Audi's lineup has 1,174 recorded NHTSA recalls across 50 models (1981–2026) and averages 4.2/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Audi's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Audi — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Audi, originating from Germany, has long been recognized for its blend of luxurious comfort, sporty performance, and cutting-edge technology. They’re frequently chosen by discerning drivers who appreciate refined engineering and a distinctive design aesthetic – often those seeking a premium driving experience. ForCar.org allows you to decode any AUDI VIN to uncover comprehensive vehicle specifications, including recall history and a wealth of detailed information about your specific model.
Decode a Audi VIN
Enter any 17-character Audi VIN for its exact year, trim, engine and assembly plant — then its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
All Audi models 50
Every Audi model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Audi SUVs & crossovers 13
Audi Cars & sedans 21
Audi Wagons 1
Audi More models 15
Audi recalls
Across the Audi lineup, ForCar tracks 1,174 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Audi recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| Audi model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Audi A6 | 142 | 4.5 /5 |
| Audi A4 | 73 | 4.5 /5 |
| Audi Q7 | 67 | 4.5 /5 |
| Audi A8 | 59 | 4.0 /5 |
| Audi A7 | 58 | 3.5 /5 |
| Audi A3 | 54 | 4.5 /5 |
| Audi S6 | 54 | 4.5 /5 |
| Audi S8 | 43 | 4.0 /5 |
| Audi 5000 | 41 | 3.5 /5 |
| Audi A5 | 38 | 4.5 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Audi: Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Audi reliable?
Across rated models, Audi averages a 4.2/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 40 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Audi competes in the global premium and luxury segments alongside BMW and Mercedes-Benz, with overlap into Volkswagen Group platforms shared with Porsche and Bentley. The brand's engineering-led positioning emphasizes quattro AWD traction, interior craftsmanship and the Audi Sport RS performance variants. Within Volkswagen Group, Audi serves as the technology and powertrain incubator whose innovations migrate down to VW and Skoda.
Audi models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| Audi model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Audi A4 | 2,958 | 4.5 /5 |
| Audi A6 | 1,518 | 4.5 /5 |
| Audi Q7 | 973 | 4.5 /5 |
| Audi A3 | 818 | 4.5 /5 |
| Audi S4 | 576 | 5.0 /5 |
| Audi Q5 | 497 | 4.5 /5 |
| Audi TT | 339 | 4.0 /5 |
| Audi A5 | 252 | 4.5 /5 |
| Audi A8 | 229 | 4.0 /5 |
| Audi allroad | 224 | 3.5 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Audi models
The most fuel-efficient Audi models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Audi e-tron | 115 mpg | Car |
| Audi Q8 | 87 mpg | Car |
| Audi e-tron GT | 85 mpg | Car |
| Audi RS e-tron GT | 85 mpg | Car |
| Audi SQ8 | 73 mpg | Car |
| Audi A3 | 39 mpg | Car |
| Audi A4 allroad | 35 mpg | Car |
| Audi RS 3 | 32 mpg | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Safest Audi models
Audi models by NHTSA overall crash-test rating (5★ is best). Open a model for its frontal, side and rollover scores by year.
| Audi model | NHTSA safety | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Audi S4 | ★★★★★ | 5.0 /5 |
| Audi S3 | ★★★★★ | 5.0 /5 |
| Audi Q5 | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Audi A4 | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Audi Q3 | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Audi Q7 | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Audi A5 | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Audi A3 | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
Best NHTSA overall 5-Star Safety rating per model (highest tested year). Source: NHTSA NCAP.
Audi hybrids & electric models
Audi's electrified lineup — 21 hybrids and 5 electric / plug-in. Click any model for its full powertrain, MPG and range by year.
Audi hybrids 21
Audi electric & plug-in 5
Electrified variants from EPA fueleconomy.gov powertrain data. A model may offer gas, hybrid and electric versions across years.
Get a Audi window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Audi's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Audi window stickers →How to read a Audi VIN
Every Audi built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
| Positions | Section | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | WMI | World Manufacturer Identifier — country and that it's a Audi |
| 4–8 | VDS | Model, body style, engine and trim |
| 9 | Check digit | Validates the VIN isn't mistyped |
| 10 | Model year | The exact year (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025) |
| 11 | Plant | The factory that assembled it |
| 12–17 | Serial | The unique production sequence number |
Where to find your Audi VIN: the lower-left corner of the windshield, the driver's door jamb sticker, or your registration and insurance documents. Paste it into the decoder above to read it instantly.
About Audi
August Horch founded his namesake company in 1899, but trademark disputes after his 1909 departure forced him to rename his new venture; he chose Audi, the Latin translation of the German horch (listen). The 1932 merger of Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer formed Auto Union AG, the source of the four-ring logo. The brand was reborn under Volkswagen ownership in 1965 with the Audi 60 sedan, and the 1980 Quattro coupé brought permanent all-wheel drive to mainstream sedans.
| Founded | 1909 |
| Headquarters | Ingolstadt, Germany |
| Parent company | Volkswagen Group |
| Slogan | "Vorsprung durch Technik" |
| Models tracked | 50 (1981–2026) |
Audi — frequently asked
How do I decode a Audi VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Audi models are there?
ForCar tracks 50 Audi models spanning 1981–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Audi made?
Audi is headquartered in Ingolstadt, Germany, founded in 1909. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Audi recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Audi model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Audi is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Audi warranty?
New Audi vehicles come with a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 4 years / 50,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Audi dealer.