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Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 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
51 vehicles, 11.3 months per vehicle, 17500 miles driven2017 Volkswagen Golf 1.8T
[?] see reported repairs
  51 vehicles, 11.3 months per vehicle, 17500 miles driven
70 vehicles, 11.3 months per vehicle, 12900 miles driven2017 Volkswagen GTI and Golf R
[?] see reported repairs
  70 vehicles, 11.3 months per vehicle, 12900 miles driven
39 vehicles, 11.8 months per vehicle, 28600 miles driven

A year ago the 2015 Golf 1.8T had a similarly high repair frequency, while the GTI has generally been better.
2016
Volkswagen Golf 1.8T
[?] see reported repairs
  39 vehicles, 11.8 months per vehicle, 28600 miles driven

A year ago the 2015 Golf 1.8T had a similarly high repair frequency, while the GTI has generally been better.
87 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 21700 miles driven

A year ago the 2015 Golf 1.8T had a similarly high repair frequency, while the GTI has generally been better.
2016
Volkswagen GTI and Golf R
[?] see reported repairs
  87 vehicles, 11.7 months per vehicle, 21700 miles driven

A year ago the 2015 Golf 1.8T had a similarly high repair frequency, while the GTI has generally been better.
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
56 vehicles, 11.4 months per vehicle, 38900 miles driven

Redesigned. Golf 1.8T initially had a higher repair frequency than the GTI, and the TDI still does. Unclear why. All might have a somewhat common problem with failing AC compressors.
2015
Volkswagen GTI and Golf R
[?] see reported repairs
  56 vehicles, 11.4 months per vehicle, 38900 miles driven

Redesigned. Golf 1.8T initially had a higher repair frequency than the GTI, and the TDI still does. Unclear why. All might have a somewhat common problem with failing AC compressors.
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
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.
36 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 57900 miles driven2013 Volkswagen GTI
[?] see reported repairs
  36 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 57900 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
38 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 70800 miles driven2012 Volkswagen GTI
[?] see reported repairs
  38 vehicles, 11.5 months per vehicle, 70800 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.
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.

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Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 vs. Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Lemon Odds and Nada Odds

Other sources of Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 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 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTIs with no repairs at all in the past year and the percentage of Audi A4 / S4 / RS4s and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTIs 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 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 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 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI have been recently.

To see how frequently Audi A4 / S4 / RS4 and Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI 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 Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI

Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Brand Reputation: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2009 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
I always see Volkswagens as great, reliable cars. The GTI is special because of its utility and performance. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2008 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
german built, soild car see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2008 2dr Hatch 250-horsepower 3.2L V6
6-speed automated manual AWD
Like the 2004 R32, the 2008 R32 had a limited production run of 5000, most of which are now sold. The R32 is really a well balanced "mini grand touring" car; without the stigma of being a "rice racer" like the Evo or STi. A great car for road and track! see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2005 2dr Hatch 200-horsepower 2.8L V6
6-speed manual FWD
VW builds a quality car, besides their electrical issues, which I have not had in either of my last two GTIs. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2004 4dr Hatch turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD
VW, to me, means smart and sophisticated; while, at the same time, being practical and understated. Owning one shows you know automobiles without having to shout about it. VWs are not appliances. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI Brand Reputation: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2016 2dr Hatch turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Low reliability see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2013 4dr Hatch turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel
6-speed manual FWD
VW does not have that great a reputation in the U.S. This is a shame because the Golf really seems to be a well-made vehicle. Time will tell whether it holds up, but there are many horror stories of poor service, poor dealers, and the factory not standing behind their warranties. I'm hoping that VW has improved their ways, but this remains a major sticking point. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2009 4dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
VW dealerships have one of the worst reps. for fair service prices. The dealer I saw was great on the test drive front, but I feared the service desk a few years down the line. see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review
2007 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed manual FWD
Too many people, VW are still seen as nice cars that break often see full Volkswagen Golf / Rabbit / GTI review