NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Audi A4 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Audi A4 scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 11 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Audi A4 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, securing its position in the Strong safety band. This represents a one-point decrease from the 2020 model's Exceptional 90. Federal NHTSA crash-test performance stands as a clear strength for this model year, despite four recall campaigns issued against the vehicle.
The 2021 Audi A4 Sedan holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Audi A4 ranks 39 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.9% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 11 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 39 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Audi A4?
The 2021 Audi A4 recorded a slight but notable shift in its safety profile, with its NHTSA Safety Index score moving from 90 in 2020 to 89. This one-point decrease places the 2021 model in the Strong category, down from an Exceptional rating. This change primarily stems from the defect record sub-score, which stands at 14.25 out of a possible 20 points. The sedan's crash protection remains robust, earning 65 out of 70 points, and its avoidance technology achieved a perfect 10 out of 10. These figures confirm the integrity of the A4's safety systems. However, four active recall campaigns contribute to its adjusted defect score. The recall for the rear seat-belt retractor is particularly relevant to the A4 Sedan, having been issued during its production year. An additional tire recall, while affecting a broader range of Audi models, also factors into the assessment of active defect concerns for this specific model year. For a vehicle now five years removed from its production year, the 2021 A4 presents a safety profile characterized by strong crash test results alongside a concentrated, though not insignificant, recall history. The Strong rating should not be interpreted as a cautionary signal, but the one-point decline in the Safety Index from the previous model year is a relevant data point for potential owners.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Audi A4 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Audi A4 achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA, though its frontal impact protection registered at 4 out of 5 stars, preventing a clean sweep of perfect scores across all categories. Both side impact and rollover protection earned the maximum 5 stars. The vehicle demonstrated a 10 percent rollover risk, with no dynamic tip recorded during testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15586
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Audi A4 have any recalls?
Yes, four recall campaigns cover the 2021 A4. The most safety-critical for this specific model is a rear seat-belt retractor defect, filed August 2021. A second campaign addresses tire concerns across multiple Audi models. Two additional campaigns involve back-over display function and rear suspension axle assemblies on related Volkswagen Group vehicles that also captured certain 2021 Audi variants. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data for this model year.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION22V742000
Risk: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Reported 2022-10-05
TIRES22V034000
Risk: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Reported 2022-01-26
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR21V606000
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Reported 2021-08-05
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY21V295000
Risk: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Reported 2021-04-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Audi A4?
Eleven owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 A4, including 3 alleged crash incidents and 1 alleged injury. The most frequently cited components are the Electrical System and an Unknown or Other category at 3 reports each, followed by Power Train, Lane Departure, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Suspension at 2 reports each. All are unverified consumer allegations.
11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Audi A4?
For the 2021 A4, four recall campaigns are on record. Any shopper considering this model year should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. Confirming that all remedies have been completed, especially the rear seat-belt retractor fix, is the single most important safety step.
- The 2021 A4's Safety Index dropped one point to 89 from the 2020 model's 90, driven by a defect record sub-score of 14.25 out of 20 tied to four active recall campaigns.
- A rear seat-belt retractor recall issued in August 2021 directly names the 2021 A4 Sedan and represents the most occupant-critical defect campaign for this specific model year.
- NHTSA frontal crash protection earned 4 out of 5 stars, the only rating below perfect in an otherwise full-star sweep that includes 5-star side, rollover, and overall scores.
- Eleven unverified owner complaints on file include alleged concerns with the Electrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance system, and Lane Departure system, components that are otherwise standard safety equipment on this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Audi A4 places
The 2021 Audi A4 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Audi A4 safety questions
Was the 2021 Audi A4 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Audi A4, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Audi A4 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Audi A4 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Audi A4 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Audi A4. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Audi A4?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 11 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Audi A4. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other A4 years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15586), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Audi A4 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 39 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.