AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
2004 Audi A4
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 189 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Audi A4, most frequently naming the fuel system, airbags and engine categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 172 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2009 | 3 | 95 |
| Oct 2009 | 2 | 97 |
| Nov 2009 | 1 | 98 |
| Dec 2009 | 2 | 100 |
| Jan 2010 | 5 | 105 |
| Feb 2010 | 2 | 107 |
| Mar 2010 | 2 | 109 |
| Apr 2010 | 5 | 114 |
| May 2010 | 2 | 116 |
| Jun 2010 | 2 | 118 |
| Jul 2010 | 3 | 121 |
| Aug 2010 | 3 | 124 |
| Sep 2010 | 2 | 126 |
| Oct 2010 | 1 | 127 |
| Nov 2010 | 3 | 130 |
| Dec 2010 | 2 | 132 |
| Jan 2011 | 5 | 137 |
| Feb 2011 | 3 | 140 |
| Mar 2011 | 1 | 141 |
| Apr 2011 | 1 | 142 |
| May 2011 | 1 | 143 |
| Aug 2011 | 2 | 145 |
| Sep 2011 | 2 | 147 |
| Nov 2011 | 1 | 148 |
| Jan 2012 | 1 | 149 |
| Apr 2012 | 1 | 150 |
| May 2012 | 2 | 152 |
| Aug 2012 | 2 | 154 |
| Oct 2012 | 1 | 155 |
| Dec 2012 | 1 | 156 |
| Jan 2013 | 1 | 157 |
| Sep 2013 | 1 | 158 |
| Oct 2013 | 1 | 159 |
| Mar 2014 | 2 | 161 |
| Jun 2014 | 1 | 162 |
| Oct 2014 | 1 | 163 |
| Nov 2014 | 1 | 164 |
| Dec 2014 | 1 | 165 |
| Mar 2015 | 1 | 166 |
| May 2015 | 1 | 167 |
| Jul 2015 | 1 | 168 |
| Nov 2015 | 1 | 169 |
| Jan 2016 | 1 | 170 |
| Apr 2016 | 1 | 171 |
| Jun 2016 | 1 | 172 |
| Aug 2016 | 2 | 174 |
| Nov 2016 | 2 | 176 |
| Oct 2017 | 1 | 177 |
| Feb 2018 | 1 | 178 |
| Apr 2018 | 1 | 179 |
| May 2018 | 1 | 180 |
| Aug 2018 | 1 | 181 |
| Oct 2019 | 1 | 182 |
| Feb 2020 | 1 | 183 |
| Aug 2020 | 1 | 184 |
| Oct 2020 | 1 | 185 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 186 |
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 187 |
| Sep 2022 | 1 | 188 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 189 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Fuel system5626.3%
- Airbags2612.2%
- Engine2511.7%
- Visibility167.5%
- Driver assistance167.5%
- Tires & wheels167.5%
- Electrical157.0%
- Exterior lighting146.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
3 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
ENGINE STALLING - FUEL PUMP FAILURE
IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST FOR PE08-027, VOLKSWAGEN AG (VW) STATED THAT IT BELIEVES THAT THE POSSIBLE CAUSAL OR CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES COULD RESULT FROM EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF FOREIGN MATERIALS IN THE FUEL FILTER.IN RARE CASES, THE FUEL FILTER COULD BECOME CLOGGED, WHICH CAN CAUSE INCREASED PRESSURE ON THE PUMP.VW INDICATED THAT ENGINE STALLS RESULTING FROM THIS CONDITION ARE RARE AND WOULD BE PRECEDED BY SYMPTOMS SUCH AS REDUCED ENGINE POWER, NOISE OR HESITATION.ODI'S ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA DETERMINED THAT THE RATE OF ENGINE STALL INCIDENTS RESULTING FROM FUEL PUMP FAILURE IS LOW AT APPROXIMATELY 0.2 PERCENT AFTER THREE YEARS IN SERVICE. ON JANUARY 17, 2006, VW SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO ODI CONCERNING A SAFETY RECALL TO ADDRESS A DEFECT IN THE FUEL PUMPS OF APPROXIMATELY 74,000 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (47,000), AUDI A4 (20,000) AND AUDI A6 (7,000) VEHICLES BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 2002 THROUGH MARCH 2003 (NHTSA RECALL NO. 06V-017, VW RECALL NOS. M7 FOR PASSAT AND JL FOR AUDI A4 AND A6).ACCORDING TO VW, A SUB-SUPPLIER EXPERIENCED AN UNKNOWN CHANGE IN THE MATERIAL COMPOSITION OF THE CARBON-BRUSH SET USED IN THE ELECTRIC MOTOR IN THE FUEL PUMP, WHICH COULD LEAD TO INCREASED WEAR OF THE CARBON-BRUSH SETS, WHICH IN TURN CAN LEAD TO AN INOPERATIVE FUEL PUMP AND, ULTIMATELY, STOPPAGE OF FUEL SUPPLY TO THE ENGINE.ON JULY 23, 2007, VW EXPANDED THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL TO INCLUDE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 2002 THROUGH APRIL 2003, ADDING ANOTHER 34,358 VEHICLES TO THE ORIGINAL RECALL (24,801 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, 7,436 AUDI A4 AND 2,121 AUDI A6 VEHICLES).ODI ASSIGNED RECALL NO. 07V-375 TO THE AMENDED RECALL REPORT. THE MY 2004 AUDI A4 VEHICLES THAT ARE THE SUBJECT OF PE08-027 ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THE SUB-SUPPLIER ISSUE THAT PROMPTED 06V-017 AND 07V-375.PRODUCTION OF THE MY 2004 VEHICLES BEGAN FOUR MONTHS AFTER THE AMENDED PRODUCTION RANGE IDENTIFIED IN 07V-375.THE FUEL PUMP FAILURES IN THE MY 2004 VEHICLES HAVE DIFFERENT CAUSES THAN THE DEFECT IDENTIFIED IN THE PRIOR RECALL POPULATIONS AND HAVE OCCURRED AT MUCH LOWER FREQUENCIES. FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FIND BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
- NHTSA ID
- 11520694
- Incident
- May 5, 2023
This took place about a week ago. The car was parked in our driveway when the fire started. My husband had returned home just 15 minutes prior to the fire starting. I noticed there was smoke coming in our living room window. Then I looked at our security camas. And saw smoke pouring out from underneath the hood of my car. We tried to put the fire out with our two hose system set up and it wouldn't go out. So we knew it was electrical. We couldn't get close enough to open the hood so I couldn't pour baking soda on it. Two fire extinguishers later like 10 minutes the firefighters showed up and we're able to put it out. They confirmed that the arch came from the battery terminals /cables. Two of the fireman said they'd never seen anything like this before. Then the car tried to START ITSELF as my husband and the two fireman were standing right in front of the Audi. They had to cut the remaining battery cable that wasn't completely burned through before it stopped. My neighbor has a recording of the whole incident. The engine compartment is destroyed! The engine might be all right but we don't have the finances to do anything but clean up. Oh and for extra fun one of the fireman took an ax the the hood of the A4 cabriolet I have had for maybe a month. Now we have no car and no real means of being able to fix it.
- NHTSA ID
- 11484914
- Incident
- Sep 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2004 Audi A4. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the rear windshield became detached from the soft top. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be inspected. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11434910
- Incident
- Sep 20, 2021
- Mileage
- 86,000 mi
PRNDS appeared in red on my dash and then started blinking. Went on line regarding this and read about a TCM switch or a lever switch malfunction.Have an appt with mechanic on 8/26/21. From what I have read we are looking at a cost prohibitive repair of several thousands of dollars. Does Audi have any responsibility? Apparently it is a common complaint with the A4 model. Felt loss of power when decelerating.
- NHTSA ID
- 11430229
- Incident
- Aug 23, 2021
I WAS DRIVING TO JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA AND CAR HAD SHUT OFF ON ME ON THE HIGHWAY IN YULEE FLORIDA I WAS STUCK ON THE HIGHWAY FOR 7 HRS MY CAR IS STUCK IN FLORIDA
- NHTSA ID
- 11366758
- Incident
- Oct 23, 2020
- Mileage
- 113,000 mi
I ORIGINALLY HAD 3 RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE I CALLED IN TO SEE ABOUT GETTING THEM FIXED FREE OF CHARGE AS EXPLAINED IN THE RECALL TECH BULLETIN .THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDED IN GETTING ALL OF MY INFORMATION THEN AFTER DOING SO TELLS ME THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE AND PROCEEDED TO UPDATE MY CARS INFO SHORTLY AFTER I WENT BACK TO THE ORIGINAL SITE OF THIS RECALL PUT IN MY CARS INFO AGAIN AND ALL THE RECALLS THAT WAS ONCE AVAILABLE FOR MY VEHICLE WAS MYSTERIOUSLY GONE.I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE AND NEVER GOT IT FIXED. NOW THE RECALL THAT WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED ARE STARTING TO BE NOTICEABLE ON MY VEHICLE SUCH AS THE DEFECTIVE WATER PUMP, DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHTS AND DEFECTIVE AIRBAG SITUATION WHAT CAN I HAVE DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE
- NHTSA ID
- 11349159
- Incident
- Mar 19, 2020
- Mileage
- 157,000 mi
WHEN ENGINE IS UNDER LOAD WITH A FAULTY FUEL PUMP, THE ENGINE WILL STALL WHILST MOVING WITHOUT TURNING MOTOR OFF. ONLY REMEDY IS TO TURN ENGINE OFF AND ON, SINCE THE FUEL PUMP WILL NOT START ITSELF BACK ON AFTER THE STALL.
- NHTSA ID
- 11306781
- Incident
- Jan 31, 2020
- Mileage
- 156,000 mi
MY VEHICLE STARTED UP FINE AND I WAS DRIVING TO WORK, I WAS IDLING AT THE RED LIGHT AND MY CAR SHUT OFF AND SIGNALED THE BATTERY LIGHT. WE TRIED TO JUMP IT THINKING IT WAS THE BATTERY LIKE IT SIGNALED, AND IT WASNT SO WE HAD TO TOW IT. THE CAR STILL DOESNT START. IT CRANKS BUT WONT START AND I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION, NO WARNING LIGHTS BEFORE HAND AT ALL.
- NHTSA ID
- 11267983
- Incident
- Oct 10, 2019
- Mileage
- 99,872 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
EQUIPMENT
This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; STRUCTURE
This informational bulletin explains how to order replacement VIN plates, Safety Certification Labels, etc.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
This information bulletin contains instructions for technicans on how to ensure their TAC call goes smoothly.
EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Exterior lights, moisture accumulation 2013-2021 A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 Sportback, 2004-2005 A4 Cabriolet, 2004-2008 S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2010-2021 A4 allroad, 2018-2021 A5 Sportback, 2010-2012, 2018-2021 RS5 Cabriolet, 2018-2021 S5 Sportback, 2004-2006 A7, 2004-2011 S7, 2021 RS6 Avant, 2004-2006 S8
EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; TIRES
New document 2004-2020 A4 allroad, A6 allroad, A8L, R8 Spyder
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2023 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 43.4 |
| 2022 | 6 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2021 | 11 | 4 | 0 | 65.1 |
| 2020 | 127 | 3 | 0 | 48.0 |
| 2019 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 59.4 |
| 2018 | 44 | 1 | 0 | 49.2 |
| 2017 | 54 | 1 | 0 | 40.6 |
| 2016 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 35.5 |
| 2015 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 46.4 |
| 2014 | 31 | 0 | 0 | 32.2 |
| 2013 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 44.8 |
| 2012 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 39.7 |
| 2011 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 27.6 |
| 2010 | 64 | 0 | 0 | 31.8 |
| 2009 | 120 | 2 | 0 | 47.1 |
| 2008 | 175 | 4 | 0 | 50.8 |
| 2007 | 196 | 3 | 0 | 46.5 |
| 2006 | 295 | 3 | 0 | 47.0 |
| 2005 | 219 | 4 | 0 | 49.4 |
| 2004Viewing | 189 | 3 | 1 | 50.9 |
| 2003 | 210 | 4 | 0 | 49.2 |
| 2002 | 181 | 2 | 0 | 50.4 |
| 2001 | 131 | 3 | 1 | 57.3 |
| 2000 | 96 | 5 | 3 | 58.5 |
| 1999 | 190 | 7 | 5 | 59.8 |
| 1998 | 258 | 6 | 5 | 59.0 |
| 1997 | 98 | 8 | 4 | 62.0 |
| 1996 | 89 | 6 | 3 | 56.1 |
| 1995 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.