2016 Audi A4 Safety Report
2016 Audi A4: Excellent crash ratings, but concerning engine, steering, and fire-related complaints from owners.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Audi A4
Reliability Score
The 2016 Audi A4 receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2016 Audi A4
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Audi A4:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil Consumption/Failure Reports of excessive oil consumption, cylinder #4 failure, and general engine power loss/shaking. |
High | Common | 47000-69700 miles |
| Steering System Malfunction/Lock-Up Steering wheel locking up or becoming unresponsive at various speeds, including highway, with 'steering malfunction' warnings. |
High | Occasional | 30000-75000 miles |
| Fuel Pump Leaks Multiple reports of fuel pump leaking, sometimes requiring multiple replacements, posing a fire hazard. |
High | Occasional | 55000-55000 miles |
| Vehicle Unintended Acceleration/Braking Vehicle speeding up or braking on its own, leading to safety concerns. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Fire Incidents Two reported fire incidents, with one complaint referencing a recall (19N4) related to fire risk. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Audi A4:
Frequent complaints about excessive oil consumption, cylinder failure, and general engine performance issues like shaking and power loss.
Reports of steering wheel locking up, becoming unresponsive, or 'stuttering' due to electronic steering rack issues.
Issues primarily related to fuel pump leaks, requiring replacement.
Complaints include dipping/turning off lights while driving and MMI computer malfunctions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Audi A4
Is the 2016 Audi A4 safe?
Based on NHTSA crash test data, the 2016 Audi A4 received a perfect 5-star overall safety rating, indicating excellent crash protection. However, owner complaints highlight serious potential safety issues, including steering malfunctions, engine failures, and two reported fire incidents, suggesting that while it performs well in crashes, reliability and certain component failures can pose significant risks.
What are common problems with the 2016 Audi A4?
The most reported issues for the 2016 Audi A4 are related to the ENGINE (23% of complaints), including excessive oil consumption and cylinder failure. STEERING problems (8%) are also significant, with reports of the steering wheel locking up. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM issues (8%), primarily fuel pump leaks, and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM problems (4%) like headlight malfunctions are also noted.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Audi A4?
The provided data states 0 recalls. However, owner complaints explicitly reference NHTSA Campaign Numbers like 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 19N4 (fire risk), and a Takata recall, indicating that there have been recalls issued for this vehicle, but the provided summary might be incomplete or the recalls are not yet fully remedied for all vehicles.
Does the 2016 Audi A4 have steering problems?
Yes, NHTSA complaints indicate steering problems are a concern for the 2016 Audi A4. Multiple owners reported the steering wheel locking up or becoming unresponsive while driving, with one instance occurring at 75 MPH, nearly causing a collision. Issues like a worn rubber boot around the electronic steering rack and 'stuttering' steering are also mentioned.
Has the 2016 Audi A4 had fire incidents?
Yes, there are two reported fire incidents for the 2016 Audi A4 in the NHTSA complaint data. One complaint specifically mentions a burning odor, illuminated dashboard gauges, and an EPC warning light before noticing fire, and another references a recall (19N4) stating the car can go on fire.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2016 Audi A4 boasts top-tier crash safety ratings, potential buyers should be aware of recurring engine, steering, and fuel system issues, including fire risks, reported by owners. Thorough pre-purchase inspections focusing on these areas and verifying all recall remedies are crucial.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Audi A4
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Audi A4. The data includes 24 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 fire incidents, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Audi A4 an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.