This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Audi A4 steering problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Audi A4 have filed 57 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 53,500 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
57
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 A4 | 15 |
| 2010 A4 | 3 |
| 2011 A4 | 4 |
| 2013 A4 (this page) | 57 |
| 2014 A4 | 24 |
| 2015 A4 | 3 |
| 2016 A4 | 4 |
| 2017 A4 | 4 |
2crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 57 steering complaints filed for the 2013 Audi A4, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 10 model years of Audi A4 we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 57.
Steering accounts for 52% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 6 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This TSB provides information regarding rotational and other steerihng wheel vibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when there are vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information if there is noise when steering the vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information for when the steering column adjustment does not work.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 A4's electromechanical steering system shows a pattern of failures that Audi has acknowledged through technical service bulletins but has not recalled. The most common complaint is a notchy, clicky feel as if the steering wheel moves through detent positions, especially when crossing center. This occurs at any speed and makes holding a straight line difficult; owners report constant corrective input required on highways, unintended lane departures, and overshooting when trying to correct.
Power assist loss is another major issue—steering abruptly becomes very stiff or loses assist entirely, requiring excessive force to turn the wheel, sometimes in emergency situations. Owners also report the steering wheel failing to return to center after turns and jamming at certain positions, particularly in cold weather.
The most severe failures involve complete system shutdown, where the steering locks up without warning and a dashboard message appears: "Steering Wheel Defective—Do Not Drive Vehicle." At least one owner lost control at 65 mph and crashed into a guardrail. Dealer repairs—typically power steering module or steering rack replacement—cost $2,500 to $3,770 out of warranty and frequently fail within weeks. Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSB 48-14-61 for intermediate steering shaft, software updates) but offers no recall, no permanent fix, and charges owners for repairs.
Same Audi A4 steering reports on nearby years: 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Electromechanical steering system notchy/clicky feel
Steering wheel exhibits intermittent notchy, clicky, or detent-like feel as if moving through fixed positions, especially when crossing center (12 o'clock). Occurs at any speed or stationary. Owners report difficulty maintaining lane position and tendency to over/under-correct.
When: Early in ownership (3,500 to 10,000 miles), recurring throughout service life
Symptoms owners cite: Notchy or clicky sensation through steering wheel travel; Resistance felt at certain steering wheel positions; Steering wheel jumps between detent positions; Difficult to position wheel between notches; Affects lane stability, especially at highway speeds; Symptom temporarily relieves after turning car off/on or turning wheel lock-to-lock
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack replacement attempted by dealers; problem returned within days to 45 days on multiple vehicles. Software/power steering module updates issued (Audi Technical Service Bulletin) but do not resolve issue for many owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) dated July 10, 2014 addressing intermediate steering shaft and electromechanical steering issues. Software updates provided at customer expense ($150–200 in some cases). Dealers acknowledge awareness of problem but no permanent fix offered.
Steering stiffness and loss of power assist
Steering wheel becomes intermittently stiff or loses power assist entirely, requiring excessive force to turn. Occurs without warning, sometimes related to cold temperatures. In extreme cases, steering locks up completely.
When: Throughout vehicle lifespan, appears more frequent in cold weather or lower temperatures
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes very hard to turn; Steering wheel does not return to center after turning; Complete loss of power steering feel; Excessive force required for routine turns; Steering wheel jamming at certain positions (approximately every 90 degrees); Intermittent, unpredictable occurrence; Can occur while stationary or in motion; Sometimes resolves temporarily after restart
Codes mentioned: Dynamic steering fault warning, Steering defective/do not drive warning message
Repairs/costs cited: Intermediate steering shaft replacement recommended (TSB 48-14-61). Power steering module/rack replacement attempted; repair costs cited at $2,500–$3,770 out of warranty. One owner reported corrosion of steering shaft at 60,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin 48-14-61 issued for intermediate steering shaft replacement. No recall issued. Some dealers report parts on backorder (2–8 weeks). Audi acknowledged problem in at least one case but offered no loaner vehicle assistance.
Steering instability and lane-holding difficulty
Vehicle will not hold straight line at highway speeds; requires constant small corrections to maintain lane position. Steering feels loose and unpredictable around center (12 o'clock). Not a directional pull but rather lack of centering control.
When: Apparent early in ownership, worsens over time
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle wanders off-center without road or steering input changes; Requires constant corrective steering input on highway; Feels like being buffeted by constant cross-winds despite calm conditions; Overshoots when correcting, requiring reverse correction; Dead zone of 1–2 inches around center steering position; Loose, unpredictable feedback a few inches either side of neutral; Unintentional lane departures
Repairs/costs cited: Software upgrades applied (some noted at 5,000 miles). Steering module/rack replacement attempted without permanent resolution. Owners report dealer claim that behavior is 'normal for Audi' despite no such issues in 2017 model year.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi software updates provided. Dealers state awareness of problem; one noted that vehicle VIN is flagged for steering issues. No permanent fix available as of complaint dates. No recall issued.
Intermediate steering shaft stiffness and binding
Intermediate steering shaft develops stiffness and binding in the universal joints, restricting free wheel movement and causing hard steering. Technical inspection confirms mechanical binding within shaft assembly.
When: Confirmed at 52,346 miles; appears to be mid-to-late-life failure
Symptoms owners cite: Significant restriction in steering while turning for lane changes; Stiffness and binding in wheel movement; Hard steering requiring excessive force; Steering response deteriorates in emergency maneuvers
Repairs/costs cited: Complete intermediate steering shaft replacement required. Part reported on extended backorder (2–8 weeks); dealer had 30+ customers awaiting same part. No alternative repair method noted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) dated July 10, 2014 issued for multiple Audi models addressing intermediate steering shaft. No recall issued. Parts availability limited; no loaner assistance offered.
Complete steering system failure and electric shutdown
Steering system completely fails without warning, rendering vehicle undriveable. System may seize, lock up, or lose all power assist. Dashboard warning lights and messages appear: 'Steering Wheel Defective, Do Not Drive Vehicle' or similar.
When: Can occur early (800 miles) through late in ownership (140,000 miles); often intermittent initially before complete failure
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden, complete loss of steering control; Steering wheel locks up; Dashboard warning: 'Do Not Drive Vehicle—Steering Defective'; Warning light illuminates: traction control or other warnings; Steering wheel becomes completely immobile or extremely difficult to move; No warning before failure; Vehicle unsafe to drive
Codes mentioned: Steering defective warning message, Dynamic steering fault warning
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering module replacement cited at $2,500 (dealer quoted $4,000). Electric steering component/universal steering rack failure. Repairs typically required towing. At least one crash occurred when steering failed at highway speed (65 mph).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Audi acknowledges problem as known issue for 2013 A4 models around 50,000 miles, described as 'catastrophic failure.' No permanent fix offered. Manufacturer offered no assistance in at least one case where steering seized.
Synthesized from 57 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
Bought my 2013 Audi a4 used I notice a notchy feel while driving just after I bought it, but thought this was normal. As time went on it became more uncomfortable and felt unsafe driving at highway speeds(or slow speeds) when your steering wheel would move to the left & right while driving. I did some research and there are plenty more people with this problem, seems like a safety problem that…
August of 2021. It was raining out and I drove through a puddle and my electric steering shut down. This has been a known defect for at least 10 years with Audi and NHTSA has done NOTHING about it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Audi a4. While driving various speeds, the power steering seized without warning intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to Audi indianapolis (4610-b e 96th st, indianapolis, in 46240, (317) 853-4582) where the intermediate steering shaft was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Audi a4. While driving 5 MPH, the front passenger tire struck a curb and the "steering wheel defective don't drive" warning indicator illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to Audi san francisco (1525 howard st, san francisco, ca 94103, (888) 779-0546) where it was diagnosed that…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Audi a4. While driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn left. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle on the side of the road for ten minutes. Once she continued driving, the failure recurred. The contact called van horn Volkswagen of sheboygan (located at 5515 racetrack rd, sheboygan, wi 53081, (920) 457-8844)…
There are two issues which occur without warning, usually when the car is cold or while driving on the freeway. The first issue occurs when traveling in a straight line and is a "slip" in the steering wheel when crossing the 12 o'clock position where it feels like it's holding fine and then suddenly "slips" and then grabs again when you turn the wheel off center. This happens with no change in…
2013 Audi A4 with a 2.0 turbo engine approximately 62.5K miles and up to date with all services. I was driving on the highway at highway speeds when the engine suddenly started to misfire with a partial loss of power making the car difficult to steer. At that time the check engine light was not illuminated. I was able to get off the highway and drive home about 2 miles away from when the…
While driving, on or off the highway steering stiffens making it hard or impossible to make turns. It is a scary situation, which forced me to pull over on the highway once- I was not able to switch lanes due to the hardness of the steering wheel. This occurs randomly, at anytime or speed, even at slow speeds while driving in the neighborhood. It occurs to either side, sometimes one side of the…
Had steering trouble with your 2013 Audi A4?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2013 Audi A4?
It's a meaningful issue. 57 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 46 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 13,890 and 70,000 miles, with the median around 53,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,890; a quarter make it past 70,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Audi/A4.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.