2019 Audi A4 Reliability: What To Know Before Investing In Your Purchase
2019 Audi A4 by Vauxford - CC-BY-SA-4.0
The Audi A4 is a compact premium sedan manufactured by German automaker Audi since 1994. Now in its fifth generation, the A4 has a rich history as Audi’s best-selling non-crossover model. Over the years, it has set design, technology, and performance benchmarks. The 2019 model year makes an appealing target for used car buyers because it has enough depreciation to make the selling price attractive while still having newer technology. With this in mind, we’ll examine the 2019 Audi A4’s reliability so you can make a fully informed purchase decision.
This look at 2019 Audi A4 reliability comes from reviewing Consumer Reports and RepairPal ratings. In addition, an analysis of maintenance and repairs will give prospective owners an idea of what the future might hold. We’ll wrap things up by highlighting common trouble areas and recalls based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The 2019 A4 continues the current generation’s understated elegance meshed with sharp, contemporary lines. The base configuration is front-wheel drive with a 188-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. However, available all-wheel drive (Quattro in Audi-speak) is paired with a punchier 248-horsepower version of the same engine. The performance-oriented Audi S4 comes with a V6 but is considered a separate model (and isn’t covered in this article).
Inside, drivers are greeted with Audi’s MMI infotainment touch interface and standard leather upholstery. These goodies help the A4 stay relevant in a fiercely competitive segment (including the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C Class).
2019 Audi A4 Reliability: Ratings
Consumer Reports (CR) gives the 2019 A4 a 59 (out of 100) for reliability, a mid-tier ranking. This score falls behind the Infiniti Q50 and Acura TLX but puts the A4 ahead of the 3 Series and C Class. According to CR, the most common A4 problems affect the brakes and climate control system. In addition, in-car electronics (like the infotainment system and parking sensors) can be troublesome. CR ranks Audi 19th out of 30 car brands for reliability.
RepairPal doesn’t have sufficient information to rate the reliability of the 2019 A4 but offers insights into the model from an overall perspective. The site gives the Audi A4 a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, which places it 14th out of 31 luxury midsize cars (somewhat better than CR’s rankings).
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At the same time, consumers have a far more favorable take on the 2019 A4. Based on reviews submitted to Kelley Blue Book, its 4.5 (out of 5) rating reflects high marks for quality and reliability. This ranking matches the Mercedes C Class and tops the 4.2 owners gave the BMW 3 Series.
It’s not unusual to come across inconsistent reliability ratings. This shouldn’t necessarily dissuade you from buying a particular car, but it’s a reminder to be cautious before handing over any money. Any used car under serious consideration should receive a detailed pre-purchase inspection by a trained technician. It’s the best way to catch problems before they become your problems. Reviewing a car’s service records, if available, is also wise.
2019 Audi A4 Reliability: Maintenance & Repair
RepairPal says the typical Audi A4 has a $739 annual maintenance and repair bill. This amount is consistent for other vehicles in the class but higher than the $652 average for all vehicle models.
The A4 is better than average regarding repair frequency. This Audi requires an unscheduled trip to the repair shop 0.4 times per year compared to an average of 0.6 times among all cars in the class. However, repair severity is slightly worse than average for the A4. Major issues account for 13% of repairs, against 12% for similar vehicles.
2019 Audi A4 Reliability: Trouble Areas
It’s not unusual to come across dozens, if not hundreds, of owner complaints on file with NHTSA for cars similar in age to the 2019 A4. However, that’s not the case with this Audi. As of this writing, the agency has only eight reports. This is quite low, which makes pointing to a problem pattern challenging. The 2019 A4 may be exceptionally reliable, or troubles have yet to surface.
Nonetheless, here are the issues that have so far been encountered by owners (some owners may have reported multiple problems):
- Engine and/or powertrain (2)
- Electrical system (3)
- Airbags (2)
- Back-over prevention (1)
- Forward collision avoidance (2)
- Fuel/Propulsion system (1)
- Unknown/Other (1)
- Service brakes (1)
THE AUDI A4 YEARS TO AVOID
While it sells well and is considered a prestigious brand, it still has occasional disappointments. Considering buying one? Here are the Audi A4 years to avoid.
2019 Audi A4 Reliability: Recalls
In an era common with multiple recalls on a single model, the A4’s sole recall is a positive sign. In addition, this single recall deals with airbags, something that doesn’t involve areas (like the engine and transmission) where reliability is critical.
Disabled Passenger Air Bag
November 10, 2021, NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V874000
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall for specific 2019 Audi A4 sedan models related to a faulty cable connection that can disable the passenger airbag. Specifically, the cable that connects the seat heater to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have a contact fault. This fault can turn off the passenger airbag, even when the seat is occupied.
The recall remedy is for dealers to replace a connecting cable and, sometimes, the seat heating mat or the entire seat cover. This recall is an expansion of a previous recall (number 19V-547). Any 2019 A4 sedan that had repairs under the previous action will need to return to the dealer for the new correction.
Vehicle recall status (for any car) can be checked at the NHTSA website. Information for recalls involving the 2019 A4 or another Audi is available at authorized dealers or the Audi website.
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2019 Audi A4 Essentials
Here are key details about the 2019 Audi A4.
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