Audi A4 electrical problems, 2016–2025
152 of the 346 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Audi A4 2016–2025 name the electrical system (NHTSA’s “Electrical System” heading — wiring, modules, batteries, charging, infotainment and driver displays — NHTSA's broadest heading). The loudest years: 2020 (111), 2018 (17), 2017 (10). Filed under the same heading across these years: 3 manufacturer bulletins. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Audi A4 electrical problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the electrical system | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | — | — | 384 TSBs | the year → |
| 2024 | 1 | 17% | — | 554 TSBs | the year → |
| 2023 | 3 | 27% | — | 529 TSBs | the year → |
| 2022 | 0 | — | — | 536 TSBs | the year → |
| 2021 | 3 | 25% | — | 628 TSBs | the year → |
| 2020 in depth | 111 | 71% | — | 584 TSBs | the record → |
| 2019 | 4 | 31% | — | 413 TSBs | the year → |
| 2018 | 17 | 39% | — | 194 TSBs | the year → |
| 2017 | 10 | 12% | — | 447 TSBs | the year → |
| 2016 | 3 | 27% | — | 97 TSBs | the year → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the electrical system. Nothing here is a rate.
When the electrical complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2016: 3 · 2020: 3 · 2021: 2 · 2022: 7 · 2023: 6 · 2024: 4 · 2025: 112 · 2026: 15
Too few of these complaints carry an odometer reading to say when the problem shows up.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the electrical system, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
2020 A4 Allroad MMI staring to crash/restart randomly during drive every 5-10min and sometimes back to back crashes for 3-4 times. During this time, no call can be made, no navigation, and no backup camera / backup warning/ backup cross traffic alarm. The issue emerged sometime in February or March 2025
The auto uses the Audi MMI system which controls basic functions such as radio, navigation, etc. The MMI in our car has randomly been crashing, which most importantly shuts down navigation at VERY inopportune times!
The rear-view camera intermittently fails to engage when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. When the camera does display, the image sometimes shows horizontal glitch lines/artifacts. This affects backing visibility and parking safety and creates a risk of collision with pedestrians, objects, vehicles, or property.
Visible wiring has become exposed in the windshield/A-pillar area. There is no airbag/SRS warning light at this time, and I am not able to determine from visual inspection whether the exposed wiring is related to the restraint system.
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.
What is on file about the electrical system, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications3 manufacturer bulletins filed under this heading, any model year
- Aug 27, 2026
- This bulletin provides general information about the current tpp issues for Audi connect.
- Aug 26, 2026
- This bulletin provides informaitn when there is a warning messsage; "Instrument cluster: fault. Limited warning messages. Please contact workshop"; DTC B200096.
- Aug 21, 2026
- This bulletin provides information when there is an issue with wireless charging/wireless charging is not working.
Every one filed under the heading is listed. Quote the document number at a service desk — it is a diagnosis the maker has already written down.
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Audi A4 years have the most electrical complaints?
2020, 111; 2018, 17; 2017, 10. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2020 (71%).
Is there a recall for the electrical system on the Audi A4?
No recall campaign is filed under this heading on any of these model years. A bulletin is not a recall: it carries no federal duty to repair for free.
When do electrical problems show up on the Audi A4?
Too few of the complaints carry an odometer reading to say.
What does NHTSA's "Electrical System" heading cover?
Wiring, modules, batteries, charging, infotainment and driver displays — NHTSA's broadest heading. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.