This bulletin provides information about vibrations and rotational steering vibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Audi A4 steering problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Audi A4 have filed 4 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 A4 | 57 |
| 2014 A4 | 24 |
| 2015 A4 | 3 |
| 2016 A4 | 4 |
| 2017 A4 (this page) | 4 |
When does it fail?
Of the 4 steering complaints filed for the 2017 Audi A4, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
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.
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 bulletin provides regarding visual damage for all vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This TSB provides information regarding rotational and other steerihng wheel vibrations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information when there is a prompt to take over steering; hands off detection.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This TSB provides information when the warning message "Steering lock for active steering failed" appears.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
2017 A4 Audi Allroad- while making turns at low speeds with the steering wheel, the vehicle makes cracking, popping and vibration noises. The noise was inspected and reproduced, confirmed on 1/4/2023 by Audi Fletcher Jones, Costa Mesa, California and advised to replace engine mounts, and both front upper control arms, total repair bill $3240.27. After vehicle repairs the steering noises and…
A few days ago I had an accident. I made a left turn onto the expressway ramp at 42 MPH. The road was wet and Audi in the middle of the turn activated “precrash sensors” and began to brake hard and the system locked the steering wheel. The car was completely uncontrollable and crashed the front wheel into the high curb, which damaged the wheels, rim and axles. The Audi exchange…
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2017 Audi A4?
It's a meaningful issue. 4 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 4 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 3,800 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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.