2001 Audi A4 recalls and problems

The 2001 Audi A4 has 1 safety recall and 131 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

131

Crashes / fires

5 / 9

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Audi A4 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Audi A4 recalls

Recall 21V-470: Air Bags

Reported Jun 23, 2021 · 62,812 vehicles affected · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2001 Audi A4 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	35
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	34
Engine and Engine Cooling	32
Air Bags	11
Power Train	5
Unknown or Other	4
Exterior Lighting	3
Steering	3
Tires	3
Visibility	3
Suspension	3
Equipment	2

Most reported parts

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 14
Electrical System › Ignition — 12
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 9
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 8
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 5
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 4
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 62,041 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2001 Audi A4 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Mar 2, 2026

I just purchased this vehicle from a private owner. I am already aware of the driver side airbag recall. Went to turn key to auxiliary to close sun roof and the steering wheel airbag deployed in my face. The vehicle had been parked and not driven for over 12 hours. Vehicle is available for inspection any time.

Air Bags · at 180,000 miles · reported Mar 4, 2022

The contact owns a 2001 Audi A4. The contact stated that upon closing the driver's side door, her husband heard a loud gun-like sound and he noticed that the passenger-side curtain air bags had deployed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's husband cut the curtain air bags and drove the vehicle to his residence. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. The VIN was not available.

Engine · at 167,000 miles · reported May 29, 2019

2001 audi a4 quattro 2.8l. As driving smoke was coming from hood.. Park and realize the engine was on fire. It look like it started by the passenger side headlight and spread. I read that audi had a recall on head light switch but did not rec, a recall letter. Not exactly sure where the fire started my audi caught on fire. I dont't have pictures to upload but I will soon. I AM very hurt to know that the car I enjoyed driving caught on fire/disappointed with audi

Air Bags · at 139,733 miles · reported Aug 18, 2016

While driving the vehicle on a highway going straight at ~65mph the passenger side curtain and seat airbags deployed for no reason. Vehicle manufacturer cited a "crash" signal from side impact sensor was the cause of the false deployment. No physical cause could be found, no damage was found on vehicle and all airbag system wiring was found to be intact and original. Manufacturer would not own failure and cited the vehicle being lowered as the cause. Manufacturer was unable to provide any evidence for this conclusion and vehicle is well within local laws/regulations for lowered vehicles.

Service Brakes · at 121,000 miles · reported Aug 9, 2014

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 not drivable, it was not drivable due to brake problem. Repair shop said brakes failed to vacuum hose breaking, no warning prior to losing brakes.

Other Audi A4 years

2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 200220012000

Compare all Audi A4 years · All Audi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Audi A4 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2001 Audi A4: 21V-470 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Audi A4?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (35 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (34). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 62,041 miles.

Are Audi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Audi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.