What's Wrong with the 4th Generation (2008–2015) A4?

A4 owners have made 118 complaints about the 2008–2015 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 37th out of 39 Audi generations in overall reliability, with real engine and steering concerns.

Compare With Other A4 Generations

Common 2008-2015 Audi A4 Problems

Some of the worst issues 4th generation A4 owners have to deal with.

  1. Busted Timing Chains

    Audi's EA888 2.0-liter engine has a history of tensioner problems in its timing chain. The loose chain is to blame for multiple occurances of catastrophic engine failure. Audi was forced to offer settlement offers, including an extended war…

    Continue reading article "Busted Timing Chains" View of engine timing chain

  2. Excessive Oil Consumption

    It's normal for cars with six-figure odometer readings to burn a little oil. But recently a few automakers have been building specific engines that require a topping off of the oil reservoir in between changes. Audi tries to tell you this i…

    Continue reading article "Excessive Oil Consumption" Overhead view of engine timing chain, valves, and pistons

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

4th Generation (2008–2015) A4 Key Numbers

  1. 8 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 118 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 37th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 39 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 4th Generation A4 Owners

  • Settlement

    Coffeng, et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America,  Inc.

    3:17-cv-01825-JD

    1. Settlement

      A VW water pump class action settlement has been reached for these Volkswagen and Audi vehicles equipped with 2-liter EA888 TSI or TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder multi-valve engines with codes CCTA, CAEB, CAED and CBFA.

    2. Case Filed

      The VW water pump class action was filed over the primary engine water pump driven off one of the balance shafts, not the electric auxiliary water pump. According to the lawsuit, the pump consists of the thermoplastic water pump module that includes the water pump, thermostat and integrated sensors.

    Settlement
    Filing deadline is April 29, 2020.
    Class Vehicles
    • 2008-2013 Audi A3
    • 2009-2014 Audi A4
    • 2009-2014 Audi A5
    • 2011-2014 Audi Q5
    • 2012-2014 Audi A6
    • 2009-2014 Audi TT
    Location
    California

Recent 4th Generation (2008–2015) A4 News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. The A4's 4th generation runs from 2008 to 2015. Owners really love the blend of luxury, sport, and practicality, but there are a few issues that make the cars tough to recommend.

    76% of all the owner complaints about this generation are about the engine and they happen, on average, around 65,756 miles.[1] Three of these engine complaints really stand out, particularly in the 2009 to 2011 model years.…

    keep reading article "3 Engine Problems That Make it Hard to Recommend the 4th Generation Audi A4"

  2. There’s an important deadline coming up for Audi owners who previously paid for repairs to their timing chain system or damaged engine from a timing chain failure, and want the automaker to pick up the tab.

    A recently approved settlement benefits thousands of owners by providing them with an extended “new vehicle limited warranty” for any future repairs, plus conditional reimbursements for any previous repairs.…

    keep reading article "Upcoming Deadline for Timing Chain Reimbursements"

  3. Audi coolant pumps have been recalled (twice!) but their replacements aren’t ready yet.

    So what’s an owner who can’t drive their car supposed to do? Wait, apparently.

    A new lawsuit wants Audi to at least pony up for free loaner vehicles. Heck, I’m guessing some owners would even take an actual pony. Anything to get to work without starting a fire!…

    keep reading article "Audi Owners Are Tired of Waiting for their Replacement Coolant Pumps"

What A4 Owners Say About This Generation

Audi Thinks Excessive Oil Consumption is Fine

I called and called the dealership about the car using oil excessively... they kept telling me it was normal... I'm not a mechanic, but I know using 2 quarts plus in 5k miles is something wrong. I started reporting it before the car had 40k miles on it.

2011 A4 Owner in TX

Settlement for Defective Timing Chains and Tensioners

Our Audi A4 left us stranded 120 miles from home this past weekend. It ran fine all morning. We stopped, and when I tried to restart, it ran rough but evened out. The next time I started it, the engine continued to run rough, shuddered and stopped. It would not restart so I had it towed to the repair shop. The repairman told us the Tensioner had failed and the timing chain had jumped some teeth which had caused serious (as in you need a new engine) damage.

2009 A4 Owner in NC

Settlement for Defective Timing Chains and Tensioners

Bought the car, got it inspected at an Audi dealer that did not mention tensioner issues. I had the car almost a year when it failed, i had the car towed to my mechanic thinking it was something stupid, he called me the next day and said my engine blew.

2009 A4 Owner in Quebec