RoadVitals

2006 Audi A4 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
295
Latest Sep 13, 2022
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
12

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2006 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

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

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

159
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

LEFT HEAD LIGHT FLICKERS AND SHUTS ITSELF OFF AFTER VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AND THE LIGHTS HAVE BEEN ON FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. THE WARNING DISPLAY ON THE DASHBOARD GIVES A "LEFT HEADLIGHT LEVEL" ERROR CODE.

NHTSA ID 11271751 · filed Oct 29, 2019

VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHTS. WHEN I TURN THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM GOES OUT.

NHTSA ID 11175847 · filed Feb 9, 2019
All 159 reports naming exterior lighting

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

73
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2006 Audi A4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the wife crashed into the rear of a second vehicle. During the crash the front driver side air bag did not deploy, however, the passenger side airbag did deploy, and both the front and rear driver side and passenger side headrest restraints activated. The contact indicated that no passengers were present in the vehicle during the crash. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not contacted. The local dealer was notified. The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ID 11439731 · filed Nov 8, 2021

PURCHASED THE VEHICLE A FEW MONTHS AGO (JULY OF 2020). BEFORE BUYING IT I WAS TOLD THAT THE WARNING CHIME FOR THE SEATBELT HAD STOPPED WORKING , SO I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL GERMAN AUTO SHOP TO SEE WHAT WOULD NEEDED TO FIX IT. TO MY SURPRISE, IT'S A PART IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED, BUT IT'S A COMMON ISSUE AS THESE CARS AGE FOR THE WARNING CHIME TO FAIL THEREFORE NOT NOTIFYING OR WARNING IF THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER BELT IS BUCKLED. WARNING CHIME DOES NOT WORK WHETHER STATIONARY, OR MOVING FOR ANY SEAT IN THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID 11361487 · filed Sep 28, 2020
All 73 reports naming airbags

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT KEEPS FLICKERING. IT WILL TURN OFF SOMETIMES WHEN USING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, BUT OTHER THAN THAT, THE HEADLIGHT WORKS PERFECTLY FINE. WHEN IT FLICKERS, AN INDICATOR WARNING LIGHT ACTIVATES ON THE DASHBOARD. THIS SEEMS TO BE A WIRING PROBLEM. BOTH HEADLIGHTS WERE CHANGED AND BRAND NEW WHEN THE CAR WAS PURCHASED. TWO YEARS LATER, THIS FLICKERING BEGAN. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE FLICKERING OF THE HEADLIGHT IS TO COMPLETELY TURN OFF THE HEADLIGHTS FOR A FEW SECONDS, THEN TURN THEM BACK ON. EVERYTHING IS FINE AFTER THAT. PLEASE RECALL THIS ISSUE. I HAVE READ MANY POSTS ONLINE WITH OTHER AUDI A4 OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR VEHICLES.

NHTSA ID 11100414 · filed Jun 7, 2018

I HAVE THE A4 W/ 3.1 LITER V6. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE, TRANSMISSION EXHIBITED BUMPY LURCHING START FROM STOP. AUDI DIAGNOSE SAID THAT'S SYMPTOMATIC OF THIS TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE COMBINATION. NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO PREVENT. WITHIN 1ST YEAR, THE CAR WOULD STALL AND COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN, NECESSITATING A RE-START. SOMETIMES UPON START, AND MOST NOTABLY (AND THE EXAMPLE CITED ABOVE) WHEN DRIVING AT SLOW SPEED. (I SUSPECT THE STALL PROBLEMS DESCRIBED RELATES TO THE LURCHING TRANSMISSION PROBLEM). ON THIS INCIDENT THERE WAS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. TOOK TO AUDI, THEY COULDN'T IDENTIFY PROBLEM. I TOOK TO AN INDEPENDENT -- THEY DETERMINED PROBLEM AS FUEL PUMP. REPLACED FUEL PUMP. MOST RECENTLY THE CAR STALLED WHEN INITIATING A LEFT TURN FROM A SLOW 10-15 MPH ROLL. AS I SLIGHTLY DEPRESSED ACCELERATOR, CAR STALLED IN MIDDLE OF LEFT TURN -- HAD TO RE-START MID-TURN TO RESTORE POWER STEERING AND FINISH TURN (TURN WAS DOWN A SLIGHT INCLINE SO CAR WAS ABLE TO COAST). THIS HAPPENED AROUND 2/15. I TOOK IT TO AUDI, THE FOLLOWING DAY. THEY SAID BECAUSE THERE WAS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THEY COULDN'T DIAGNOSE. I CALLED AUDI USA -- THEY OFFERED NO SOLUTION OR DATABASE RESEARCH OF PROBLEM W/ OTHER AUDIES. A SIMILAR OCCURRENCE WAS 8/14 WHEN I EXITED FREEWAY AND AS I ROLLED TO A STOP, @10-15 MPH THE CAR STALLED. HAD TO BE RESTARTED. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I MAY HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER BUT DON'T RECALL. MY CONCERN IS THE SAFETY RISK IF THIS OCCURS WITH MY WIFE DRIVING AND AN ONCOMING CAR IS UNABLE TO STOP IF THE VEHICLE STALLS IN SIMILAR MANNER IN THE MIDDLE OF A LEFT TURN. COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID 10763136 · filed Sep 11, 2015
All 21 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AUDI ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN THAT I FOUND ON YOUR WEBSITE. THIS BULLETIN WAS REGARDING THE EXACT PARTS THE DEALER (AUDI) IDENTIFIED AS BEING AFFECTED ON MY CAR (HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, CAM FOLLOWER, AND CORRESPONDING INTAKE CAMSHAFT CAM LOBE). THIS BULLETIN (NOT A RECALL, BUT DISTRIBUTED INTERNALLY TO DEALERSHIPS) CLEARLY STATES THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE THAT AFFECTED ALL VIN RANGES OF SPECIFIED AUDI MODELS FROM 2005-2007 THAT INCLUDED MINE. AUDI EXTENDED DRIVETRAIN COVERAGE ON THESE VEHICLES TO 10YR/120K MI. THIS ISSUE CAUSES A WORSENING LOSS OF POWER UPON ACCELERATING (MAKING DRIVING AT ALL SPEEDS DANGEROUS) AND EVENTUAL ENGINE FAILURE IF LEFT ALONE. I AM THE 3RD OWNER OF THIS CAR, SO I DID NOT RECEIVE THE INTENDED LETTER FROM AUDI STATING THE SPECIFICS OF THIS COVERAGE EXTENSION. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT ~110K MILES AT THE TIME OF THIS SERVICE (~4-5 DAYS AGO). UPON BRINGING THIS BULLETIN TO THE ATTENTION OF AUDI SERVICE MANAGER, HE DID NOT ASK ME FOR THE BULLETIN NUMBER OR REVISION, HE JUST DENIED COVERING IT VERBALLY SAYING THE COVERAGE WAS "10YR/120K MI, WHICHEVER CAME FIRST" BUT WOULD NOT SEND ME A COPY OF THE EXTENSION LETTER PROVING THIS. THE COST OF REPAIRS RELATED TO THIS ISSUE IS ~$5,600. I OPENED A CASE WITH AUDI OF AMERICA. I PROVIDED THE REQUESTED INFO, AND WAS STILL NOT SENT/EMAILED A COPY OF THIS LETTER, OR PROOF THAT IT WAS SENT TO THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD CASES TAKE UP TO A WEEK TO REVIEW (THEY WOULD NEED ME TO PROVIDE SERVICE RECORDS FOR THE VEHICLE, ETC). I WAS CALLED LESS THAN 24HRS LATER THAT THE CASE WAS DENIED, BEFORE I PROVIDED ANY INFO OR PLED MY CASE THAT A COMPANY WITH THE SLOGAN "TRUTH IN ENGINEERING" SHOULD STAND BEHIND AN ACKNOWLEDGED ENGINEERING FLAW. REPAIRS ARE ~1.5X THE VALUE OF THE CAR. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX THIS AND IT CREATES AN UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. PLEASE HELP.

NHTSA ID 11355075 · filed Sep 15, 2020

AUDI USA HAS A KNOW MECHANICAL DEFAULT WITH CAM SHAFT AND CAM FOLLOWERS. AS PER MY MECHANIC ANY DAMAGE TO THE CAM SHAFT COULD BE DANGEROUS. ACKNOWLEDGING THIS DEFECT 6 YEARS AFTER PRODUCTION AUDI EXTENDED THE WARRANTIES FOR THIS PARTS TO 10 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES SO THAT THEY ARE REPLACED AT FIRST INDICATIONS OF TROUBLE RATHER THEN ACTUAL MECHANICAL BREAKAGE WHICH COULD BE HARMFUL. AUDI ONLY NOTIFIED ORIGINAL OWNERS OF THE VEHICLE ON RECORD. SINCE I HAD BOUGHT THE ARE USED I WAS NOT NOTIFIED BY AUDI OR MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP OF THE KNOWN ISSUES WITH THESE PARTS AND EXTENDED WARRANTIES ON THEM. WITHOUT KNOWING ABOUT THE WARRANTY I HAD SERVICE DONE ON THE CAM FOLLOWER TWICE COSTING HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS. NOW THE PROBLEM IS THE CAM SHAFT WHICH IS GOING TO COST ABOUT $4500 TO REPAIR. EVEN THOUGH MY CAR HAS ONLY 91000 MILES (LESS THAN THE 120000 MILES REQUIRED BY AUDI) IT IS OVER THE 10 YEAR PERIOD. I AM SOMEWHAT DISMAYED THAT THIS WAS NOT ESCALATED TO BE A SAFETY RECALL BY AUDI SO THAT ALL OWNERS COULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND THE PART REPLACED IN A TIMELY FASHION. I AM IN A QUANDARY - PAY $4500 IN REPAIRS WHICH I CANNOT AFFORD OR RISK DRIVING WITH A PART THAT COULD POTENTIALLY HAVE A MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN THAT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I THINK AUDI HAS BEEN DISINGENUOUS 1. INSTEAD OF ISSUING A RECALL THEY DISGUISE IT AS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. 2. THEY ISSUE THE WARRANTY IN STEALTH MODE 6 YEARS AFTER MANUFACTURER - NO PUBLIC RELEASE OR WIDESPREAD COMMUNICATION 3. THEY FAIL TO NOTIFY OWNERS LIKE MYSELF ABOUT 6 PENDING KNOW ISSUES SOME OF WHICH ARE CRITICAL. 4. WHEN THE CUSTOMER CONTACT THEM THEY ARE FAILING TO HONOR THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX IT MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR RELEASING AN UNSAFE AUTOMOTIVE PART AND THEN WHEN A CLEAR MANUFACTURING DEFECT IS ESTABLISHED NOT ISSUING A RECALL AND FAILING TO HONOR WARRANTY CLAIMS ON TECHNICALITY.

NHTSA ID 10978643 · filed Apr 15, 2017
All 21 reports naming engine

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 10780931 · filed Oct 8, 2015

THE BRAKES SPONTANEOUSLY ENGAGED WITH NO WARNING. *JS

NHTSA ID 10661511 · filed Dec 2, 2014
All 11 reports naming driver assistance

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Gas gauge displaying incorrect level of fuel. Oil level notification improperly displaying level of oil.

NHTSA ID 11484161 · filed Sep 13, 2022

AUDI ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN THAT I FOUND ON YOUR WEBSITE. THIS BULLETIN WAS REGARDING THE EXACT PARTS THE DEALER (AUDI) IDENTIFIED AS BEING AFFECTED ON MY CAR (HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, CAM FOLLOWER, AND CORRESPONDING INTAKE CAMSHAFT CAM LOBE). THIS BULLETIN (NOT A RECALL, BUT DISTRIBUTED INTERNALLY TO DEALERSHIPS) CLEARLY STATES THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE THAT AFFECTED ALL VIN RANGES OF SPECIFIED AUDI MODELS FROM 2005-2007 THAT INCLUDED MINE. AUDI EXTENDED DRIVETRAIN COVERAGE ON THESE VEHICLES TO 10YR/120K MI. THIS ISSUE CAUSES A WORSENING LOSS OF POWER UPON ACCELERATING (MAKING DRIVING AT ALL SPEEDS DANGEROUS) AND EVENTUAL ENGINE FAILURE IF LEFT ALONE. I AM THE 3RD OWNER OF THIS CAR, SO I DID NOT RECEIVE THE INTENDED LETTER FROM AUDI STATING THE SPECIFICS OF THIS COVERAGE EXTENSION. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT ~110K MILES AT THE TIME OF THIS SERVICE (~4-5 DAYS AGO). UPON BRINGING THIS BULLETIN TO THE ATTENTION OF AUDI SERVICE MANAGER, HE DID NOT ASK ME FOR THE BULLETIN NUMBER OR REVISION, HE JUST DENIED COVERING IT VERBALLY SAYING THE COVERAGE WAS "10YR/120K MI, WHICHEVER CAME FIRST" BUT WOULD NOT SEND ME A COPY OF THE EXTENSION LETTER PROVING THIS. THE COST OF REPAIRS RELATED TO THIS ISSUE IS ~$5,600. I OPENED A CASE WITH AUDI OF AMERICA. I PROVIDED THE REQUESTED INFO, AND WAS STILL NOT SENT/EMAILED A COPY OF THIS LETTER, OR PROOF THAT IT WAS SENT TO THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD CASES TAKE UP TO A WEEK TO REVIEW (THEY WOULD NEED ME TO PROVIDE SERVICE RECORDS FOR THE VEHICLE, ETC). I WAS CALLED LESS THAN 24HRS LATER THAT THE CASE WAS DENIED, BEFORE I PROVIDED ANY INFO OR PLED MY CASE THAT A COMPANY WITH THE SLOGAN "TRUTH IN ENGINEERING" SHOULD STAND BEHIND AN ACKNOWLEDGED ENGINEERING FLAW. REPAIRS ARE ~1.5X THE VALUE OF THE CAR. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX THIS AND IT CREATES AN UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. PLEASE HELP.

NHTSA ID 11355075 · filed Sep 15, 2020
All 10 reports naming fuel system

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CVT TRANSMISSION TOTAL FAILURE - TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST ADVISES THAT SEVERAL OF THE FIRST CVT TRANSMISSIONS RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC WERE DEFECTIVE IN DESIGN AND PRODUCTION, AND HAVE BEEN UPGRADED OVER THE YEARS TO CORRECT FOR THESE EARLY DEFICIENCIES. THE SPECIALIST FURTHER ADVISES THAT AUDI AND SATURN ARE NOTORIOUS FOR THESE DEFECTS. IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING WHILE TRAVELING ON A MAJOR ROADWAY. ALL OF THE INDICATOR LIGHTS IN THE GEAR SELECTOR STARTED FLASHING SIMULTANEOUSLY, AND THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT IMMOBILE IN AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS POSITION. AUDI QUOTED MORE THAN $8,000 TO REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR WAS COMPLETED BY A LOCAL TRANSMISSION EXPERT FOR A LITTLE OVER $5,000. IT IS THIS EXPERT WHO ADVISED OF THE LONG-STANDING AND WELL-ESTABLISHED PROBLEMS IN AUDI'S EARLY CVT TRANSMISSIONS, AND SAID DEFINITIVELY THAT AUDI SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO HANDLE THIS AS A SAFETY AND DESIGN/MANUAFACTURING DEFECT RECALL.

NHTSA ID 11132202 · filed Sep 28, 2018

TAKATA RECALL, HAVE CONTACTED DEALER TO REMEDY SAFETY ISSUE AND UNDERSTAND THERE IS NO CURRENT SOLUTION OR ANYTHING BEING DONE ABOUT A MAJOR RECALL TO THE SUPPLEMENT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS FITTED IN MY VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER HAS NO FUTURE DATE FOR SAFETY CONCERN BEING RESOLVED. I FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT HIGH MILEAGE DUE TO TORQUE CONVERTER SEAL FAILURE AND VOLTAGE SPIKE TO SOLENOID 3 CAUSING TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURES TO RISE AND RESULT IN PREMATURE FAILURE OF ZF 6HP19A TRANSMISSION. HAVE CONTACTED MANUFACTURER AND ZAHNRADFABRIK FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG TO REPORT PREMATURE FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION, HAVE NOT HEARD BACK. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN FAILURE OCCURRED CAUSING SUDDEN SPEED DROP ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY, NO INJURIES REPORTED BUT ACCIDENT PRONE.

NHTSA ID 11078603 · filed Mar 11, 2018
All 8 reports naming powertrain (other)

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 AUDI A4 CABRIOLET. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHIFT INTO LIMP MODE. NONE OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TRANSMISSION FLUID. WHEN THE DEALER ADDED TRANSMISSION FLUID TO THE VEHICLE THAT DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER REGARDING THE LIMP MODE ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.

NHTSA ID 10375137 · filed Jan 7, 2011

PASSING ON FREEWAY HILL. PRESSED ACCELERATOR TO SHIFT AUTO TRANSMISSION INTO LOWER PASSING GEAR. RESULT WAS AS IF I'D SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. WITH ACCELERATOR PLANTED FIRMLY TO THE FIREWALL THE RPMS WOULD NOT GO ABOVE 4K. TRIED EVERY POSSIBLE COMBO (OVER THE COURSE OF A 50 MILE FREEWAY TRIP) WITH AUTO TRANS SELECTOR AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE EXCEPT IN THE "DRIVE" MODE. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE LIT. CLEARLY, WHEN THE "DRIVE" MODE AUTOMATICALLY SELECTED A LOWER GEAR, IT WAS AS IF I'D SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. AFTER THE CAR SAT FOR A BIT, THERE WAS NOT PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT CAR TO BE TRUSTED. ANOTHER CUTE TRICK: NOW AND THEN IT LOCKS ALL THE DOORS AFTER I'VE EXITED THE CAR AND LEFT THE ENGINE RUNNING, WHICH SHOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE ON THIS VEHICLE. I WILL NEVER AGAIN TRUST THIS CAR TO SAFELY PASS ANOTHER. DEALER INDICATES I COULD BRING THE CAR IN, BUT THAT'S 200 MILES EACH WAY...NO CERTAINTY OF DIAGNOSIS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10358077 · filed Sep 28, 2010

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.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE BRAKES SPONTANEOUSLY ENGAGED WITH NO WARNING. *JS

NHTSA ID 10661511 · filed Dec 2, 2014

THE BRAKES SPONTANEOUSLY ENGAGE WITH NO WARNING. *JS

NHTSA ID 10661510 · filed Dec 2, 2014

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.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

POWER STEERING FLUID IS DRAINING FROM RESERVOIR FASTER THAN I CAN PUT IT IN. THIS IS ONE PROBLEM TOO MANY ON MY AUDI. THE CAR IS A 2006 A4 PURCHASED NEW IN MARCH 2007 THEREFORE 5 YEARS AND 3 MTHS AND 60,000 MILES. FROM WHAT I CAN'T READ ON THE WEB, THE OIL IS LOST IN THE RACK AND PINION BOX. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME AT AUDI DEALER IN PAST 6 WEEKS, TWO ELECTRIC WINDOW REGULATORS, BEARING FRONT WHEEL AND NOW POWER STEERING PROBLEM THAT I THINK WILL GO IN THE 600$ TO 1000$ REPAIR. I'VE HAD MANY CARS AND SINCE MY TWO PAST AUDI'S, I'VE REPLACED PARTS THAT I HAD NEVER HEARD BEFORE EVEN IF I KEPT MY PREVIOUS CARS 7 YEARS AND 160,000 MILES. THIS IS DEFINITELY MY LAST GERMAN PRODUCT IN MY YARD. AUDI HAS A NICE DESIGN BUT THAT IS IT. YOU NEED AT LEAST TWO CARS IN THE DRIVEWAY TO OWN AN AUDI, THAT WAY YOU ARE NOT STUCK. MY DEALER HAS QUADRUPLED HIS SERVICE AREA, NOW I KNOW THE REASON. *TT

NHTSA ID 10462837 · filed Jun 23, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 AUDI A4. WHILE PERFORMING A U-TURN, THE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY. IN ADDITION, THE A/C COMPRESSOR WAS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING DUE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP FAILURE. THE COMPRESSOR WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 54,000.

NHTSA ID 10336567 · filed Jun 16, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING HOME AND RIGHT HEADLIGHT STARTED FLICKERING, ALMOST LIKE A STROBE LIGHT THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT THEN COMES BACK ON BY ITS SELF. THEN GOES BACK OFF AND STAYS OFF SO I PULL OFF THE ROAD. I LOOK AT THE LIGHT AND IT IS STILL OUT. I TURN MY LIGHTS OFF THEN BACK ON AND IT WORKS LIKE NEW, BUT IT KEEPS HAPPENING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. WHAT HAPPENS IF BOTH LIGHT GOES OUT AND THIS HAPPENS, ITS THE MANUFACTURER FAULT NOT MINE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL OR DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURTS, OR LOSE THEIR LIFE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10466288 · filed Jul 17, 2012

"INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT MALFUNCTION. OVER THE COURSE OF A YEAR OF OWNERSHIP, THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED (TURNED OFF), WITH NO CONSISTENT CAUSE APPARENT. THE SPECIFIC ERROR MESSAGE THAT APPEARS IN THE DRIVER INFORMATION SCREEN IS "LEFT (OR RIGHT) HEADLIGHT DIPPED". THIS CONDITION IS BOTH UNSAFE, AND ILLEGAL - AS MANY STATES WILL ISSUE A TRAFFIC VIOLATION FOR DRIVING WITH A NON-FUNCTIONING HEADLIGHT. IT HAS HAPPENED APPROX. 40 TIMES, THE HEADLIGHT FLICKERS, THEN GOES OUT, BUT WILL COME BACK ON WHEN THE CAR IS RESTARTED OR CLEAR IF THE HEADLIGHT IS TURNED OFF THEN BACK ON. IT WILL THEN BE FINE FOR DAYS OR WEEKS AT A TIME. IT HAS BEEN CONSISTENTLY GETTING MORE FREQUENT AND WORSE. AT TIMES, BOTH HEADLIGHTS WILL TURN OFF BY THEMSELVES WHILE DRIVING CAUSING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND QUICK ACTION TO AVOID INJURY OR DEATH. THEN RANDOMLY TURN BACK ON. MULTIPLE DEALERSHIPS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM ON AT LEAST 3 VISITS, AND HAS CLAIMED THAT EVERYTHING IS FINE AND THEY CAN NOT REPRODUCE. THEY HAVE SUGGESTED/GUESSED THAT IT IS THE XENON LIGHT BULB ITSELF, OR BALLAST. ANNECDOTAL EVIDENCE (CONVERSATIONAL, AND VIA INTERNET OWNERS' FORUMS) SUGGESTS THAT THE PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD AMONG A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF AUDI'S MODEL RANGE AND YEARS." *TR

NHTSA ID 10433961 · filed Nov 2, 2011

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE GLOVE BOX BROKE BY SIMPLY OPENING THE GLOVE BOX. THE WHOLE GLOVE BOX DOOR FAILED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10649418 · filed Oct 23, 2014

THE REAR WINDOW IS SEPARATING FROM THE ROOF OF MY 2006 AUDI A4 CABRIOLET. THE DEALER REFUSES TO FIX THIS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10344221 · filed Jul 20, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PURCHASED THE VEHICLE A FEW MONTHS AGO (JULY OF 2020). BEFORE BUYING IT I WAS TOLD THAT THE WARNING CHIME FOR THE SEATBELT HAD STOPPED WORKING , SO I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL GERMAN AUTO SHOP TO SEE WHAT WOULD NEEDED TO FIX IT. TO MY SURPRISE, IT'S A PART IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED, BUT IT'S A COMMON ISSUE AS THESE CARS AGE FOR THE WARNING CHIME TO FAIL THEREFORE NOT NOTIFYING OR WARNING IF THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER BELT IS BUCKLED. WARNING CHIME DOES NOT WORK WHETHER STATIONARY, OR MOVING FOR ANY SEAT IN THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID 11361487 · filed Sep 28, 2020

BOTH REAR SEAT LATCHES/LOCKS (THAT ALLOW THE REAR SEATS TO BE FOLDED DOWN) HAVE FAILED ALLOWING THE REAR SEAT BACK REST TO FOLD DOWN DURING RAPID DECELERATION. THE PASSENGER SIDE FAILED FIRST APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR AGO AND NOW DRIVER SIDE HAS FAILED. REAR PASSENGERS COULD BE INSURED IN AN ACCIDENT IF REAR SEAT BACKREST IS UNSECURED.

NHTSA ID 11000319 · filed Jun 20, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2006 AUDI A4 EQUIPPED WITH FALCON TIRES, DOT NUMBER: PC023R80LLTR4410, SIZE 235/45/R17. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING AND EXHIBITING ABNORMAL NOISES WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE TREAD PATTERN HAD BECOME ABNORMALLY WAVY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10457494 · filed May 4, 2012

THE PROBLEM IS A STEERING WHEEL SHAKE THAT SETS UP A DISTRACTING VIBRATION AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 50-60 MPH. THE STRENGTH OF THE VIBRATION IS VARIED AS THE VIBRATIONS CAN BE STRONG OR WEAK AND AT TIMES, EVEN FEEL AS IF THEY ARE NOT THERE. THE DANGER IS THAT THERE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE AN ANSWER AS TO WHAT IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. IT'S RELATED TO STEERING OF THE VEHICLE. BECOMES VERY DISCONCERTING CREATING A NERVOUS DRIVER AS THE SENSATION FROM THE VIBRATIONS IS ONE OF "LACK OF CONTROL". TIRES HAVE BEEN ROTATED, REBALANCED AND TIRE PRESSURES CHECKED AND CHANGED MULTIPLE TIMES TO CHECK FOR CHANGES. THE VIBRATION REMAINS. DIFFERENT TIRES RESULT IN THE SAME TYPE OF VIBRATION. THE OVERALL FEELING IS A LACK OF CONTROL, AND THE POTENTIAL THAT MAYBE ONE DAY SOMETHING MAY "SNAP" AND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM MAY BE FOUND IN THE WORST POSSIBLE WAY, BY WAY OF AN ACCIDENT. I WOULD RATHER NOT WAIT UNTIL THEN. MANY OTHER AUDI A4 (MODEL B7) OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH NO RESOLUTION FROM AUDI AT THIS POINT. IT'S NOT JUST A MATTER OF DRIVER COMFORT. FOR ME, STEERING IS VITAL, AND HOW THE VEHICLE OPERATES IS VERY CONTINGENT ON HOW THE STEERING FEELS AND FUNCTIONS. SOMETHING DOES NOT FEEL RIGHT WITH MANY OF THESE A4'S. *NM

NHTSA ID 10168539 · filed Sep 18, 2006

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE GLOVE BOX BROKE BY SIMPLY OPENING THE GLOVE BOX. THE WHOLE GLOVE BOX DOOR FAILED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10649418 · filed Oct 23, 2014

HID HEADLIGHTS GO OUT WHILE DRIVING THE CAR. OPERATOR MUST SHUT OFF HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND TURN BACK ON FOR HEADLIGHT TO GO BACK ON. THIS HAPPENED TO THE LEFT HEADLIGHT AT 50,000 AND THE RIGHT AT 90,000 AFTER DEALER PUT IN A WATERPUMP. DEALER DENIED RESPONSIBILITY, NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY PRICE FORM REPAIR >$700.00. *TR

NHTSA ID 10450730 · filed Mar 8, 2012

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

PURCHASED THE VEHICLE A FEW MONTHS AGO (JULY OF 2020). BEFORE BUYING IT I WAS TOLD THAT THE WARNING CHIME FOR THE SEATBELT HAD STOPPED WORKING , SO I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL GERMAN AUTO SHOP TO SEE WHAT WOULD NEEDED TO FIX IT. TO MY SURPRISE, IT'S A PART IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED, BUT IT'S A COMMON ISSUE AS THESE CARS AGE FOR THE WARNING CHIME TO FAIL THEREFORE NOT NOTIFYING OR WARNING IF THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER BELT IS BUCKLED. WARNING CHIME DOES NOT WORK WHETHER STATIONARY, OR MOVING FOR ANY SEAT IN THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID 11361487 · filed Sep 28, 2020

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

Data on this page last refreshed .