Audi Quattro Problems by Year
NHTSA has 82 owner complaints and 0 safety recalls on file for the Audi Quattro, across 10 model years (1995–2009). The 1999 model year has the most complaints (21). The most reported problem area overall is engine and engine cooling.
Audi Quattro years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Quattro year: 1999. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 1999 Quattro: 21 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2002 Quattro: 12 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2001 Quattro: 11 complaints, 0 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 1995 Quattro: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
- 2009 Quattro: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
- 2003 Quattro: 3 complaints, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Audi Quattro problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 15 | 7 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 14 | 7 | 3 |
| Electrical System | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Power Train | 9 | 8 | 0 |
| Steering | 9 | 5 | 1 |
| Tires | 9 | 5 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 9 | 5 | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 7 | 4 | 0 |
| Suspension | 6 | 3 | 1 |
| Equipment | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Structure | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Visibility | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Fuel System, Other | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Seats | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Audi Quattro model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Quattro | 1 | 0 | — | Power Train | |
| 2003 Quattro | 3 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 2002 Quattro | 12 | 0 | — | Electrical System | More complaints than other years |
| 2001 Quattro | 11 | 0 | — | Tires | More complaints than other years |
| 2000 Quattro | 7 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 1999 Quattro | 21 | 0 | — | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Far more complaints than other years |
| 1998 Quattro | 9 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 1997 Quattro | 11 | 0 | — | Vehicle Speed Control | More complaints than other years |
| 1996 Quattro | 6 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 1995 Quattro | 1 | 0 | — | Fuel System, Gasoline |
More from Audi: all Audi models · Audi VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi Quattro years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1999 (21) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Quattro year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Audi Quattro?
Engine and Engine Cooling, with 15 complaints across 7 model years.
How many recalls does the Audi Quattro have?
0 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.