Audi A4: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 51,796 Audi A4 cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1994 and 2025.
In a sample of 391 cars, 44% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, about as often as average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (13.3% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 30+ recalls for this model; 7.3% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.4% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Audi A4
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 13.3% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 12.5% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 7.9% |
| Tyre damaged | 5.1% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 4.1% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 2.3% |
| Exhaust not gas-tight / exhaust gases discharged unsafely | 1.8% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 1.5% |
| Brake lining carrier/fixing touches drum or disc | 1.5% |
| Drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing | 1.5% |
Share of 391 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 19.2% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 9% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.8% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.5% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 51,796 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 7.3% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.4% |
| Used as a taxi | 0.2% |
| First registered | 1994 to 2025 |
All Audi A4 passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-25 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 13,975 |
| 2025-01-14 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 700 |
| 2024-08-13 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 75 |
| 2023-11-10 | seats | – | 8 |
| 2023-02-03 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 37,294 |
| 2022-06-10 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 8 |
| 2022-03-22 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 27 |
| 2022-02-16 | axles, wheels and tyres | – | 943 |
| 2021-07-26 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1,648 |
| 2021-06-07 | towbar and trailer coupling | – | 751 |
| 2021-05-06 | suspension | serious | 1,159 |
| 2020-10-27 | seats | serious | 5 |
| 2020-10-23 | electrical system | serious | 737 |
| 2020-06-05 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 16,391 |
| 2020-05-05 | electrical system | serious | 7,332 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Audi A4 fail the APK?
In a sample of 391 cars first registered 2012–2021, 44% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Audi A4?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (13.3%), tyre tread depth insufficient (12.5%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (7.9%).
Does the Audi A4 have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 30 recalls. 7.3% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Audi models
A3 · A1 · A6 · Q3 · Q5 · Q4 · A5 · Q2 · E-Tron · TT · Q7 · Q8 · Q6 · A2 · SQ5
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.