MODEL
Audi A4 Safety
NHTSA safety across every Audi A4 model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the Audi A4 we cover (2019 to 2025), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 95 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2021 at 89. 12 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Audi A4 is a compact luxury sedan that has anchored the entry-level premium segment for decades, competing against the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Aimed at professional buyers who want a refined, driver-focused daily vehicle with genuine prestige, the 2019 to 2025 A4 generation brings German engineering sensibility to a segment where safety expectations run high.
A peak NHTSA Safety Index of 95 out of 100 places the 2024 Audi A4 in the Exceptional safety band. This score reflects strong performance, with side and rollover protection earning five out of five stars in federal testing. Frontal protection received four out of five stars, a solid rating, though not matching the five-star scores in other categories. Over the 2019 to 2025 model years, the A4 accumulated 12 recalls. This count is not unusual for a seven-year production span for a luxury vehicle, but verifying recall completion for any used example is crucial. The model generated 143 owner complaints across the covered years. Of these, four complaints allege crashes and two allege injuries. While unverified, the low total volume of complaints relative to sales does not indicate a widespread safety concern. The 2024 Audi A4 represents the safety benchmark for its generation.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the A4 for its polished, composed driving character and upscale interior quality, positioning it as one of the more refined and driver-satisfying options in the compact luxury sedan segment. Most find it a well-rounded choice, though some note that rivals have closed the gap in technology features and interior space in recent years.
- The 2024 A4 achieves the highest NHTSA Safety Index in this generation at 95 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. If safety scores are a priority, the newest model years in this generation are the strongest choices.
- Frontal crash protection earns four out of five stars in NHTSA testing, one star below the perfect scores seen in side and rollover categories. Buyers with specific frontal-impact concerns should weigh this alongside IIHS results for a complete picture.
- Twelve recalls span the 2019 to 2025 model years. Any used A4 shopper should run a free VIN check at NHTSA.gov before purchase to confirm all recall repairs have been performed by an authorized dealer.
- Owner complaints across covered years total 143, including four alleged crashes and two alleged injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the relatively low complaint volume for a luxury sedan sold in meaningful numbers suggests no widespread, obvious safety pattern of concern.
Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Audi A4 with 4 recalls.