for more than 10 years. During that time, I have had 2 incidents where I could have easily been killed as well as injured or killed passengers in oncoming vehicles. The latest was this morning on March 23, 2022. The other was nearly 10 years ago. My personal investigation has led me to a conclusion that I have not yet seen anywhere else. In both cases, I am trying to get into a heavy flow of traffic. I know that I will have to "gun it" to get up to speed. For that reason, I have one foot on the accelerator and one on the brake. When traffic opens to where I think…
I went to Audi Fort Worth (116 University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76107) to fix my PODS recall currently on my Audi A4. After a day of servicing my vehicle for the recall the dealership handed me back my vehicle in the condition attached in the photo. You can see the huge gap in the seat which is a safety hazard considering there is high voltage wires in the seat and they just left it exposed with a considerable gap. They refused to reassemble my seat so I am unsure if my airbag sensors even work now, it has been a week of waiting and my VIN still shows that it has a recall even though the service…
I RECENTLY PURCHASED MY AUDI A4 AND IMMEDIATELY HAVE HAD ELECTRICAL ISSUES. JUST RECENTLY THE BACK WINDOW WILL RANDOMLY ROLL DOWN AND LAST NIGHT WHEN I STARTED MY CAR THE SAFETY SYSTEM LIGHT AND MESSAGE CAME ON. IT STATED SEE OWNERS MANUAL. I BEGAN TO DRIVE AND THE LIGHT TURNED OFF. AS I DROVE IT BEGAN TO BLINK ON AND OFF THEN FINALLY STAYING ON AND MAKING IT DISTRACTING TO DRIVE.
2017 Audi A4: questions owners ask
Is the 2017 Audi A4 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 83 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Audi A4; the most common categories were air bags (26, 31.3%), engine (21, 25.3%), seats (11, 13.3%). There is 1 safety recall. 4 complaints mention a crash, 2 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Audi A4?
Across 83 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (31.3% of complaints), engine (25.3% of complaints), seats (13.3% of complaints), electrical system (12% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (6% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2017 Audi A4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2017 Audi A4; the most recent (campaign 21V874000, 2021-11-10) concerns Seats. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the airbag light on in my 2017 Audi A4?
8 of the 83 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Audi A4 (9.6%) describe airbag warning lights or airbag faults. A related recall exists: campaign 21V874000 (seats). The fix: Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. One owner wrote: "My 2017 Audi A4, is having a problem with the passenger air bag sensor. Whether there is a person on the passenger seat or not, the air bag sensor with turn on or off without warning and display a message." (NHTSA complaint 11488793, October 2022). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Can the sunroof on the 2017 Audi A4 shatter or fail?
5 of the 83 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Audi A4 (6%) describe the sunroof or panoramic roof shattering, exploding or failing. One owner wrote: "While driving 35 mph on a well-paved roadway, my sunroof exploded. i was not hit by a rock or anything else. the only sound i heard was the pop when the explosion happened. thankfully, my sun shade was closed and the glass did not enter the vehicle." (NHTSA complaint 11205359, May 2019). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2017 Audi A4 start?
3 of the 83 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2017 Audi A4 (3.6%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "While driving on the highway, there was a message that flashed on the dashboard about the coolant system, within a couple minutes, I felt like the car was shutting down while going 65 miles per hour." (NHTSA complaint 11420291, June 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
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 2017 only.