Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2021 Audi A4
The 2021 Audi A4 is mostly reliable but has some notable issues, including problems with the back over prevention display, tires, rear seat belt retractors, and rear suspension. Ensure these are addressed to enjoy a smooth ownership experience.
Known issues to inspect
Display function failure
How to check: Verify display functionality for video feed.
Rear axle alignment issue
How to check: Inspect rear tires for uneven wear.
Rear seat belt retractor fails
How to check: Test rear seat belts for proper retraction.
Trailing arm lock nut issue
How to check: Check for any unusual noises from the rear.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Check dashboard for any warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights on display.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud or irregular noises.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Check acceleration for any lags.
Red flag: Noticeable delays when accelerating.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth gear transitions.
Red flag: Jerky or rough shifts.
- 05
Braking
What to check: Assess brake response and feel.
Red flag: Spongy or unresponsive brakes.
- 06
Parking
What to check: Test electronic features like camera and sensors.
Red flag: Feature malfunctions or errors.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the display issue been fixed?
- Any suspension repairs or adjustments made?
- Rear seat belts retract correctly?
- Are there any outstanding recalls?
- Service history for electrical issues available?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service records
- Recall clearance certificate
- Warranty information
- Accident history report
Generated by gpt-4o on 6/18/2026. Grounded in the NHTSA recall corpus and owner-complaint patterns for the 2021 Audi A4.