Engine
2.8L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 70 of 89 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
32 complaint records
"PROBLEMS IS WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM/ SUSPENSION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Suspension
23 complaint records
"PROBLEMS IS WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM/ SUSPENSION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →
Brakes
13 complaint records1 crash report
"WHEN THE BRAKES ARE WET, THEY DO NOT WORK UNTIL THE BRAKES ARE HELD FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS. A LOT CAN HAPPEN IN 5 SECONDS. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA00021 opened Aug 2000 | closed Mar 2002 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | DEGRADED BRAKING IN WET WEATHER There is no summary currently available |
| PE00016 opened Apr 2000 | closed Aug 2000 | Electrical System | DEGRADED BRAKING WET WEATHER CONDITION There is no summary currently available |
| RQ00009 opened Mar 2000 | closed Nov 2000 | Electrical System | IGNITION SWITCH - led to recall 96V017000 There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06V403000 | Electrical System | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, AS A RESULT OF A PROBLEM IN THE PRODUCTION PROCESS OF THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE ANCHOR POINT OF THE SPRING MAY CRACK. | Normally free |
| 00V317000 | Electrical System | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC IGNITION SWITCH HOUSING CAN FRACTURE AT THE RETURN SPRING ANCHOR POINT. | Normally free |
| 97V175000 | Air Bags | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DISCHARGE OF STATIC ELECTRICITY UNDER LOW HUMIDITY CONDITIONS CAN ACTIVATE THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WHEN THE DRIVER ENTERS OR EXITS THE VEHICLE AND FORMS AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT... | Normally free |
| 96V088000 | Electrical System | THE HORN CAN WORK ONLY INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO INSUFFICIENT ELECTRICAL GROUND CONTACT. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006275 2006-10-20 | Airbag | 2,767 | On certain vehicles, the ignition switch return spring anchor point may crack. If this happens, the return spring force may be insufficient for returning the ignition key to the running position after starting the engine. |
| 2000238 2000-10-23 | Electrical | 2,767 | On certain vehicles, the plastic ignition switch housing may fracture at the return spring anchor point. Fracture of the housing could cause the return spring force to be insufficient for returning the ignition key to the running position... |
| 1997176 1997-10-10 | Seats And Restraints | 1,997 | THE DISCHARGE OF STATIC ELECTRICITY UNDER LOW HUMIDITY CONDITIONS COULD ACTIVATE THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WHEN THE DRIVER ENTERS OR EXITS THE VEHICLE AND FORMS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT BY TOUCHING CERTAIN AREAS OF THE STEERING WHEEL. |
| 1996092 1996-06-19 | Steering | 168 | THE HORN MAY IN SOME INSTANCES, WORK ONLY INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO INSUFFICIENT GROUND CONTACT. THIS CONDITION WOULD PREVENT A DRIVER FROM SOUNDING A WARNING BY USING THE HORN. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWC 19-05 Aug 2019 | Equipment | This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries. | |
| AWC 19-04 Jul 2019 | Equipment | This communication is issued to remind dealers of the repair validation process for repair group 19. 2005-2019 A3, 1996-2019 A4, 2008-2019 A5, 1992-2019 A6, 2012-2019 A7, 1997-2019 A8, 2019 E-Tron, 2015-2019 Q3, 2010-2019 Q5, 2007-2019 Q7, 2019 Q8, 2000-2019 TT, 2008-2018 R8 | |
| A941791 2012749- Jul 2017 | Exterior Lighting | This informational bulletin contains technical information for when there is condensation visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, and/or third brake light lens. | |
| SM 44-2017 EN Jun 2017 | Equipment | This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward. | |
| ATE-17-05 Mar 2017 | Equipment | Due to increasing requests for high voltage personal protective equipment (HVE PPE) for dealer technicians working with high voltage vehicles (Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid, Electric Vehicle), the Volkswagen Tools and Equipment Team has identified two US based suppliers to support... |
Show 46 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| A441662 2010334- Oct 2016 | Wheels | This information TSB provides information regarding the correct way to torque adjust a wheel bolt. | |
| A191562 2025303- Sep 2015 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 15-61 dated July 7, 2015. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. | |
| A1915612025303-5 Jul 2015 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 14-50 dated June 20, 2014. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. | |
| SB-01-15-29 Jul 2015 | Engine | AUDI: ENGINE, ON SOME VEHICLES, WOULD RUN IRREGULARLY OR HAVE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON OR POSSIBLE FILTER ELEMENT FOR CAMSHAFT ADJUSTMENT VALVE CAN LOOSEN AND IN OIL CIRCUIT, THERE IS NO DAMAGE FROM LOOSENED PARTICLES. MODEL ALL. ALL YEARS. *PE | |
| A941565 2012749- Apr 2015 | Exterior Lighting | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 94 number 12-92 dated October 24, 2012. Condensation is visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, or third brake light lens. | |
| A011507 2028344- Feb 2015 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 01 number 13-69 dated February 14, 2013. Noises and inconsistent engine operation after cold start during the catalyst heating phase. The customer may misinterpret these symptoms as engine misfiring. | |
| Accessories Oper Dec 2014 | Equipment | This is an advance notice for Audi of America employees. This notice contains information for the accessories operations technical bulletin. | |
| 44145520103346 Oct 2014 | Wheels | Tightening wheel bolts | |
| A441455 2010334- Oct 2014 | Wheels | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 13-46 dated December 9, 2013. Wheel bolt requires torque adjustment. | |
| A001467 2002047- Jul 2014 | Equipment | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 14-61 dated May 1, 2014. Technician preparation when calling the Audi Technical Assistance Center (TAC). | |
| AUD4927ENG Jul 2014 | Unknown Or Other | Due to new Minnesota state regulations regarding biofuels, biodiesel blends of B5 or less may not be available in the State of Minnesota. | |
| Edition92 Jun 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Idenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants | |
| A191450 2025303- Jun 2014 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-41 dated June 20, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. | |
| Update91i8 May 2014 | Unknown Or Other | Google Maps Street View (NVLW)) | |
| TSB-44-13-46 Dec 2013 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | AUDI: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, USE CALIBRATED TORQUE WRENCH AND NOT TORQUE STICKS, TORQUE EXTENSION BARS AND IMPACT GUNS/WRENCHES NOT APPROVED FOR USAGE ON WHEEL BOLTS BY MANUFACTURER, THAT CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO BRAKE, STEERING WHEEL, HUB. MODEL 1995-2014 ALL. *PE | |
| A441346 2010334- Dec 2013 | Wheels | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 12-32 dated August 2, 2012. Wheel bolt requires torque adjustment. Torque sticks, torque extension bars, and impact guns/wrenches are not approved by Audi of America, Inc., and should not be used to apply torque to wheel... | |
| 44134620103345 Dec 2013 | Wheels | Tightening wheel bolts | |
| A901341 2010353- Sep 2013 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 90 number 10-14 dated August 10, 2010. Cigarette lighter element will not lock into the lighter socket -U1- to begin the heating process, or the lighter element will not automatically release once the heating process has completed. | |
| 2013_06_ATU Audi Aug 2013 | Equipment | This document contains information on the Audi side assist update. | |
| Edition42 Jul 2013 | Equipment | Audi Elsa Newsletter | |
| A191341 2025303- Jun 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-35 dated March 25, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. | |
| 134120253033 Jun 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. | |
| 133520253032 Apr 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. | |
| A001348 2002047- Apr 2013 | Equipment | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 11-19 dated April 8, 2011. This TSB contains information on technician preparation when calling the Audi Technical Assistance Center | |
| A191335 2025303- Mar 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 11-19 dated February 10, 2011. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version. | |
| A941292 2012749- Oct 2012 | Exterior Lighting | Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 94 number 11-52 dated October 11, 2011. Condensation is visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, or third brake light lens. | |
| TSB-44-08-14 Nov 2008 | Wheels | AUDI: WHEEL BOLTS REQUIRE TORQUE ADJUSTMENT. TORQUE STICKS AND TORQUE EXTENSION BARS ARE NOT APPROVED BY AUDI OF AMERICA, INC. AND SHOULD NOT BE USED TO APPLY TORQUE TO WHEEL BOLTS. ALL AUDI MODELS INCLUDED. *PE | |
| TSB-45-08-04 Nov 2008 | Service Brakes | AUDI: ABS ACTIVATES DURING LIGHT BRAKE APPLICATION . CONTROL NOISES ARE HEARD FROM THE ABS UNIT AT LOW SPEED WITHOUT BRAKE APPLICATION. *PE | |
| 20056243 Feb 2007 | Exterior Lighting | HEADLIGHT AIMING, USING HELLA UNIVERSAL BEAMSETTER. *KB | |
| 2012749-2 Feb 2007 | Exterior Lighting | EXTERIOR LIGHTS, MOSITURE ACCUMULATION. *PE | |
| JE Nov 2004 | Suspension | CHECK/REPLACE REPLACE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS. *TC | |
| 11242004 Nov 2004 | Suspension | SERVICE ACTION JE CAMPAIGN-CHECK/REPLACE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS. AUDI HAS FOUND THAT IN RARE CASES, ONE OR BOTH FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS ON AFFECTED VEHICLES CAN EXHIBIT WEAR, EVEN THOUGH THE DAMAGE TO THE RUBBER BOOTS IS NOT OBVIOUS. *SC | |
| 042804 Apr 2004 | Suspension | SERVICE ACTION TO INSPECT LOWER CONTROL ARM SEALS. *TT | |
| 092603 Sep 2003 | Steering | ZF VH RECALL OF THE ZF STEERING PUMP, SUPPLIED TO WD'S FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE AUDI A4 PASSAT P/N 8D0 145 156FX INSTEAD OF THE CORRECT ZF P/N 7691 955 276ZW. 2004 AUDI A4 ALSO INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 400101 Sep 2001 | Suspension | SUBJECT REGARDING NOISY FRONT SUSPENSION. *JG | |
| 11 Oct 1999 | Electrical System | THIS TECHNICAL REPAIR MANUAL CONTAINS THE ELECTRICAL WIRING DIAGRAMS, TROUBLESHOOTING AND COMPLENT LOCATIONS. *TT | |
| 9804 Dec 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VEHICLE EXHIBITING A WHINING / WHIRRING TYPE NOISE AT CERTAIN MPH RANGES. *TT | |
| A9815 Nov 1998 | Electrical System | SUBJECT ON ELECTRICAL WIRING DIAGRAMS, TROUBLESHOOTING & COMPONENT LOCATIONS TECHNICAL BULLETIN NO. 8. *YC | |
| 8 Oct 1998 | Electrical System | SERVICE INFORMATION ON ELECTRICAL WIRING DIAGRAM. *TT | |
| 9802 Sep 1998 | Suspension | CLUNKING OR RATTLING NOISE FROM ONE OR BOTH SIDES OF FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN DRIVING OVER ROUGH ROADS. *YC | |
| 9801I May 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON SERVICING CLUTCH AND CLUTCH CONTROLS ON VEHICLES WITH FWD MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. *TT | |
| 980215 Mar 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT ON TORQUE SPECIFICATION CHANGE FOR VEHICLES WITH 1.8, 5 VALVE TURBO. *YC | |
| 9801C Feb 1998 | Power Train | VEHICLE EXHIBITS DELAYED 1-2 SHIFT UNDER PART LOAD AFTER A COLD START. *YC | |
| 980264 Feb 1998 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON AIRBAG LABEL FOR REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD. *YC | |
| 980174 Feb 1998 | Seats | REMOVING AND INSTALLING THE FRONT SEAT BACKREST PANEL. *YC | |
| 970501975X May 1997 | Electrical System | REPAIR MANUAL ON ELECTRICAL WIRING DIAGRAMS. *YC |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Audi A4 →