In the European service world, Audi transmission and driveline failures land on our lifts with regularity. 542 complaints across 64 year-model entries (2005–2025) is consistent with what we move in parts orders. The pattern repeats across model years, which usually points to a shared component supplier rather than a single bad production batch. 11 crash reports on file. Not a high count, but the failure mode has put owners in the position to file. Across the 222 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 56,644 miles. Independent-shop repair on this category runs around $2,500; dealer pricing tends to run thirty to forty percent higher on European brands. Pull a transmission fluid sample if you can. Color and smell tell you more than mileage alone. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, walk.
ProblemsByVin AUDI / POWERTRAIN
64 model-year entries · 2005–2025
Audi powertrain problems
542 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Audi vehicles for powertrain issues. See powertrain across all makes →
Complaints
542
Recalls
0
Year-models
64
Avg fix
$2,500
11crashes
2fires
Worst-affected Audi model-years for powertrain Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2010 Audi S4
42 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2019 Audi Q8
38 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2006 Audi A3
36 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2011 Audi S4
22 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2007 Audi A3
15 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2006 Audi A4
15 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2005 Audi A4
15 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2012 Audi S4
14 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2009 Audi A3
14 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2019 Audi A6
13 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2008 Audi A4
13 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2008 Audi A3
13 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2011 Audi Q5
12 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2021 Audi Q5
10 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2010 Audi S5
10 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2019 Audi e-tron
9 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2018 Audi Q5
9 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2017 Audi Q7
9 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2016 Audi A3
9 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2013 Audi S5
9 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2010 Audi A3
9 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2021 Audi e-tron
8 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2015 Audi A3
8 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2013 Audi A4
8 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2013 Audi S4
8 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
Common questions
How many Audi powertrain complaints are on file with NHTSA?
542 complaints across 64 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for Audi.
Which Audi model has the most powertrain complaints?
The 2010 Audi S4 leads with 42 complaints in this category. Next: 2019 Q8 (38) and 2006 A3 (36).
What does it cost to fix Audi powertrain problems?
Independent shops average $2,500 for powertrain repairs across the Audi lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Audi powertrain recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover powertrain issues on Audi vehicles. The complaints are owner-reported and have not risen to a manufacturer recall.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Frank DeSantis, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Audi.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.