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Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 and Subaru Outback Lemon Odds and Nada Odds for the Year Ending June 30, 2018

An asterisk (*) marks results based on small sample sizes.

Year Make/Model Nada Odds per 100 Cars Lemon Odds per 100 Cars    
39 vehicles, 11.4 months per vehicle, 20100 miles driven2017 Audi A4
[?] see reported repairs
  39 vehicles, 11.4 months per vehicle, 20100 miles driven
140 vehicles, 11.4 months per vehicle, 17100 miles driven2017 Subaru Outback
[?] see reported repairs
  140 vehicles, 11.4 months per vehicle, 17100 miles driven
122 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 32100 miles driven2016 Subaru Outback
[?] see reported repairs
  122 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 32100 miles driven
30 vehicles, 11.4 months per vehicle, 35400 miles driven2015 Audi A4 / S4 Join or sign in to view   see reported repairs
  30 vehicles, 11.4 months per vehicle, 35400 miles driven
93 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 41300 miles driven

Redesigned. Common problems with wind noise around the front side windows and the fuel door release.
2015
Subaru Outback
[?] see reported repairs
  93 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 41300 miles driven

Redesigned. Common problems with wind noise around the front side windows and the fuel door release.
49 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 41400 miles driven2014 Audi A4 / S4
[?] see reported repairs
  49 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 41400 miles driven
48 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 57600 miles driven2014 Subaru Outback
[?] see reported repairs
  48 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 57600 miles driven
62 vehicles, 11.6 months per vehicle, 54800 miles driven

Refreshed for this model year.
2013
Audi A4 / S4
[?] see reported repairs
  62 vehicles, 11.6 months per vehicle, 54800 miles driven

Refreshed for this model year.
77 vehicles, 11.6 months per vehicle, 75800 miles driven2013 Subaru Outback
[?] see reported repairs
  77 vehicles, 11.6 months per vehicle, 75800 miles driven
29 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 67600 miles driven2012 Audi S4 Join or sign in to view   see reported repairs
  29 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 67600 miles driven
58 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 79600 miles driven2012 Subaru Outback
[?] see reported repairs
  58 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 79600 miles driven
25 vehicles, 11.8 months per vehicle, 75200 miles driven

Multiple reports of mechatronics problems with the S4's DSG transmission. Multiple reports of excessive oil consumption for the 2.0T engine. Some engines rebuilt with updated piston rings.
2011
Audi S4 Join or sign in to view   see reported repairs
  25 vehicles, 11.8 months per vehicle, 75200 miles driven

Multiple reports of mechatronics problems with the S4's DSG transmission. Multiple reports of excessive oil consumption for the 2.0T engine. Some engines rebuilt with updated piston rings.
80 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 95300 miles driven2011 Subaru Outback
[?] see reported repairs
  80 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 95300 miles driven
52 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 103600 miles driven

Redesigned for this model year. Dramatic improvement in reliability compared to the previous generation.
2010
Subaru Outback
[?] see reported repairs
  52 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 103600 miles driven

Redesigned for this model year. Dramatic improvement in reliability compared to the previous generation.
37 vehicles, 11.6 months per vehicle, 124400 miles driven

Common problems with wheel bearings and CV joint boots.
2008
Subaru Outback
[?] see reported repairs
  37 vehicles, 11.6 months per vehicle, 124400 miles driven

Common problems with wheel bearings and CV joint boots.
28 vehicles, 11.9 months per vehicle, 134900 miles driven

Includes 2005.5. First model year of the B7 A4.
2006
Audi A4 Join or sign in to view   see reported repairs
  28 vehicles, 11.9 months per vehicle, 134900 miles driven

Includes 2005.5. First model year of the B7 A4.
26 vehicles, 11.8 months per vehicle, 114900 miles driven

Muliple reports of problems with head gaskets, cv joint boots, sway bar links, and wheel bearings.
2006
Subaru Outback Join or sign in to view   see reported repairs
  26 vehicles, 11.8 months per vehicle, 114900 miles driven

Muliple reports of problems with head gaskets, cv joint boots, sway bar links, and wheel bearings.
31 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 125300 miles driven

Redesigned for this model year. Most common problems involve struts, wheel bearings, steering pump, CV joints.
2005
Subaru Outback H4 Join or sign in to view   see reported repairs
  31 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 125300 miles driven

Redesigned for this model year. Most common problems involve struts, wheel bearings, steering pump, CV joints.

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Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 vs. Subaru Outback Lemon Odds and Nada Odds

Other sources of Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 and Subaru Outback reliability data provide only averages, which can conceal as much as they reveal. So we also report the percentage of Audi A4 / S4 / RS4s and Subaru Outbacks with no repairs at all in the past year and the percentage of Audi A4 / S4 / RS4s and Subaru Outbacks that are lemons (required three or more repair trips in the past year). These figures might surprise you.

These stats are promptly updated four times a year, to closely track Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 and Subaru Outback lemon odds as the cars age. Others can be over a year behind. Only TrueDelta tells you how reliable the Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 and Subaru Outback have been recently.

To see how frequently Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 and Subaru Outback problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.

What Our Members Are Saying about the Brand Reputation of the Audi A4 / S4 / RS4

Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 Brand Reputation: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 4dr Wagon turbocharged 211hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Audi now rivals Mercedes and Porsche for brand image. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 211hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
great brand see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
2007 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual AWD
I focused on the A4 Avant in part due to many reviews of this model vs other "comparable" vehicles. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
2007 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Audi-for people who can park themselves, right? this is the brand for people who know better. quattro baby! see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
2006 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Overall I like the styles, though they need to work on interior design. Here again, the TT designers did great on interior, A4 less so but ok. Audi brand reputation and image to me is one of style plus excellent handling. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
2006 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Audi is a high-class brand. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
2006 4dr Sedan 340-horsepower 4.2L V8
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Audi is competent without being flashy. Confident without being cocky. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
2005 4dr Sedan turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Love German Cars see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
2005 4dr Wagon 340-horsepower 4.2L V8
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
I am an avid Audi fan. I have always followed their racing efforts as well as their production cars. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
2003 4dr Wagon turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4
5-speed manual AWD
Audi is a luxury brand. It is clearly the vehicle I would like to be associated with. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 Brand Reputation: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2002 4dr Sedan 220-horsepower 3.0L V6
6-speed manual AWD
Not as well regarded as mercedes or bmw see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
2002 4dr Sedan turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4
5-speed manual FWD
This car was taken to the dealership during the initial free maint period of 50,000 miles. I always provided my own synthetic oil as the dealership wouldn't use synthetic if they provided the oil. After 50K, I did attempt to use the dealership on a couple of occasions only to be shocked at the high dollar quotes for the most simple of repairs. They wanted $900 to replace the cam shaft seals. $1800 for timing belt kit install. The dealer attitude is that owner repairs are only done by fools at their own peril. My experience with this car has led me to understand that Audi vehicles do require more maintenance and attention than your average Japanese brands. It is a German car and there are engineering qualities that I admire. But it ain't a spaceship requiring a highly skilled scientist to work on it. Given this snooty attitude I experienced at the dealeship, I wish Audi (Service Reps) would be less about making a buck and more about pleasing the customer. Audi cars are fine vehicles. However, if you want to own one, try to do some of your own maint and repairs. I see too many negative comments in other review forums related to the high cost of ownership due to repairs at dealerships. I understand that some folks can't or won't work on their own vehicles. If this is your situation, I would not recommend an Audi. see full Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Brand Reputation of the Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback Brand Reputation: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
Lived up to reputation, one year 20,000 miles no repairs. see full Subaru Outback review
2012 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
This is our 3rd Outback and 10th Subaru with ours and our kids. We love Subaru's. Safety was the reason we purchased our first Subie, a '95 Legacy, for our daughter. All wheel drive and the other safety features of Subaru sold us. We still feel like our Subaru's give us an edge in any unexpected unpleasant situation on the road. When Subaru came to the U.S., it was known for quirky fun vehicles. The Subaru's of today remain fun, but a lot of the quirkiness is gone. In design and execution, they seem more mainstream now. Our Subaru's have been reliable. The all wheel drive system seems bullet proof and with one exception the engines have been the same. Our '99 Outback has had an overheating gremlin. With normal maintenance a Subaru can be trouble free. see full Subaru Outback review
2011 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Most Subaru owners go back again when changing their cars see full Subaru Outback review
2010 4dr Wagon 256-horsepower 3.6L H6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
It has engendered fierce owner loyalty. I wanted to understand that better after owning many other vehicles over 4 decades. see full Subaru Outback review
2010 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
After reading the excellent reviews on Conumer Reports, and talking to Subaru owners I beagn to like the product. After seeing the bank for my buck value and then driving one I was sold! see full Subaru Outback review
2010 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD
Very durable and GREAT in the snow. see full Subaru Outback review
2009 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
4-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Many independent reviewers gave it high ratings, and current owners we s/w gave it high ratings for performance & satisfaction. see full Subaru Outback review
2008 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
4-speed shiftable automatic AWD
sturdey, reliable, lasts for ever. see full Subaru Outback review
2008 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
5-speed manual AWD
I take care of my own vehicle maintenance, and I like the reputation for longevity that the drive-train, engine components, and suspensions have. I do regular oil changes with Mobil 1 synthetic, and get 200K miles out of my cars. see full Subaru Outback review
2008 4dr Wagon 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
4-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Again, these cars are everywhere in the Northwest. This leads to wide availability of quality independent mechanics. see full Subaru Outback review