2004 Audi A4 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 Audi A4, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system5626.3%
- Airbags2612.2%
- Engine2511.7%
- Visibility167.5%
- Driver assistance167.5%
- Tires & wheels167.5%
- Electrical157.0%
- Exterior lighting146.6%
- Transmission73.3%
- Brakes52.3%
- Powertrain (other)52.3%
- Body & structure41.9%
- Steering31.4%
- Other / unspecified31.4%
- Suspension10.5%
- Seat belts10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY FOR A FEW HOURS DURING WHICH CAR WAS RUNNING FINE, AND CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER JUST AFTER I GOT OFF FREEWAY AND APPROACHED A MOUNTAIN ROAD INCLINE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT, OR PRIOR SYMPTOMS TO ENGINE FAILURE, IT JUST STOPPED. WITH HELP, I WAS ABLE TO GET CAR OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND TO SAFETY. TRIED TO TROUBLESHOOT, USED ENGINE ERROR CODE READER, AND NO FAULT CODES FOUND. PERFORMED BASICS CHECKED FOR POTENTIAL FUEL VAPOR LOCK DUE TO ALTITUDE; CHECKED OIL, COOLANT AND FUEL LEVELS- AND ALL LEVELS WERE OK. BATTERY WAS FUNCTIONING - AS RADIO, LIGHTS WORKED. CAR HAS BEEN CONSISTENTLY SERVICED AND MAINTENANCE WAS CURRENT. CAR WAS TOWED TO NEAREST DEALER, DIAGNOSIS BY DEALER FUEL PUMP FAILURE DUE TO CLOGGED FUEL FILTER. MY ISSUE IS THAT AUDI DOES NOT INDICATE SERVICE MAINTENANCE FOR FUEL FILTER. THERE IS NOT ANY MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS OR GUIDANCE IN EITHER THE OWNER'S MANUAL OR PUBLISHED LIST OF RECOMMENDED SERVICES TO REPLACE OR CHECK FILER. THERE ALSO WERE NOT ANY WARNING LIGHTS, FAULT CODES OR INDICATIONS TO WATCH FOR. I FEEL THAT IT IS NEGLIGENT OF THE MANUFACTURER TO NOT INDICATE ANY SERVICE INTERVAL TO CHANGE FUEL FILTER IN ORDER TO PREVENT FUEL PUMP FAILURE, AND TO ENSURE THE SAFE OPERATING CONDITIONS OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR LOST POWER ON A WINDING MOUNTAIN ROAD AND PUT ME AT DANGER WITHOUT WARNING. I AM CURIOUS IF THIS FUEL PUMP INCIDENT COULD BE ASSOCIATED WITH KNOWN FUEL PUMP ISSUES, NHTSA #PE08027. KEY SIDE NOTES, WHILE I AM THE SECOND REGISTERED OWNER, THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED BY MY FATHER WHO WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER, BUT FOR INSURANCE AND REGISTRATION PURPOSES THE VEHICLE WAS TRANSFERRED OVER TO ME, BUT I HAVE ALL ORIGINAL RECORDS OF THE VEHICLE AND CAN VERIFY ALL MAINTENANCE SERVICES HAVE BEEN PERFORMED. *JS
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
******* 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 *******
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
MY VEHICLE IS A 2004 AUDI A4 CABRIOLET WITH A 1.8T ENGINE. WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WORKING. WHILE DRIVING ON THE PA TURNPIKE IN THE RAIN MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND WOULD NOT MOVE. I WAS LUCKY IT WASN'T AT NIGHT BECAUSE I WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE LANES IN THE ROAD OR OTHER CARS IN FRONT OF ME. I PULLED OVER AND WAITED FOR THE RAIN TO STOP. WHEN I CONTACTED THE AUDI DEALERSHIP TO ASK WHAT THEY THOUGHT IT COULD BE I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS MOST LIKELY CAUSED BY THE WINDSHIELD WIPER TRANSMISSION BECOMING CORRODED WITH RUST AND BEING UNABLE TO MOVE. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS AND THEY HAD JUST FINISHED REPAIRING ONE THIS WEEK (SOUTHHILLS AUDI, PITTSBURGH PA) I MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE MY VEHICLE INSPECTED AND 2 WEEKS LATER AFTER THE INSPECTION WAS TOLD THAT THE WIPERS HAVE DEFINITELY STOPPED WORKING BECAUSE OF THE AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPER TRANSMISSION. I WAS QUOTED 600 DOLLARS TO FIX AND LEFT TO DRIVE HOME SINCE THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS. *KB
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
GAS PEDAL BECAME STUCK WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER BY PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE. NOT SURE EXACTLY HOW THIS OCCURRED, BUT IT APPEARED THAT THE PEDAL ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN. I SENT AN EMAIL TO AUDI TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY INCIDENCES SIMILAR TO THIS. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON NOVEMBER 12, 2016.
WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY FOR A FEW HOURS DURING WHICH CAR WAS RUNNING FINE, AND CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER JUST AFTER I GOT OFF FREEWAY AND APPROACHED A MOUNTAIN ROAD INCLINE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT, OR PRIOR SYMPTOMS TO ENGINE FAILURE, IT JUST STOPPED. WITH HELP, I WAS ABLE TO GET CAR OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND TO SAFETY. TRIED TO TROUBLESHOOT, USED ENGINE ERROR CODE READER, AND NO FAULT CODES FOUND. PERFORMED BASICS CHECKED FOR POTENTIAL FUEL VAPOR LOCK DUE TO ALTITUDE; CHECKED OIL, COOLANT AND FUEL LEVELS- AND ALL LEVELS WERE OK. BATTERY WAS FUNCTIONING - AS RADIO, LIGHTS WORKED. CAR HAS BEEN CONSISTENTLY SERVICED AND MAINTENANCE WAS CURRENT. CAR WAS TOWED TO NEAREST DEALER, DIAGNOSIS BY DEALER FUEL PUMP FAILURE DUE TO CLOGGED FUEL FILTER. MY ISSUE IS THAT AUDI DOES NOT INDICATE SERVICE MAINTENANCE FOR FUEL FILTER. THERE IS NOT ANY MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS OR GUIDANCE IN EITHER THE OWNER'S MANUAL OR PUBLISHED LIST OF RECOMMENDED SERVICES TO REPLACE OR CHECK FILER. THERE ALSO WERE NOT ANY WARNING LIGHTS, FAULT CODES OR INDICATIONS TO WATCH FOR. I FEEL THAT IT IS NEGLIGENT OF THE MANUFACTURER TO NOT INDICATE ANY SERVICE INTERVAL TO CHANGE FUEL FILTER IN ORDER TO PREVENT FUEL PUMP FAILURE, AND TO ENSURE THE SAFE OPERATING CONDITIONS OF THE VEHICLE. THE CAR LOST POWER ON A WINDING MOUNTAIN ROAD AND PUT ME AT DANGER WITHOUT WARNING. I AM CURIOUS IF THIS FUEL PUMP INCIDENT COULD BE ASSOCIATED WITH KNOWN FUEL PUMP ISSUES, NHTSA #PE08027. KEY SIDE NOTES, WHILE I AM THE SECOND REGISTERED OWNER, THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED BY MY FATHER WHO WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER, BUT FOR INSURANCE AND REGISTRATION PURPOSES THE VEHICLE WAS TRANSFERRED OVER TO ME, BUT I HAVE ALL ORIGINAL RECORDS OF THE VEHICLE AND CAN VERIFY ALL MAINTENANCE SERVICES HAVE BEEN PERFORMED. *JS
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A SET OF NEXEN N5000 TIRES. THESE WERE BOUGHT ON 01/02/2009 AND INSTALLED IN THE SAME MONTH. THE TIRES BOTH HAVE CRACKS AROUND THE SIDEWALL. ONE IS WORSE THAN THE OTHER BUT BOTH ARE CRACKING IN THE SAME AREA. THEY ARE ALSO NOT HOLDING AIR AS WELL AS BEFORE. THE INFORMATION ON THE TIRES IS... DOT 8EOL BEBR 4508 E4 0236273. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 AUDI A4. THE VEHICLE HAS GOODYEAR ASSURANCE COMFORT TREAD TIRES (NA). WHILE THE CONTACT WAS EXAMINING HER VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TREAD WAS SEPARATING FROM THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE TIRE DEALER AND THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS ALIGNMENT FAILURE. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND TIRE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
2004 AUDI A4 1.8L TURBO - THE CAR SUFFERS FROM A PROBLEM THAT BEGINS WITH A FLASHING OF THE GEAR SELECTOR RANGE (PRNDS). THIS OCCURS CONSISTENTLY, EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED. WHEN PRNDS IS FLASHING THE VEHICLE POSSESSES A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN THAT HAS OCCURRED (3) TIMES SINCE THE ONSET OF THIS CONDITION. WHILE THE GEAR SELECTOR RANGE WAS FLASHING I PULLED OVER TO RE-FUEL AT A LOCAL GAS STATION. AFTER PURCHASING GAS I RETURNED TO THE CAR, STARTED IT UP, AND THE FLASHING PRNDS CONDITION PERSISTED. WHEN I ENGAGED REVERSE TO EXIT THE GAS PUMP AREA THE CAR VERY SUDDENLY LUNGED BACKWARDS WITH SUCH TREMENDOUS FORCE THAT THE VEHICLE BREAK SYSTEM COULD NOT CONTAIN THE JOLTING FORCE OF THE BACKWARDS MOVEMENT. IF ANYONE HAD BEEN STANDING BEHIND ME......THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. I HAVE MADE EFFORTS TO CONTACT THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER (AUDI OF AMERICA) AND THEY FAIL TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE.... ESPECIALLY IN LIGHT OF THE FACT THAT THE COMPANY HAS FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THIS DEFECTIVE AND THREATENING VEHICLE CONDITION. THERE ARE MANY OTHER AUDI A4 OWNERS THAT HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM, AND IT IS WELL DOCUMENTED ON AUDI FORUMS ON THE INTERNET. THE HEART OF MY CONCERN: INSTEAD OF VOLUNTEERING TO REPAIR THIS SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD, AUDI OF AMERICA HAS ADVISED THAT I NEED TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE REPLACED AT A PERSONAL COST TO ME OF APPROXIMATELY $3,000.00, WHICH I FIND APPALLING. THE CAR CONTINUES TO EXHIBIT THIS DRIVING CONDITION, AND LUNGING REVERSE CONDITION CAN BE REPLICATED. I WOULD LIKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CALL THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE NHTSA FOR REVIEW BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. I WOULD VERY MUCH APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ELEVATE MY CONCERN ASAP. *TR
AT AROUND 55,000 MILES, WARRANTY OVER AT 50,000, MY FRIEND (HE OWNS A FOREIGN AUTO REPAIR SHOP IN SEATTLE) NOTICED THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS A LITTLE JUMPY. IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN DOING THIS EARLIER BUT I DID NOT NOTICE IT BECAUSE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THEY NEVER KNOW ANYTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR UNTIL IT FALLS PART. MY NEAREST AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WAS 45 MINUTES AWAY AND I NEED THE VEHICLE FOR DELIVERIES AND PICKUPS IN MY BUSINESS SO I WAITED UNTIL IT GOT WORSE. AT APPROX 65,000 MILES I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL DEALER ($99) WHO STATED THAT MY TRANSMISSION WAS GOING TO FAIL TO THE TUNE OF $ 6500. I CALLED AUDI, THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING UNTIL I SEE AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THAT COST ME $ 115 TO TELL ME THE SAME THING AND THEY WERE GOING TO CHARGE ME $ 8500. I ASKED WHY IT IS FAILING SO EARLY, HE COULD NOT GIVE ME AN ANSWER. IT'S "ONE" OF THOSE THINGS! ASKED IF THERE WAS ANYTHING I COULD HAVE DONE TO PREVENT IT AND HE SAID "NO". MY BUDDY SAID DRIVE IT TILL IT DROPS, IT HAS 74,000 MILES NOW, IT'S GRINDING REAL BAD NOW AND I DO NOT HAVE THE $ 6000 TO FIX IT, NEED SOME RELIEF ESPECIALLY SINCE OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE OWNED OVER 20 CARS IN MY LIFE AND I HAVE NEVER HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THIS IS MY FIRST AND LAST GERMAN MADE AUTOMOBILE. I NEED HELP! *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THE AUTOMATIC BRAKE SYSTEM ENGAGES THE BRAKES WITH NO WARNING. THIS DANGEROUS AND POSSIBLY DEADLY SITUATION HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER AND MANY AUTHORIZED DEALERS.
AUDI DEALER REPLACED FRONT BRAKE PADS, UNDER MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. WITHIN 90 DAYS WET WEATHER BRAKING IN THE FRONT IS NILL! ONE HAS TO PUT THE LEFT FOOT ON THE PEDAL KEEPING THE PADS WARMED UP SO WHEN BRAKING IS NEEDED, BRAKE FORCE IS AVAILABLE. SOME DEALERS HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED AUDI SOLD PADS THAT GOT WET EASILY AND RETAINED MOISTURE, CAUSING SEVERE BRAKING LOSS. AUDI AMERICA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE PROBLEM AND OWNERS HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE PADS REPLACED AT THEIR OWN COST! WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE..A BRAKE RELATED DEATH AND A LAWSUIT? *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I FIRST HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT POP ON MY 04 AUDI A4 CVT THE CODE NUMBER 17090, THEN FLASHING PNDR INDICATOR LIGHTS. AFTER DOING MANY HOURS OF RESEARCH AND HEARING OTHER STORIES ABOUT AUDI CVT ISSUES, I CAME TO A CONCLUSION THAT THE ISSUE LIES WITHIN THE TCM (TRANSMISSION COMPUTER) AND HAS A FAULTY PART THAT GOES BAD. I DID NOT HAVE THE FUNDS TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE SO I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE CAR, CAUTION THIS FAILURE WILL CAUSE LOSS OF REVERSE AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT AND SOMETIMES DRIVE. I DID HAVE A CLOSE CALL WHEN I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY AND THE CAR STOPPED MOVING, ALL OF A SUDDEN I DIDN'T HAVE REVERSE AND THE CAR THAT WAS DOWN THE ROAD WASN'T WANTING TO SLOW DOWN, HE DID END UP STOPPING FOR ME BUT WAS PISSED OFF, AND I WAS TOO, NO REASON FOR A 40,000 MILE CAR TO HAVE ISSUES LIKE THIS. AUDI QUOTES THIS REPAIR AT $2500. IT SEEMS LIKE EVERY SINGLE AUDI PRODUCED IN THAT SAME TIME PERIOD WITH A CVT TRANSMISSION HAS THIS ISSUE AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A MANUFACTURES DEFECT AND SHOULD BE RECALLED SO THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COSTS. AUDI HAS DENIED ME TO HELP WITH THESE COST, BUT I KNOW HAVE HELP OTHERS OUT, SO THEY ARE DEFIANTLY AWARE OF THERE ISSUE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR WINDOW OF CONVERTIBLE SOFT TOP FOR 2004 AUDI A4 CABRIOLET. AN OLD ISSUE OFTEN SUFFERED BY AUDI CABRIOLETS FROM 2003-2009. CLAIMED TO BE CAUSED BY THE ADHESIVE THAT AUDI USES. THIS CAN BE CAUSED BY KEEPING THE CAR OUTSIDE INSTEAD OF IN A GARAGE AS PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT CAUSES THE ADHESIVE TO GIVE AWAY AND FAIL, CAUSING THE REAR WINDOW TO SEPARATE FROM THE OUTER LAYER OF THE TOP AND DROP. WHILE THE WINDOW IS STILL TECHNICALLY ATTACHED TO THE INNER LAYER OF THE TOP, THE WINDOW NO LONGER PROTECTS AGAINST WATER. AS A RESULT RAIN CAN SEEP INTO THE NON WATER RESISTANT INNER LAYER OF THE TOP AND THEN CAUSE WATER DAMAGE TO THE REAR SEATS. THIS IS THE CASE WITH MY OWN CAR AND WITH A LARGE ENOUGH NUMBER OF CABRIOLETS THAT THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN SETTLED FRANKLY, A GOOD 10 YEARS AGO WHEN THE FIRST CASES WERE BEING NOTICED. I HAVE AS MANY OTHERS HAVE, ATTEMPTED TO USE A TEMPORARY FIX AND AS A RESULT, THERE IS A CLEAR INDUSTRIAL ADHESIVE AROUND THE TOP AND REAR WINDOW TO ATTEMPT TO FIX THIS, IT FAILS WITH CONTINUED USE.
2004 AUDI A4 HAS HAD SEVERAL REPAIR PROBLEMS. CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE PROBLEMS. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY PROBLEMS. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, THE ENGINE WOULDN'T TURN OVER. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AS WELL AS A BULB. THE CONVERTIBLE TOP WOULD NOT GO DOWN. AN ELECTRICAL PART ON THE CONVERTIBLE WAS REPLACED, ONE OF THE HEADLIGHTS HAD BURNED OUT AND THE CRANK PULLEY WAS REPLACED.. *JB THE CONVERTIBLE TOP BECAME STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONVERTIBLE TOP REPLACEMENT CAUSED DAMAGED TO THE HEADLINER AS WELL THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW HAD A LEAK. UPDATED 02/07/11
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
2004 AUDI A4, QUATTRO, 3.0L V6. PREMATURE FAILURE OF POWERSTEERING RACK SEALS CAUSING PS FLUID TO LEAK OUT, AND RENDER THE CAR IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER, UNTIL FLUID IS ADDED OR RACK IS REPLACED. RESEARCH INDICATES THAT ALL AUDI POWER STEERING RACKS FAIL WITHIN 6 YEARS. DEALER NEVER BOTHERED TO CHECK PS FLUID LEVELS DURING REGULAR REQUIRED MAINTENANCE PERIODS. AS USUAL AUDI CORP."VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY" GOV.'T AGENCIES NEED TO PUT AUDI ON NOTICE FOR SUB STANDARD PARTS WITH PREMATURE FAILURE, THAT CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR
THE STEERING RACK HAS A HOLE IN IT AND IS LEAKING INTO THE BOOT. THE PROBLEM JUST STARTED. I NOTICED A SOUND AND STIFFNESS IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH GOES AWAY AFTER THE CAR IS MOBILE FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE USING THE JACK ON LEVEL GROUND IT BENT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FALL. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED.
AUDI JACK CAME WITH MY 2004 AUDI A4 QUATTRO SEDAN BROKE WHILE PUTTING A WHEEL. I WAS IN THE PARKING LOT SO THE SURFACE IS FLAT. I USE THE USE THE JACK THAT CAME WITH MY CAR TO JACK UP THE CAR SO THAT I CAN REPLACE MY WHEEL. THE JACK BROKE AS I WAS PUTTING ON THE WHEEL TRYING TO ALIGN THE HOLES TO PUT BACK THE BOLTS. THE JACK JUST SNAPPED LUCKILY MY FINGERS AND HAND DID NOT GET CAUGHT AND I WAS NOT UNDER THE CAR. THE JACK WAS BROKE TODAY AUGUST 5, 2005 AT AROUND 4:00PM PACIFIC TIME. I GOT TO THE DEALERSHIP 10 MINUTES TO 5:00PM AND THE SERVICE REP TOLD ME THAT ALL THE TECHNICIAN HAVE GONE HOME FOR THE DAY AND THEY ASK ME TO CONTACT AUDI USA. I CANNOT REACH AUDI USA BECAUSE THEY HAVE CLOSE FOR THE DAY. I WILL TRY TO CONTACT THEM ON MONDAY. THE POINT TO MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THE JACK IS UNSAFE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THE JACK THE COME WITH ALL AUDI CARS. THERE ARE ALOT OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE AUDI JACK. THANK YOU, KENNY,. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A BRAND NEW 2004 AUDI A4AVANTQUATTRO 1.8. ON JULY 1, WITH 2389 MILES ON THE CAR, I HAD A BLOWOUT OF MY RIGHT REAR TIRE, WHICH IS A GOODYEAR M&S R235/17 LOW PROFILE HIGH PERFORMANCE TIRE. I NEVER HAD A SENSATION OF HITTING ANYTHING ON THE ROAD, BUT HAD ONLY SECONDS TO GET FROM THE FAST LANE OF I-5 IN DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO, CA ACROSS 5 LANES OF FREEWAY TRAFFIC AND AROUND A CALTRANS MAINTENENCE CREW ON THE SHOULDER, TO SAFETY. BY THE TIME I DID, THE TIRE TREAD HAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE WHEEL 360 DEGREES. SIX DAYS LATER, WHILE HAVING THE TIRE REPLACED AT A LOCAL TIRE STORE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IN THE CAR. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AT MY NEXT OPPORTUNITY, WITH NOW 2750 MILES ON THE CAR. I WAS TOLD THAT THE FILLER HOSE TO THE GAS TANK WAS PUNCTURED, REQUIRING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE GAS TANK, AS IT IS ALL ONE PEICE, THAT THE WIRES CONNECTING THE FUEL SYSTEM TO THE CENTRAL COMPUTER WERE DAMAGED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED, THAT A HOLE IN THE SHEATH AROUND THE SHOCK ABSORBER ON THAT WHEEL HAD BEEN PUNCTURED, REQUIRING POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE SHOCK, AND THAT THE ENTIRE WHEEL LINER ON THAT WHEEL WAS GONE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE ESTIMATED COST FOR THIS IS SOMEWHERE BETWEEN $1600-2000. NEITHER AUDI, NOR THE DEALERSHIP, THUS FAR HAS TAKEN ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DESIGN FLAWS THAT CREATED THE POSSIBILITY FOR SUCH DAMAGE FROM A FLAT TIRE. I FREQUENTLY DRIVE ALONE, AND WE LIVE IN A HIGH FIRE DANGER AREA. I WAS DRIVING AROUND WITH A LEAKY GAS TANK FOR 5 DAYS BEFORE THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT EVEN WENT ON, NOT TO MENTION THE FACT THAT A FAULTY SHOCK ABSORBER COULD HAVE CAUSED MY ALL WHEEL DRIVE TO FAIL. I FEEL THAT THIS CAR IS UNSAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IMMOBILE ON A PRIVATE WINTER RESORT ROAD, IT WAS RAMMED BY THE VEHICLE COMING BEHIND AND PUSHED HIM FORWARD HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE FRONT DRIVER AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELT RESTRAIN THE CONTACT. THE SECURITY PERSONNEL OF THE RESORT WAS PRESENT BUT THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT WAS VERY CONCERNED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY SERVICED AT THE DEALERSHIP WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. UPDATED 02/13/07. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .