Audi A4 VIN Number Check

A free NHTSA vPIC decode tells you which Audi A4 you are looking at. Then check its model year against 40 NHTSA recall campaigns and what owners have reported.

VIN prefixWAUWA1

Free decode with open NHTSA recalls. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Audi A4

About the Audi A4

Audi has sold the A4 in the US since the 1996 model year, and there have been five generations. The B5 came first (1996–2001); B6 (2002–2005), B7 (2005–2008), B8 (2009–2016) followed, and the B9 took over for 2017–2025. Across those years NHTSA lists 40 vehicle recall campaigns and 3,269 owner complaints. The 2006 has the most complaints of any model year (298). EPA rates the B5 at 18–24 mpg combined, while the B9, whose lineup includes hybrid versions, gets 25–31 mpg. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years1996–2025

GenerationsB5 · B6 · B7 · B8 · B9

SuccessorSold as the A5

Owner complaints3,269 at NHTSA

Audi A4 photographed at a US vehicle auction — Auction lot photo, for illustration

Generations

Audi A4 through five generations

Thirty years of A4, one generation at a time. Pick a generation to switch the car and the card. US-market timeline. The B7 arrived partway through the 2005 model year. The A4 ended after the 2025 model year; its successor is sold as the A5.

5 / 5

2017–2025Fifth generation · Typ 8W

Photo: EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1995200020052010201520202025

Swipe the car or tap a code

2017–2025· Generation 5 of 5 · Typ 8W

B9 · Fifth generation

PlatformVolkswagen Group MLB Evo

EPA combined mpg25–31

NHTSA recalls14

Engines (EPA)

2.0 L 4-cyl (turbo) · 2017–2020
2.0 L 4-cyl (turbo, mild hybrid) · 2021–2025

Key changes

7-speed dual-clutch automatic (EPA “AM-S7”); 6-speed manual for 2017–2018 only
A4 allroad in EPA listings from 2017
Front-wheel drive listed through 2020; from 2021 all-wheel drive only, with the 2.0 L turbo listed as a mild hybrid

Known issues to check

Electrical system (152)Rear camera / back-over prevention (77)Engine and cooling (44)Passenger air bag sensing recalls (2017–2020)Rearview camera recalls (2021–2022)

Most-mentioned NHTSA complaint areas for 2017–2025 (mentions in parentheses) and recall themes.

Sample VIN pattern · B9WAUENAF4?LN······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2020 Audi A4 quattro Premium Plus, built in Neckarsulm

Check an A4 VIN

Sources: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, mpg, transmissions, body styles), NHTSA recalls and complaints, NHTSA vPIC (VIN pattern), Wikipedia (platform). Wikipedia · fueleconomy.gov · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which A4 model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

Drag the year line to your car’s model year, or pick a generation. Bars it crosses are the campaigns to confirm on the VIN.

Include owner-reported issues

Pick a row

What to ask

Campaigns from NHTSA’s recall database for the A4 sedan, Avant, Cabriolet and allroad (S4-only and aftermarket-part campaigns left out). Coverage depends on build dates and equipment; a listed year doesn’t mean every car from that year is included. The VIN lookup is the only answer that counts. Orange rows are owner-reported issues from the summaries below, not recalls. Short descriptions are our summaries of NHTSA’s recall text.

Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Audi A4 owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA for each model year, and what they say most often. Tap a bar or a generation.

3,269owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 1996–2025

128complaints that mention a crash

56complaints that mention a fire

92injuries reported

Owner complaints by model yearB9: 345 complaints · most for the 2020 (157)

Top complaint areas · B9

Share of 345 NHTSA complaints for 2017–2025. One complaint can name several areas.

Electrical system152

Rear camera / back-over prevention77

Engine and cooling44

Air bags40

Forward collision avoidance24

Fuel system15

Crashes 16Fires 0Injuries 7

2017–2025 (5th generation, B9)

Owner summary

The 2020 draws the most complaints. About half of NHTSA owners of the 2020 describe an MMI screen that reboots on its own and a backup camera that drops out. Owners of the 2017 more often report coolant leaks from the thermostat or water pump housing and air bag warnings tied to the passenger seat sensor. CarComplaints lists a transmission leak, a leaking thermostat housing and water pump, and a steering malfunction warning for 2017. Audi ended the A4 after 2025. Recalls cover a passenger seat sensor cable, a rear axle trailing arm nut on 2020 models and seat belt pretensioners on 2017 models. [1] [2] [3]

What owners report paraphrased by VinNumber.net

The MMI unit restarts by itself, and the navigation screen and backup camera drop out with it, even mid-reverse.
2020 A4 · NHTSA complaint 11679554
A rear window rolls itself down a few inches after the car is parked and locked; dealers could not reproduce it.
2017 A4 · NHTSA complaint 11297986

What to check before buying

Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the air bag module, seat sensor and coolant pump recalls.
Ask for timing chain, oil consumption and power steering repair records.
Look for coolant around the thermostat and water pump.
On the drive, check that the steering assist stays on, back up to test the camera and watch the MMI screen for reboots.

Sources (8) and method

Sources:

Complaint counts: NHTSA complaints database for the A4 sedan, Avant, Cabriolet and allroad, model years 1996–2025, counted once per complaint (data processed October 6, 2026). In the generation panels 2005 is counted with B6. Complaint areas are NHTSA component categories grouped by VinNumber.net. “What owners report” items are paraphrased in our own words from individual NHTSA complaint records; the complaint (ODI) number is shown as the source.

Updated September 25, 2026 · Summarized in our own words by VinNumber.net from public owner reports; individual experiences vary.

Owner opinions · Reddit

What Audi A4 owners say on Reddit

Summarized from public threads

SummaryPros & consThreads

Audi A4 owners on Reddit say the B9 holds up well with steady maintenance. Several 2017 cars, including Allroads, passed 110,000 to 135,000 miles with mostly routine service, and 2022 and 2023 owners describe no issues at 20,000 to 45,000 miles. The water pump and thermostat housing are the usual weak spots, and some cars start using oil near 95,000 miles. Older B8 and B8.5 cars with the 2.0T carry an oil consumption and timing chain risk, though some 2014 owners at 125,000 miles use no oil.

Pros

Many B9 cars pass 100,000 miles with routine service
Quiet, smooth ride, and quattro models are fun to drive
2022 and 2023 cars have few issues in their first years
Well kept 2014 and 2015 cars reach 108,000 to 125,000 miles without burning oil

Cons

Water pump and thermostat housing failures
Oil consumption and timing chain risk on older 2.0T engines
Upkeep can run about $2,000 a year, with suspension work costing a couple thousand
Annoying start-stop and occasional infotainment blackouts on newer cars

How reliable are B9 A4s around 100k miles? r/Audi · 2026-10-01
B9.5 A4 reliability r/Audi · 2026-09-24
Is it worth buying an Audi a4 b8.5 in 2026? r/Audi · 2026-09-27
Should I buy a B7 A4? r/AudiA4 · 2026-09-14
2017 Audi A4 water pump replaced, good deal? r/AudiA4 · 2026-10-10

Opinions of individual owners, summarized in our own words. Not verified data; check recalls and complaints above.

Owner complaints · by model year

A4 complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Hybrid A4 versions count alongside gas ones. Tap a year to see its top systems.

3,269complaints, 1996–2025

128mention a crash

56mention a fire

92injuries reported

Most complaints: 2006 (298), 1998 (258), 2005 (219)

2006 · 298 complaints

Crashes 9 · fires 4 · injuries 5

Exterior lighting160

Air bags74

Electrical system22

Engine16

Power train15

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

A4 CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 220 A4 versions for model years 1996–2025 (gas and hybrid). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 284 g/mi (2018). Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

B51996–2001

18–24 mpg · CO₂ 370–494 g/mi

B62002–2005

18–24 mpg · CO₂ 370–494 g/mi

B72006–2008

18–24 mpg · CO₂ 370–494 g/mi

B82009–2016

20–27 mpg · CO₂ 335–444 g/mi

B92017–2025

25–31 mpg · CO₂ 284–356 g/mi

Model year2025

29combined MPG

301CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)

$2,850EPA yearly fuel cost

4/10Smog rating

1 = worst · 10 = cleanest

6/10Greenhouse gas rating

California LEV-III ULEV70 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 70Emission standard

Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year

GasHybrid

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

A4 vs 3 Series vs C-Class

NHTSA + EPA data

Same model years, side by side, from NHTSA and EPA records. The range follows the generation you picked above, or choose one.

Audi A4B9

Model years 2017–2025

NHTSA recall campaigns: 14
NHTSA owner complaints: 345
EPA combined mpg: 25–31
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.0 L
Also listed: turbo, mild hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD, FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2021)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 152
Rear camera / back-over prevention 77
Engine and cooling 44

BMW 3 Series

Model years 2017–2025

NHTSA recall campaigns: 35
NHTSA owner complaints: 383
EPA combined mpg: 23–36
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.0, 3.0 L · 6-cyl 3.0 L
Also listed: turbo, diesel, plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD, RWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2021)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Engine and cooling 159
Electrical system 86
Fuel system 32

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Model years 2017–2025

NHTSA recall campaigns: 52
NHTSA owner complaints: 596
EPA combined mpg: 19–30
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.0 L · 6-cyl 3.0 L · 8-cyl 4.0 L
Also listed: turbo, plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD, RWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2021)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Engine and cooling 165
Electrical system 85
Fuel system 73

Recall campaigns: NHTSA recall records whose model years overlap the range (equipment and tire campaigns left out). Complaints: NHTSA complaint records for the same model years, counted once per complaint; counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold. The A4 excludes S4 and RS 4 models, the 3 Series excludes the M3, and the C-Class includes AMG models filed under C-Class names. mpg, engines and drive: EPA fueleconomy.gov listings for those model years. Crash ratings: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 4-door sedan in the latest model year rated for all three; ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older test and aren’t comparable with later stars. Not every range has a common rated year.

Audi A4 VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on an A4

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

Silver Audi A4 (B9) sedan, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Illustration

Locate the A4's VIN on the plate at the base of the driver's side windshield. Audi adds secondary identifiers in the engine bay near the strut tower, inside the trunk lid, and on the door jamb sticker. On B9 generation A4s (2017+), a spare tire well label is also present.

Windshield plateBase of the driver’s side windshield. The primary location.
Engine bayNear the strut tower.
Door jamb stickerDriver’s door jamb.
Trunk lidInside the trunk lid.
Spare tire wellLabel on B9 A4s (2017+).

The VIN also appears on the vehicle registration, insurance documents, and title. All locations should match.

FAQ

Common Audi A4 VIN questions

Answers built from the NHTSA, EPA and vPIC data on this page.

Which Audi A4 model years have the most owner complaints?

In NHTSA’s complaint records the 2006 A4 has the most (298), followed by the 1998 (258) and the 2005 and 2007 (219 each). Within the newer generations, the 2009 leads the B8 (144) and the 2020 leads the B9 (157). Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

How many recalls has the Audi A4 had?

NHTSA’s recall records list 40 vehicle recall campaigns that cover A4 model years 1996–2025 (sedan, Avant, Cabriolet and allroad; equipment and tire campaigns left out). By generation: B5 12, B6 7, B7 6, B8 10 and B9 14; some campaigns span two generations.

Does the Audi A4 have Takata air bag recalls?

Yes. Passenger air bag inflator recalls 16V-382, 17V-032, 18V-004 and 18V-427 cover 2004–2009 A4 models, phased by the state where the car was ever registered, and 2006–2009 A4 Cabriolets are also in driver inflator recalls 16V-079 and 18V-082. Check the VIN in NHTSA’s recall lookup.

Which A4 recalls carry a fire risk?

NHTSA’s recall records list a fire risk for 2013–2016 A4s in three campaigns: the 2.0 L turbo’s electric coolant pump (17V-002 and 18V-229) and the auxiliary heater wiring (17V-622). Confirm all three are closed on the VIN.

Where is the VIN on an Audi A4?

On the plate at the base of the driver’s side windshield, with secondary identifiers in the engine bay near the strut tower, inside the trunk lid and on the door jamb sticker. B9 A4s (2017+) also have a spare tire well label.

Which A4 generation am I looking at?

US model years: B5 1996–2001, B6 2002–2005, B7 2005–2008 (it arrived partway through the 2005 model year), B8 2009–2016 and B9 2017–2025. The 10th character of the VIN gives the model year.

How does the A4 compare with the 3 Series and C-Class on recalls?

For 2017–2025 models, NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the A4, 35 for the 3 Series and 52 for the C-Class, and 345, 383 and 596 owner complaints. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Is the Audi A4 still sold in the US?

No. The A4 ended after the 2025 model year; its successor is sold as the A5.

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Audi A4 VIN Number Check

About the Audi A4

Audi A4 through five generations