VehicleVerdict

2001 Audi A4 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 153 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median A4 year — the 2001 model ranks #11 of 30 A4 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 39 reports (26% of the total).

153

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other A4 years?

A4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted343 complaints1995: 1 complaints1996: 133 complaints1997: 119 complaints1998: 321 complaints1999: 242 complaints2000: 115 complaints2001: 153 complaints2002: 218 complaints2003: 282 complaints2004: 225 complaints2005: 267 complaints2006: 343 complaints2007: 226 complaints2008: 204 complaints2009: 150 complaints2010: 77 complaints2011: 17 complaints2012: 23 complaints2013: 28 complaints2014: 38 complaints2015: 23 complaints2016: 18 complaints2017: 75 complaints2018: 39 complaints2019: 16 complaints2020: 226 complaints2021: 19 complaints2022: 10 complaints2023: 17 complaints2024: 4 complaints
A4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A4 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Audi A4 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes3925%
Electrical System3624%
Engine3422%
Airbags117%
Other53%
Transmission53%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Fuel System32%
Lighting32%
Steering32%
Suspension32%
Tires & Wheels32%
Seats21%
Speed Control11%
Latches & Locks11%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 2001 Audi A4 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V470000AirbagsJune 23, 2021 · 62,812 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2000-2001 Audi TT Coupe, TT Roadster, 2000-2002 A4, and S4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver Air Bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag may not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69CJ.

14E007000EngineMarch 7, 2014 · 50 units

Defect

The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.

Consequence

A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“BRAKES WERE WORKING FINE, COMING OFF FREEWAY, WAS COASTING THRU LIGHT, TRAFFIC STOPPED, BRAKES NO LONGER WORKED, BRAKE PEDAL WAS SUDDENLY FLUSH WITH FLOOR. REARENDED A CAR, CAR STARTED JUMPING FORWARD. HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR. CAR WAS TOWED AFTER ACCIDENT, NOT BECAUSE IT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 2, 2014 · crash

“VEHICLE WAS SITTING FOR TWO HOURS WITH ENGINE OFF. CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM OUT OF THE DASH, AND FLAMES CAME THROUGH THE PASSENGER SEAT. VEHICLE'S BATTERY WAS UNHOOKED AND FIRE WENT OUT. RADIO AND WINDOW WERE FUNCTIONING ON THEIR OWN. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · fire

“OWNER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WHEN SMOKE STARTED TO COME FROM THE DASHBOARD. EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT A RUBBER BODY PLUG IN THE RIGHT FRONT TOWBOARD IGNITED DUE TO AN OVERHEATED EXHAUST SYSTEM, CAUSING A FIRE THAT BURNED ON THE RIGHT FRONT FLOOR AND UPWARD INTO THE DASH. SPARK PLUGS SHOWED AN ENGINE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 21, 2008 · fire

“WAS GOING ABOUT 40 MPH AND HIT INTO A CAR THAT WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN. THE WHOLE FRONT END OF THE CAR IS SMASHED IN AND STILL NOT ONE SINGLE AIR BAG GOT DEPLOYED. IT IS AN 2001 AUDI A4 1.8T. THERE IS OVER 6 AIRBAGS IN THE VEHICLE AND NOT ONE GOT DEPLOYED. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 12, 2008 · crash

“1. WE WERE STUCK IN TRAFFIC ON AN INCLINE FOR A PERIOD OF APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 10 MINUTES SLOWLY APPROACHING THE CALDECOTT TUNNEL (CAL. HIGHWAY 24-EAST BOUND) WHICH WAS BACKED UP. I WAS REQUIRED TO PUSH OUR MANUAL CLUTCH IN AN OUT REPEATEDLY DURING THE BACKUP, BUT WAS VERY CAREFUL NOT TO "RIDE" THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 6, 2008 · fire

2001 Audi A4 — common questions

Is the 2001 Audi A4 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 153 complaints put the 2001 model at #11 of 30 A4 years. It is one of the A4 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 A4 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (39 complaints), electrical system (36 complaints), engine (34 complaints).

Does the 2001 Audi A4 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Audi A4. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 Audi A4 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Audi A4 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the A4 years to avoid are 2006, 1998, 2003, 2005, 1999, 2020, 2007, 2004, 2002, 2008, 2001, 2009. The cleanest record among A4 years belongs to 1995.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.