Audi A4 Common Faults in Ireland
B8 (2007–2015) and B9 (2015–2024) — mid-size executive saloon and Avant estate (Audi calls the A4 its midsize model), also sold as the A4 allroad quattro. Updated 2026-10-14.
Eight Irish recall notices name the Audi A4: five in the CCPC archive (2014–2020) and three on the RSA pages (2023–2024). They include the CCPC notice of 19 January 2018 (4,069 A4, A5 and Q5 cars built April 2011–May 2015, air-conditioner auxiliary heater element) and two 2020 notices for A4, A5, A6, A7 and Q5 cars built May 2017–March 2020 (belt starter generator, fire risk). Recalls from 2021–2022 could not be checked, so ask an Audi dealer to check the car's VIN for open recalls and confirm in writing that any recall work is done. This guide does not rank model years or engines by reliability; it relies on regulator, manufacturer and published survey documents.
Live Audi A4 market on Autoza — 10 November 2026
Median asking price €22,500 · from €7,950. See the live Audi A4 listings →
Buying a Audi A4? Check these next
Figures for this model, not averages.
CO₂ and VRT
- Diesel: 126–165 g/km (typically 146)
- Diesel hybrid: 126–153 g/km (typically 136)
- Petrol: 141–170 g/km (typically 158)
- Hybrid: 141–163 g/km (typically 152)
WLTP, measured across 3,608 Irish-registered cars (EEA data). CO₂ sets the VRT band when you import one.
Estimate the VRT on an import →Monthly cost
At the €22,500 median asking price, see what a Audi A4 costs a month on PCP.
PCP calculator →For sale now
Audi A4 listings from Irish dealers, from €7,950. Check each one against the faults and checks below.
See Audi A4 listings →Set by CO₂ and by the date of first registration — NEDC table for July 2008–2020 registrations, WLTP table from January 2021. The two tables use the same band letters for different amounts, so an import is keyed to its first registration abroad. Check your exact rate →
Quick-stats values are indicative editorial estimates aggregated from owner-forum sentiment, recall portals, and reliability surveys. For Autoza-derived median asking prices per cohort with sample size and confidence tier, see the open dataset at huggingface.co/datasets/Autoza/irish-used-car-price-index.
Which Audi A4 years should you avoid?
No single model year stands out in the sources checked, so none is named worst. The documents that do exist are recalls, and they are tied to build dates, not model years: the CCPC and RSA notices name the A4 for builds between 1997 and March 2020 (all listed below). The RSA's own pages cover 2023–2026 and no RSA entry from 2025 or 2026 names the A4; its 2011–2022 archive is held by the CCPC, whose Audi notices in the copies read here end in 2020, so recalls from 2021–2022 could not be checked. Avoid any A4 whose recall work is unconfirmed, and be cautious with any car that has no documented service history.
Best and worst years to buy
No single model year stands out in the sources checked, so none is named best. What the documents do show: Audi Ireland's price list of 17 November 2014 shows the B8 range as A4 Saloon, Avant and allroad quattro with 1.8 TFSI (120 and 170 PS), 2.0 TFSI 221 PS quattro S-Tronic, 2.0 TDI (120, 136 ultra, 150 and 177 PS) and 3.0 TDI 245 PS quattro S-Tronic engines, with multitronic offered on the front-wheel-drive 1.8 TFSI 170 and 2.0 TDI 150. Audi Ireland's price list of July 2016 (read as a third-party copy) calls the B9 "the all new Audi A4" with 1.4 TFSI 150, 2.0 TFSI 190, 2.0 TDI 150 and 190 and 3.0 TDI 218 and 272 engines, a 7-speed S-Tronic on most versions and an 8-speed tiptronic on the 3.0 TDI 272. Audi's press release of 17 July 2019 describes the update (German-market details): eight engine variants at launch, five of them with a 12-volt mild-hybrid system, a new 10.1-inch MMI touch display, orderable in Europe from May 2019 and in dealerships from autumn 2019; Audi's Media Center lists the A4 as "until 2024". Audi Ireland's new-car warranty (terms last updated July 2024) is 3 years from first registration, with unlimited mileage for the first two years and the third year up to 90,000 km, whichever comes sooner, so a car first registered more than three years ago is outside it. Those describe what changed; they are not evidence that any year is more reliable.
No single model year stands out in the sources checked, so none is named worst. The documents that do exist are recalls, and they are tied to build dates, not model years: the CCPC and RSA notices name the A4 for builds between 1997 and March 2020 (all listed below). The RSA's own pages cover 2023–2026 and no RSA entry from 2025 or 2026 names the A4; its 2011–2022 archive is held by the CCPC, whose Audi notices in the copies read here end in 2020, so recalls from 2021–2022 could not be checked. Avoid any A4 whose recall work is unconfirmed, and be cautious with any car that has no documented service history.
Known faults — Audi A4 B8 (2007–2015) and B9 (2015–2024)
Fault patterns are cross-checked against manufacturer technical bulletins, the RSA Ireland recall portal and Autoza dealer feedback. Repair costs are Irish ranges built from verified 2026 Irish labour rates, never converted from another market. Severity is colour-coded.
Recall status: ask an Audi dealer to check the VIN
Major — significant repair cost- Symptoms
- An unfinished recall may show no symptoms at all. Eight Irish recall notices that name the A4 are listed in the entries below (CCPC archive 2014–2020 and RSA 2023–2024).
- Years affected
- All years. The notices cover builds from 1997 to March 2020 and name builds, not model years or generations, so check each build window against the car's build date.
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Recall work: arranged through Volkswagen Group Ireland Limited (Audi Ireland), which the RSA and CCPC notices say writes to the registered owners of the cars affected
- What to check before buying
- Ask an Audi dealer to check the car's VIN against open recalls and give you written confirmation that all recall work is done. The RSA recall pages do not offer a VIN lookup: its FAQ says to check with an authorised dealer quoting the VIN, and recall queries can go to vehiclerecalls@rsa.ie. The RSA's own pages start in 2023 and its 2011–2022 archive is held by the CCPC, so earlier notices were read from archived copies of the CCPC pages; the Audi notices there end in 2020, so recalls from 2021–2022 could not be checked. What Car?'s page for the 2015–2024 A4 (updated 10 February 2026) lists 17 UK recalls from 2017 to 2022, several of which (for example an additional coolant pump, low-pressure fuel rails and rear-axle nuts) do not appear on either Irish list; whether they applied to Irish cars is not shown there. Source: RSA recalls by manufacturer (2023–2026) and CCPC product recall notices (2014–2020).
CCPC recall (29 October 2014): front airbag control-unit software (A4 Saloon, Avant and allroad)
Major — significant repair cost- Symptoms
- CCPC wording: in very rare instances the front airbags may not inflate correctly in the event of an accident; the rectification is a software update in the airbag control unit. The notice says Audi Ireland recommended that owners keep driving the cars until the update was carried out.
- Years affected
- A4 Saloon, A4 Avant and A4 allroad built between November 2011 and mid-October 2014: the CCPC gives 2,740 vehicles in Ireland
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Free recall repair: the CCPC notice says the software update was free of charge at an authorised Audi dealer
- What to check before buying
- Relevant to A4s built 2011–2014. Ask an Audi dealer to confirm in writing that this recall was done, and check that the airbag (SRS) warning lamp lights at start-up and then goes out. Source: CCPC product recall notice, 29 October 2014 (archived copy).
CCPC recall (12 April 2017): airbag and belt-tensioner igniters (cars built 18 July–14 October 2016)
Major — significant repair cost- Symptoms
- CCPC wording: a supplier changed its production process and the airbag and belt-tensioner igniters were made without strict adherence to the prescribed tolerances over a certain period, so the airbag or seat belt may not work correctly in an accident.
- Years affected
- Certain Audi A1, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5 and Q7 built 18 July–14 October 2016: the CCPC gives 32 affected vehicles in Ireland across all those models
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Free recall repair: the CCPC notice says the refit was free of charge at an authorised Audi dealer
- What to check before buying
- Relevant to A4s built in mid-2016. Ask an Audi dealer to confirm in writing that this recall was done on any A4 built in 2016. Source: CCPC product recall notice, 12 April 2017 (archived copy).
CCPC recall (19 January 2018): air-conditioner auxiliary heater element (A4, A5 and Q5 built April 2011–May 2015)
Moderate — service-level fix- Symptoms
- CCPC wording: the auxiliary heater element in the air conditioner may fail on Audi cars built in that period, and in rare cases this may lead to thermal damage. The notice adds that the auxiliary heater can be switched off from the CAR menu / A/C submenu of the MMI system (details are in the owner's manual).
- Years affected
- A4, A5 and Q5 produced April 2011–May 2015: the CCPC gives 4,069 cars in Ireland across the three models
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Free recall repair: the CCPC notice says the work was free of charge at an authorised Audi service centre
- What to check before buying
- Relevant to B8-era A4s. Ask an Audi dealer to confirm in writing that this recall was done; at the viewing, check that the heating and climate control work and that there is no burning smell from the vents. Source: CCPC product recall notice, 19 January 2018 (archived copy).
CCPC recalls (12 May and 25 November 2020): belt starter generator, moisture and fire risk (A4 built May 2017–March 2020)
Major — significant repair cost- Symptoms
- CCPC wording: moisture getting into the belt starter generator could cause short-circuits and local overheating, and a subsequent vehicle fire cannot be ruled out; the belt starter generator is replaced. The May notice adds that, because the unit has a permanent power supply, this can happen after the car has been parked for a while, and that until the work is done the car should in principle be parked outdoors only.
- Years affected
- Audi A4, A5, A6, A7 and Q5 produced May 2017–March 2020: 205 vehicles (notice of 12 May 2020) and approximately 1,767 vehicles (notice of 25 November 2020) in Ireland, in each case across all the models named; the notices do not say whether the second figure includes the first or which A4 versions have the unit
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Recall work: arranged through Volkswagen Group Ireland Limited (Audi Ireland), which the 25 November 2020 notice says has sent a letter to the registered owners
- What to check before buying
- Ask an Audi dealer to confirm in writing that this recall was done on any A4 built between May 2017 and March 2020. The notices do not say which A4 versions or engines have the affected unit, so rely on the VIN check. Source: CCPC product recall notices, 12 May and 25 November 2020 (archived copies).
RSA recalls (2023): Takata airbag inflators on older A4s (built 1997–1999 and 2004–2011)
Major — significant repair cost- Symptoms
- RSA wording for 12 April 2023: according to Takata, degradation of the propellant through humidity and temperature may make the airbag housing burst if the airbag is activated, so metal parts could become detached and seriously injure occupants; the recall is a precaution in Ireland because similar cars are already being recalled in hotter, more humid markets. RSA wording for 2 October 2023: Takata "NADI" (non-azide) driver-airbag gas generators produced in 1997–1999 may be faulty, so the restraining effect of the deployed driver airbag might not always be fully guaranteed.
- Years affected
- RSA entries naming the A4: 12 April 2023 (A4, S4, A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, RS4, RS4 Cabriolet, A6, S6, A6 allroad quattro and RS6 built 23 February 2004–3 August 2011: 10 vehicles in Ireland across all those models) and 2 October 2023 (A4, A6, A8 and TT built 1997–1999: 3,299 vehicles in Ireland across all four models). The RSA does not say which A4 generation either entry covers; AUTO BILD dates the B8 build from 2007, so the first window reaches the earliest B8 cars.
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Recall work: arranged through Volkswagen Group Ireland Limited (Audi Ireland), which the RSA says has sent a letter to the registered owners
- What to check before buying
- Mainly relevant to very old A4s and the earliest B8s. Ask an Audi dealer to check the VIN and give you written confirmation that any airbag work has been done. The RSA has no VIN lookup. Source: RSA recalls by manufacturer (2023).
RSA recall (18 July 2024): driver airbag gas generator (A3, A3 Cabriolet and A4 Cabriolet built 13 July 2004–22 April 2013)
Major — significant repair cost- Symptoms
- RSA wording: a defect in the gas generator of the driver airbag may result in uncontrolled inflation and the release of metal fragments, which can cause injury to the occupants. The entry does not name Takata.
- Years affected
- Audi A3, A3 Cabriolet and A4 Cabriolet built 13 July 2004–22 April 2013: RSA lists 99 vehicles in Ireland across the three models. Only the Cabriolet is named for the A4; the saloon and Avant are not named in this entry.
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Recall work: arranged through Volkswagen Group Ireland Limited (Audi Ireland), which the RSA says has sent a letter to the registered owners
- What to check before buying
- Relevant to the A4 Cabriolet. Ask an Audi dealer to confirm in writing that this recall was done. Source: RSA recalls by manufacturer (2024).
Audi Ireland EA189 diesel campaign (voluntary service action, not a mandatory recall in Ireland)
Moderate — service-level fix- Symptoms
- Audi Ireland's FAQ: software fitted in certain Volkswagen Group diesels affected nitrogen-oxide (NOx) emissions under test conditions; it says the issue has no impact on safety or roadworthiness and that owners can keep driving an affected car in Ireland whether or not the technical measure has been carried out. Audi Ireland says EU6 cars and cars with EA288 diesel engines are not affected.
- Years affected
- Diesel Audis with EA189 engines. Audi Ireland's pages do not list models. The German regulator KBA's April 2016 report names "certain variants of the Audi A4" with 2.0-litre engines among the cars authorised for the retrofit in Germany. Audi Ireland says it wrote to affected Irish owners from October 2015; whether a given car is affected depends on its VIN.
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Recall work: Audi Ireland's FAQ says the technical measure is free of charge, takes less than 60 minutes and must be done at a Volkswagen Group authorised dealer or service partner
- What to check before buying
- Audi Ireland's EA189 campaign page (campaign code 23Q4) lets an owner check a car by its 17-character chassis number; ask an Audi retailer to run the VIN and, if the update was done, ask for the certificate of completion that the dealer issues. Source: Audi Ireland EA189 page and FAQ, read 14 October 2026; KBA, Report by the Volkswagen Commission of Inquiry, April 2016.
Automatic gearbox test drive (S tronic, multitronic or tiptronic)
Major — significant repair cost- Symptoms
- Look for hesitation, judder or lurching from a standstill, harsh or jerky changes, slipping, or gearbox warning lights on the test drive
- Years affected
- Automatic A4s. Audi Ireland's November 2014 price list (B8) shows multitronic on the front-wheel-drive 1.8 TFSI 170 and 2.0 TDI 150, and an S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic on the quattro 2.0 TFSI 221, 2.0 TDI 177 and 3.0 TDI 245. Its July 2016 list (B9, third-party copy) shows a 7-speed S-Tronic on most versions and an 8-speed tiptronic on the 3.0 TDI 272 quattro. Audi's 2019 press release says the updated A4 launched with an automatic on every engine variant, the 7-speed S tronic on six of them and the 8-speed tiptronic on the 45 TDI, with a manual to follow on the 35 TFSI.
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Independent garage €900–€1,800 · Main dealer €1,400–€2,800This is the clearest case for going independent: a specialist rebuild of the existing unit typically costs well under a dealer’s replacement unit. Diagnosis alone is usually €80–€180 — pay for that first and decide afterwards.
- What to check before buying
- Long test drive including pulling away from a standstill, low-speed manoeuvring, a hill and motorway acceleration; ask for the gearbox's service record. If anything feels wrong, have an Audi dealer or an independent gearbox specialist inspect the car before you buy, and get two written quotes for any repair. A pre-purchase inspection typically costs about €180–€250 at an ordinary garage. What Car?'s owner-survey page for the 2015–2024 A4 (updated 10 February 2026) reports occasional "lurches" from the S tronic automatic, and AUTO BILD's 2026 TÜV check page says the B9's dual-clutch gearbox tends to judder and that the B8's multitronic (a continuously variable automatic) can be very expensive to repair after a failure. Those are one survey page and one magazine's view, not Audi findings, and no Audi bulletin or recall naming a gearbox fault was found.
Gearbox oil service history (S tronic)
Moderate — service-level fix- Symptoms
- Missing or unclear gearbox service history on an automatic
- Years affected
- Automatic (S tronic) A4s of all years
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Independent garage €900–€1,800 · Main dealer €1,400–€2,800This is the clearest case for going independent: a specialist rebuild of the existing unit typically costs well under a dealer’s replacement unit. Diagnosis alone is usually €80–€180 — pay for that first and decide afterwards.
- What to check before buying
- The Audi Ireland pages reviewed give no S tronic oil interval and none was found for the A4. For a given car the service booklet, or an Audi retailer quoting the VIN, is the authority: ask for the gearbox code and the record of any oil service.
Engine oil level and consumption (2.0 TFSI petrol)
Moderate — service-level fix- Symptoms
- A low oil-level reading or warning, an owner who tops up between services, blue smoke on start-up, or oil on the underside of the engine
- Years affected
- 2.0 TFSI petrol A4s. What Car?'s owner-survey page for the 2015–2024 A4 (updated 10 February 2026) says engine problems are the most frequent complaint, specifically high oil consumption in the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engines. AUTO BILD's 2026 TÜV check page says some B9 engines show increased oil consumption and that B8 1.8 and 2.0 TFSI engines can be heavy oil users (the magazine's own summary).
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Costs vary widely by garage — get one quote from a local independent and one from a main dealer before committing. Irish labour runs about €70–€110 an hour independent and €110–€160 at a franchised dealer, VAT included.
- What to check before buying
- With the engine cold, check the oil level on the dipstick or display, ask how much oil the seller adds between services and for the record of oil changes, and look for oil around the engine. This reflects UK owner comments and one magazine's summary, not an Audi bulletin or recall; no Audi document naming oil consumption was found. A pre-purchase inspection typically costs about €180–€250 at an ordinary garage.
Timing belt service history (diesel engines)
Major — significant repair cost- Symptoms
- No record of a timing-belt change, or a belt service whose date cannot be confirmed
- Years affected
- 2.0 TDI A4s. Volkswagen Group of America training documents for its 2.0-litre TDI common-rail engine (SSP 826803, 2009) and for the EA288 diesel family (SSP 820433, February 2014) describe a toothed-belt camshaft drive; neither names the A4 and no Audi document found gives the A4's belt interval. Audi of America's training document for the third-generation 2.0 TFSI (the 2016 A4) lists a timing chain, and its document for the 1.4 TFSI says that engine's camshafts are belt-driven, so belt or chain depends on the engine and its code.
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Independent garage €450–€800 · Main dealer €650–€1,200Belt only, without the water pump, is roughly €300–€700 independent. Doing the pump at the same time costs little extra in labour and is the sensible call.
- What to check before buying
- Ask for the record of the last timing-belt change and the interval in the car's service booklet, and confirm the engine code with an Audi retailer. If there is no record, price a belt service into the purchase. This is a service-record check: no Audi bulletin or recall naming a timing-belt fault was found.
Cooling system (coolant level and water pump)
Moderate — service-level fix- Symptoms
- A low coolant level, a coolant warning, dried coolant residue under the bonnet, or a sweet smell after a drive
- Years affected
- All years (general check). What Car?'s owner-survey page for the 2015–2024 A4 says owners reported occasional water pump leaks across the range; AUTO BILD's 2026 TÜV check page lists coolant loss through loose hose connections on the B8 (the magazine's summary).
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Independent garage €450–€800 · Main dealer €650–€1,200Belt only, without the water pump, is roughly €300–€700 independent. Doing the pump at the same time costs little extra in labour and is the sensible call.
- What to check before buying
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and look for residue around hoses, the water pump and the engine; ask for the service history. If anything looks wrong, have a garage inspect it and get two written quotes. This reflects UK owner comments and one magazine's summary, not an Audi bulletin; the UK recalls on What Car?'s page for an additional coolant pump do not appear on the Irish lists read.
Suspension springs, brake hoses and driveshafts (wear items)
Moderate — service-level fix- Symptoms
- Knocking or clonking over bumps, a car sitting low on one corner, uneven tyre wear, a spongy or pulling brake, or clicking from the driveshafts on full lock
- Years affected
- Older cars. AUTO BILD's TÜV check of 13 June 2026, which reports German main-inspection (HU) results for the A4 and A5 together, says B9 cars show an above-average rate of axle-suspension defects, mainly broken springs among 6–7-year-olds and 8–9-year-olds (each more than twice as often as the average), that brake hoses on 12–13-year-old B8 cars are criticised more than twice as often as the average, and that B8 driveshaft defects among 10–11-year-olds are above average but rare.
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Independent garage €180–€320 · Main dealer €280–€450Per axle, discs and pads together. Fronts usually wear roughly twice as fast as rears.
- What to check before buying
- At a pre-purchase inspection, have the car on a ramp and ask the inspector to check the springs, brake hoses, driveshaft joints, bushes and shock absorbers. This reflects German inspection findings for A4 and A5 cars together, not a measurement of Irish cars. A pre-purchase inspection typically costs about €180–€250 at an ordinary garage.
Older B8 cars: wiring, rear lights, flywheel and EGR (items one magazine lists)
Moderate — service-level fix- Symptoms
- Electrical faults or warning lights, water or condensation inside the rear lights, a Park position that will not select or release on an S tronic car, judder or rattle from the clutch on a manual diesel, or loss of power on a diesel
- Years affected
- B8 (built 2007–2015). AUTO BILD's 2026 TÜV check page lists, as its own summary for the B8, short circuits in the wiring harness, water in the LED rear lights, a blocked parking lock on the 7-speed S tronic, defective dual-mass flywheels and power loss on TDI diesels, and costlier repairs for leaking exhaust-gas recirculation (it also lists oil consumption and coolant loss, covered above).
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Independent garage €800–€1,400 · Main dealer €1,200–€2,000German marques sit at the top of the dealer range.
- What to check before buying
- On a B8, test every light and electrical function, look inside the rear lights for water, check that an S tronic car selects and releases Park normally, and on a manual diesel check the clutch for judder or rattle. This is one magazine's summary, not an Audi bulletin, recall or inspection statistic.
Diesel particulate filter and exhaust warnings
Moderate — service-level fix- Symptoms
- Look for an engine or exhaust-system warning light, rough running or reduced power on the test drive
- Years affected
- Diesel A4s of all years. What Car?'s page for the 2015–2024 A4 says there are no specific diesel problems to be aware of other than diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues that can affect modern diesels that do not get hot enough to regenerate, and suggests a petrol model if most of the driving will be short urban trips.
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Independent garage €250–€700 · Main dealer €1,000–€3,000A specialist clean is the usual first step and by far the cheaper route. Main dealers generally replace the filter rather than clean it, which is where the four-figure quotes come from — so get a specialist to assess it before agreeing to a replacement.
- What to check before buying
- Ask for the full service history and how the car was used (regular longer runs or mostly short trips), check for warning lights at start-up, and consider a diagnostic scan before buying. If work is needed, get two written quotes. What Car?'s statement is a buying tip, not an Audi bulletin or recall.
Infotainment, electrics and ABS warning lights
Moderate — service-level fix- Symptoms
- Touchscreen flickering or unresponsive, phone not connecting, an ABS or other warning light that stays on, or electrical glitches
- Years affected
- All years (general check). What Car?'s page for the 2015–2024 A4 says there have been problems with the infotainment system, with phones not connecting properly and flickering screens the main complaints, and that the latest software from Audi can cure some of them; its owner survey also mentions electrical glitches, including some expensive ABS pump and control-unit failures. AUTO BILD's 2026 TÜV check page says the MMI's iPhone pairing in the B9 does not always work reliably.
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Costs vary widely by garage — get one quote from a local independent and one from a main dealer before committing. Irish labour runs about €70–€110 an hour independent and €110–€160 at a franchised dealer, VAT included.
- What to check before buying
- Use the touchscreen, navigation, phone connection and every electrical function for 15 minutes during the test drive, check that no ABS or other warning light stays on after start-up, and ask whether the latest Audi software update has been applied. These are UK owner comments and a buying-guide tip, not an Audi bulletin or recall.
Mild-hybrid (12-volt) A4s from the 2019 update
Moderate — service-level fix- Symptoms
- Warning messages relating to the electrical system or stop-start, or the engine not restarting smoothly in stop-start traffic
- Years affected
- A4s with the 12-volt mild-hybrid system. Audi's 17 July 2019 press release says five of the eight engine variants at the update's launch (35, 40 and 45 TFSI and 30 and 35 TDI) have it, with the other variants to follow gradually; it describes a belt alternator starter and a separate lithium-ion battery of 10 Ah at the rear. Audi Ireland's warranty terms say batteries in mild-hybrid vehicles are covered for the standard vehicle warranty periods, with no separate energy-content warranty.
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Costs vary widely by garage — get one quote from a local independent and one from a main dealer before committing. Irish labour runs about €70–€110 an hour independent and €110–€160 at a franchised dealer, VAT included.
- What to check before buying
- Ask an Audi retailer to check the VIN against the belt starter generator recall above (A4 built May 2017–March 2020); the notices do not say whether the mild-hybrid versions are the ones affected. Check for warning messages and smooth restarts during the test drive. This is a general check on a mild-hybrid car, not a documented fault.
Mileage, service history, warranty and pre-purchase inspection
Moderate — service-level fix- Symptoms
- Gaps in the service record, missing invoices, or a mileage that does not match the wear
- Years affected
- All years
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Costs vary widely by garage — get one quote from a local independent and one from a main dealer before committing. Irish labour runs about €70–€110 an hour independent and €110–€160 at a franchised dealer, VAT included.
- What to check before buying
- Ask for the full service history and receipts, have an Audi retailer check the VIN for open recalls, and book an independent pre-purchase inspection before you pay. What Car?'s used-buying guide says many A4s were company or lease cars, that the quality of the interior materials disguises high mileage well, making the car an ideal candidate for clocking, and that the history should be watertight with no mileage discrepancies. Audi Ireland's new-car warranty terms (last updated July 2024) give a 3-year warranty from first registration (a minimum of two years with unlimited mileage, then the third year up to 90,000 km, whichever comes sooner), a 3-year paintwork warranty and a 12-year anti-perforation warranty, so an A4 registered more than three years ago is outside the 3-year warranty; the terms also say the warranty is invalidated if a mileage-altering device has been fitted. Earlier cars were sold under earlier terms, so ask an Audi retailer what applies to a specific car.
Who this car suits — and who should look elsewhere
Buyers wanting a mid-size saloon or Avant estate who will check the car's recall status, service history (including the gearbox service record on an automatic and the timing-belt record on a diesel), mileage and motor-tax band before buying.
Buyers who cannot confirm a car's recall status, mileage and service history before paying.
Frequently asked questions about the Audi A4
What are the most common faults on a used Audi A4 in Ireland?+
Eight Irish recall notices name the Audi A4: five in the CCPC archive (2014–2020) and three on the RSA pages (2023–2024). They include the CCPC notice of 19 January 2018 (4,069 A4, A5 and Q5 cars built April 2011–May 2015, air-conditioner auxiliary heater element) and two 2020 notices for A4, A5, A6, A7 and Q5 cars built May 2017–March 2020 (belt starter generator, fire risk). Recalls from 2021–2022 could not be checked, so ask an Audi dealer to check the car's VIN for open recalls and confirm in writing that any recall work is done. This guide does not rank model years or engines by reliability; it relies on regulator, manufacturer and published survey documents.
What is the best year to buy a used Audi A4 in Ireland?+
No single model year stands out in the sources checked, so none is named best. What the documents do show: Audi Ireland's price list of 17 November 2014 shows the B8 range as A4 Saloon, Avant and allroad quattro with 1.8 TFSI (120 and 170 PS), 2.0 TFSI 221 PS quattro S-Tronic, 2.0 TDI (120, 136 ultra, 150 and 177 PS) and 3.0 TDI 245 PS quattro S-Tronic engines, with multitronic offered on the front-wheel-drive 1.8 TFSI 170 and 2.0 TDI 150. Audi Ireland's price list of July 2016 (read as a third-party copy) calls the B9 "the all new Audi A4" with 1.4 TFSI 150, 2.0 TFSI 190, 2.0 TDI 150 and 190 and 3.0 TDI 218 and 272 engines, a 7-speed S-Tronic on most versions and an 8-speed tiptronic on the 3.0 TDI 272. Audi's press release of 17 July 2019 describes the update (German-market details): eight engine variants at launch, five of them with a 12-volt mild-hybrid system, a new 10.1-inch MMI touch display, orderable in Europe from May 2019 and in dealerships from autumn 2019; Audi's Media Center lists the A4 as "until 2024". Audi Ireland's new-car warranty (terms last updated July 2024) is 3 years from first registration, with unlimited mileage for the first two years and the third year up to 90,000 km, whichever comes sooner, so a car first registered more than three years ago is outside it. Those describe what changed; they are not evidence that any year is more reliable.
Which Audi A4 years should you avoid?+
We have not found a published source that singles out a model year of the B8 (2007–2015) and B9 (2015–2024) Audi A4 to avoid, so none is named. Check the VIN for open recalls and the service history of any car before you buy.
How much does a used Audi A4 cost in Ireland in 2026?+
Typical asking prices on Autoza.ie: About €11,500–€25,500 for 2012–2023 cars; indicative asking prices on autoza.ie on 14 October 2026 (10th–90th percentile of current asking prices, rounded to €500) that vary widely with age, mileage, engine and spec. Prices vary by mileage, county, and trim. Compare at least five listings of the same year and mileage band before negotiating.
What is the motor tax on a Audi A4 in Ireland?+
Annual motor tax: Set by the car's CO2 figure, not the model name (Department of Transport rates, read at gov.ie on 14 October 2026). Cars registered from 1 July 2008 to 31 December 2020 use NEDC bands. Audi Ireland's November 2014 price list (B8, NEDC CO2 figures for the Saloon) shows, for example, the 2.0 TDI 136 ultra at 104 g/km in NEDC Band A3 (€190 a year); the 2.0 TDI 120, 150 manual and 177 at 117–120 g/km in NEDC Band A4 (€200 a year); the 2.0 TDI 150 multitronic at 127 g/km in NEDC Band B1 (€270 a year); the 1.8 TFSI 170, 2.0 TDI 150 quattro and 2.0 TDI 177 quattro S-Tronic at 133–139 g/km in NEDC Band B2 (€280 a year); and the 3.0 TDI 245 quattro S-Tronic at 149 g/km in NEDC Band C (€400 a year). The Avant versions list a few grams more, which can move a car into a higher band, and a car's own registration figure decides its band, so these examples show the range rather than the rate for any one car. The euro rates are those in the Department of Transport table (effective 1 January 2021; the gov.ie page was last updated on 5 October 2022); the 2014 price list printed older euro amounts for its higher bands. Cars registered from 1 January 2021 use WLTP bands: Audi's Media Center data sheets for the final A4 Saloon (WLTP, German-market data) give 120–142 g/km for the 30 TDI, from WLTP Band A6 (€190 a year) to WLTP Band C1 (€270 a year); 130–153 g/km for the 40 TDI S tronic, from WLTP Band B1 (€200 a year) to WLTP Band C2 (€280 a year); and 140–166 g/km for the 35 TFSI S tronic, from WLTP Band B2 (€210 a year) to WLTP Band D (€420 a year). Wheels, tyres and options change a car's figure, so use the figure on the car's own papers and check the specific car at motortax.ie.. Irish motor tax is set by CO2 and by the date the car was FIRST REGISTERED, not by model generation: cars first registered between July 2008 and December 2020 are taxed on the NEDC CO2 table, and cars first registered from 1 January 2021 on the WLTP table. The two tables use the same band letters for different amounts, so the same car can pay a different rate depending on its registration date. An import is keyed to its first registration in its country of origin. Check the CO2 figure on your VRC against the tables on https://autoza.ie/motor-tax-calculator-ireland for the exact rate.
What real-world fuel economy does a Audi A4 achieve on Irish roads?+
Fuel economy: Official test figures are quoted here; real-world consumption varies and the two tests give different figures. Audi Ireland's November 2014 price list (NEDC, average fuel, Saloon): 2.0 TDI 136 ultra 4.0 l/100 km; 2.0 TDI 120 and 150 manual 4.5; 2.0 TDI 150 multitronic 4.8; 2.0 TDI 150 quattro 5.1; 1.8 TFSI 170 5.7; 3.0 TDI 245 quattro S-Tronic 5.7. Audi's Media Center data sheets for the final A4 Saloon (WLTP, combined, German-market data): 30 TDI S tronic 5.4–4.6 l/100 km; 35 TDI S tronic 5.5–4.6; 40 TDI S tronic 5.8–5.0; 35 TFSI S tronic 7.3–6.2; 40 TFSI S tronic 7.1–6.1. The ranges depend on the wheels and tyres fitted.. Official WLTP figures are lab figures; real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, weather and how the car is used.
How does a Audi A4 compare to its rivals?+
Strong alternatives in Ireland: BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, Skoda Superb, VW Passat, Volvo V60. Choose based on dealer network in your county, parts availability, and your priorities (running cost vs. cabin quality vs. badge).
Who is the Audi A4 most suitable for?+
Buyers wanting a mid-size saloon or Avant estate who will check the car's recall status, service history (including the gearbox service record on an automatic and the timing-belt record on a diesel), mileage and motor-tax band before buying.
Who should NOT buy a Audi A4?+
Buyers who cannot confirm a car's recall status, mileage and service history before paying.
What should I know about the Recall status: ask an Audi dealer to check the VIN on the Audi A4?+
Recall status: ask an Audi dealer to check the VIN: an Irish recall notice, not a general fault pattern. Symptoms: An unfinished recall may show no symptoms at all. Eight Irish recall notices that name the A4 are listed in the entries below (CCPC archive 2014–2020 and RSA 2023–2024).. Years affected: All years. The notices cover builds from 1997 to March 2020 and name builds, not model years or generations, so check each build window against the car's build date.. Repair cost in Ireland: Recall work: arranged through Volkswagen Group Ireland Limited (Audi Ireland), which the RSA and CCPC notices say writes to the registered owners of the cars affected What to check before buying: Ask an Audi dealer to check the car's VIN against open recalls and give you written confirmation that all recall work is done. The RSA recall pages do not offer a VIN lookup: its FAQ says to check with an authorised dealer quoting the VIN, and recall queries can go to vehiclerecalls@rsa.ie. The RSA's own pages start in 2023 and its 2011–2022 archive is held by the CCPC, so earlier notices were read from archived copies of the CCPC pages; the Audi notices there end in 2020, so recalls from 2021–2022 could not be checked. What Car?'s page for the 2015–2024 A4 (updated 10 February 2026) lists 17 UK recalls from 2017 to 2022, several of which (for example an additional coolant pump, low-pressure fuel rails and rear-axle nuts) do not appear on either Irish list; whether they applied to Irish cars is not shown there. Source: RSA recalls by manufacturer (2023–2026) and CCPC product recall notices (2014–2020).
What should I know about the CCPC recall (29 October 2014): front airbag control-unit software (A4 Saloon, Avant and allroad) on the Audi A4?+
CCPC recall (29 October 2014): front airbag control-unit software (A4 Saloon, Avant and allroad): an Irish recall notice, not a general fault pattern. Symptoms: CCPC wording: in very rare instances the front airbags may not inflate correctly in the event of an accident; the rectification is a software update in the airbag control unit. The notice says Audi Ireland recommended that owners keep driving the cars until the update was carried out.. Years affected: A4 Saloon, A4 Avant and A4 allroad built between November 2011 and mid-October 2014: the CCPC gives 2,740 vehicles in Ireland. Repair cost in Ireland: Free recall repair: the CCPC notice says the software update was free of charge at an authorised Audi dealer What to check before buying: Relevant to A4s built 2011–2014. Ask an Audi dealer to confirm in writing that this recall was done, and check that the airbag (SRS) warning lamp lights at start-up and then goes out. Source: CCPC product recall notice, 29 October 2014 (archived copy).
What should I know about the CCPC recall (12 April 2017): airbag and belt-tensioner igniters (cars built 18 July–14 October 2016) on the Audi A4?+
CCPC recall (12 April 2017): airbag and belt-tensioner igniters (cars built 18 July–14 October 2016): an Irish recall notice, not a general fault pattern. Symptoms: CCPC wording: a supplier changed its production process and the airbag and belt-tensioner igniters were made without strict adherence to the prescribed tolerances over a certain period, so the airbag or seat belt may not work correctly in an accident.. Years affected: Certain Audi A1, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5 and Q7 built 18 July–14 October 2016: the CCPC gives 32 affected vehicles in Ireland across all those models. Repair cost in Ireland: Free recall repair: the CCPC notice says the refit was free of charge at an authorised Audi dealer What to check before buying: Relevant to A4s built in mid-2016. Ask an Audi dealer to confirm in writing that this recall was done on any A4 built in 2016. Source: CCPC product recall notice, 12 April 2017 (archived copy).
Alternatives to consider
If the Audi A4 doesn't suit, these comparable models are worth a look in the Irish market:
Still deciding? Compare by budget
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Before you buy or sell a Audi A4
Two quick checks pay for themselves on any used A4. First, check the car's NCT history before you buy — a missed or repeat-fail NCT often signals a chronic fault the seller is hoping you'll miss. Second, if you're weighing the A4 against rival models, you can compare the A4 against its rivals side-by-side on price, running costs and spec.
Selling instead? See what your Audi A4 is worth with our free Irish valuation — it reads live comparable listings and returns a resale and trade-in figure in seconds, no signup.
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