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2017 Audi A4 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2017 Audi A4 carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering seats. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Coolant leak from thermostat housing or water pump.” Audi follows the VW Group Longlife service rhythm: oil and minor service every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, using oil that meets VW 502 00 / 504 00 (or 508 00 for newer 0W-20 engines) — generic synthetic does not qualify. S tronic dual-clutch gearboxes need fluid service every 40,000 miles despite 'lifetime fill' claims. Fully electric models (e-tron, e-tron GT) skip oil service entirely but keep brake-fluid, cabin-filter, and coolant-circuit intervals.

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

SEATS

Campaign #21V874000 · Oct 11, 2021

Issue: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2017-2020 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, 2018-2019 RS5 Coupe, 2019 RS5 Sportback, 2018-2020 A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and Audi S5 Sportback vehicles. The cable connecting the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger air bag.

Risk: A disabled passenger air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or entire seat cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 74E3. This recall is an expansion of Recall 19V-547 (74D9). Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-547 will need to return for the new remedy.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 Audi A4.

Reported to NHTSA

Coolant leak from thermostat housing or water pump

ENGINE

15 NHTSA complaints · 2020-06 → 2024-03

“Symptom of low coolant in overflow reservoir; below minimum line. Pressure test concluded leak in thermostat/water pump part”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11496622
“This car has a KNOWN issue with the water pump housing leaking well before the expected lifespan of said part/gasket and Audi has not issued a TSB regarding it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11439022
“MY VEHICLE IS LEAKING COOLANT. EVERY 8-10K MILES IT GOES BELOW NORMAL LEVEL IN RESERVOIR . THERE IS A DISTINCT ODOR OF COOLANT EACH TIME I GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11394694

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof glass shattering or exploding

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2023-05

“WHILE DRIVING ON SAN MATEO BRIDGE AROUND 5PM THE SUN ROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED WITH A HUGE BANG SOUND. THE CAR WAS MOVING AT ABOUT 70 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11033486
“While dropping off a passenger at a store front during a rain storm and a few seconds after the passenger exited the vehicle the sunroof glass exploded upward spontaneously!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11466161
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A4. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11202837

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire sidewall bubbling or blowout

TIRES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2021-07

“CPSC: DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH, SIDEWALL BLEW OUT ON TIRE. PIRELLI CINTURATO P7, 245/40R18. THIS IS THIRD TIRE IN A SET OF 4 TO FAIL ON AN AUDI A4, 2017 MODEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11173990
“I HAD TWO TIRE SIDE WALL DEFECTS THAT RESULTED IN "BALLOONING" OF THE SIDE OF THE TIRE. THE TIRES ARE PIRELLI 245/40/ R-18. THE CAR HAS 12,500 MILES ONLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11064297
“While driving on Interstate at normal speed the tire pressure light for the driver rear came on. There was no road debris or road hazard material present”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11426691

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger airbag occupant detection sensor malfunction

AIR BAGS

21 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2022-10

“I RECENTLY EXPERIENCED THE ISSUE WITH MY 2017 AUDI A4 IN WHICH THE PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM HAS BECOME FAULTY. AS A RESULT OF THIS ISSUE, MY PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL SHUT OFF AS IT IS NOT DETECTING A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE EVEN WHEN ONE IS PRESENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11255799
“The passenger side air bag warning light and/or passenger seat sensor mat has failed 3 times (twice since we've owned the car and once before)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11434300
“AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON IN DASH AND CHIME CONTINUOUSLY GOES OFF AT VARIOUS TIMES (WHILE STATIONARY OR DRIVING) - WITH OR WITHOUT PASSENGER IN SEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11183314

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall replacement parts unavailable

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2017-07

“TAKATA RECALL -- AUDI ISSUED THE RECALL IN JAN 2017 AND STILL DOES NOT HAVE REPLACEMENT PARTS AVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11005308
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V955000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10972205
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V955000 (AIR BAGS, SEAT BELT) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10968976

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Bang & Olufsen door trim detaching with sharp edges

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2021-05

“A SHARP PIECE OF METAL TRIM LABELED "BANG & OLUFSON" (SEE PHOTO) HAD SEMI-DETACHED FROM THE DOOR PANEL AND LACERATED HER FOOT, PIERCING THROUGH HER FOOT AND COMING OUT BETWEEN HER TOES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11033873
“BANG & OLUFSEN TRIM ON FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR IS PEELING OFF AND HAS CUT ME A COUPLE OF TIMES. I TRY AND PUSH IT BACK ONTO THE DOOR, BUT IT KEEPS POPPING OFF. IT IS VERY SHARP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11415278
“THERE IS A RECALL ON SOME AUDI FOR THE TRIM ON THE BANG & OLUFSEN SPEAKERS. MINE ARE COMING OFF AS WELL AND ARE VERY SHARP AND CAN INJURE/CUT YOU VERY EASILY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11397233

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Longlife Service)

Every 10,000 mi

Replace oil and filter every 10,000 miles or 12 months with VW 502 00 / 504 00 / 508 00 spec oil. S and RS models driven hard: many owners shorten to 5,000-7,500 miles. Wrong-spec oil is the leading cause of TFSI timing-chain tensioner and PCV problems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate every 10,000 miles with the oil service. quattro models: keep all four tires within 4/32" of each other — mismatched wear stresses the center differential.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and wear sensors every 10,000 miles. Audi uses electronic pad-wear sensors on most models — replace the sensor with the pads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 4 brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage — Audi's published schedule is time-based because the fluid absorbs moisture.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

S tronic Dual-Clutch Fluid

Every 40,000 mi

S tronic (DSG) gearboxes on A3/S3/RS 3, Q3, TT, and many A5/Q5 models: replace fluid and filter every 40,000 miles with the VW Group-spec fluid for your gearbox code. Skipping this service is the most common cause of mechatronic failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$470–$640

Shop

~$330–$450

DIY

Pro only

VW/Audi DSG service needs a fluid-fill procedure at a specific temperature — shop equipment territory.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

quattro Coupling Fluid (Transverse Models)

Every 40,000 mi

A3/S3/RS 3, Q3, and TT use a Haldex-style rear coupling: replace its fluid roughly every 40,000 miles (some model years specify sooner — check your manual). Longitudinal quattro (A5-A8, Q5, Q8) has no coupling service; see differential fluid instead.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$220–$290

Shop

~$155–$205

DIY

~$40–$90

VW/Audi/Volvo AWD coupling — specific fluid required. Filter usually swapped at the same time.

Spark Plugs

Every 40,000 mi

TFSI turbo engines: new plugs every 40,000 miles. RS models with the 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder: consider 30,000 miles under track or hard street use.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace every 40,000 miles; inspect at 20,000 on turbocharged engines — a clogged filter shows up as sluggish boost response first.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Timing Chain (EA888 — Inspect Tensioner)

On condition / lifetime

2.0 TFSI (EA888) engines before roughly 2013 had timing-chain tensioner failures — have the tensioner revision checked by 80,000 miles on earlier cars. Later engines carry the updated design with no scheduled service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Differential Fluid (Longitudinal quattro)

Every 60,000 mi

Q5, Q8, and A5-A8 quattro: independent Audi specialists recommend front/rear differential fluid service around 60,000 miles even where Audi lists it as lifetime fill.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Dust & Pollen Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles or 2 years. Audi specifies an activated-carbon filter on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

G12evo / G13 Coolant

On condition / lifetime

Audi coolant is labeled lifetime fill. Independent VW/Audi specialists recommend a refresh around 5 years or 100,000 miles to protect the water pump and thermostat housing — and only with the correct pink/lilac VW Group coolant.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

12 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

4

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2017 Audi A4 reflects Audi's published service intervals and the Audi Service Interval Display system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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