2013 Audi A4 Reliability
The 2013 Audi A4 has 111 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, most often about steering and engine. Compared with nearby A4 model years (2011–2015), it rates as a year to avoid: its complaint rate runs well above the A4's typical year, while the 2011 has a cleaner record.
By CarWhere Research · Updated 2026-11-04 · Source: NHTSA
111
NHTSA owner complaints
0
Recall campaigns
5
Complaints citing a crash
3
Complaints citing a fire
2013 Audi A4 complaints by component
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 model year, filed between 2012 and 2026. A complaint can name more than one component.
| Component | Complaints | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 57 | 51% |
| Engine | 20 | 18% |
| Electrical system | 11 | 10% |
| Powertrain / transmission | 9 | 8% |
| Unknown or other | 8 | 7% |
| Air bags | 6 | 5% |
| Fuel / propulsion system | 4 | 4% |
| Suspension | 3 | 3% |
2013 Audi A4 recalls
No recall campaigns are listed for the 2013 Audi A4 in NHTSA's recall database.
How the 2013 compares with nearby A4 years
Verdicts compare these A4 model years with each other.
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 42 | 0 | Engine | Better year |
| 2012 | 45 | 0 | Engine | Better year |
| 2013 (this page) | 111 | 0 | Steering | Avoid |
| 2014 | 76 | 0 | Engine | Solid |
| 2015 | 44 | 0 | Engine | Better year |
Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA and are not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, so they compare years of the same model rather than different models.
What to check on a used 2013 Audi A4
- Steering: check for a steering warning light, heavy or notchy steering and clunks over bumps; power-steering faults show up at low speed.
- Engine: cold-start it yourself, listen for ticking or knocking, check for oil leaks and oil consumption, and ask for oil-change records.
- Electrical: test every light, window, lock, the infotainment screen and the charging system; scan for stored fault codes.
- Transmission: test-drive from cold through every gear, feel for slipping, harsh or delayed shifts and shudder, and ask whether the fluid has been serviced.
- History: run the VIN for salvage, theft and odometer records, and have an independent mechanic inspect the car before you pay.
Check this exact car
Any 2013 Audi A4 can be better or worse than its model year. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015. Free preview first; the full report is $12.99, one time.
2013 Audi A4 reliability FAQ
Is the 2013 Audi A4 reliable?
The 2013 Audi A4 has 111 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, most often about steering and engine. Compared with nearby A4 model years (2011–2015), it rates as a year to avoid: its complaint rate runs well above the A4's typical year, while the 2011 has a cleaner record.
What are the most common 2013 Audi A4 problems?
The most-reported problem areas in NHTSA owner complaints for the 2013 Audi A4 are steering (57), engine (20), electrical system (11), powertrain / transmission (9). One complaint can name more than one component.
Does the 2013 Audi A4 have recalls?
No recall campaigns are listed for the 2013 Audi A4 in NHTSA's recall database.
How does the 2013 Audi A4 compare with the 2012 and 2014 models?
By NHTSA records, the 2012 has 45 complaints and 0 recalls (better year); the 2014 has 76 complaints and 0 recalls (solid). The 2013 has 111 complaints and 0 recalls.
How do I check a specific used 2013 Audi A4?
Run its VIN. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015, with a free preview first and the full report at $12.99, one time. Pair it with an independent pre-purchase inspection.
More Audi A4 research
Other Audi A4 model years:
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation owner complaints (all body-style listings for the 2013 A4, de-duplicated by complaint number) and NHTSA recall campaigns, retrieved 2026-11-04.