Vehicles / Audi / A4 / 2005

2005 Audi A4

219 federal complaints (267 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 319 service bulletins
See all 31 model years of the Audi A4 →
Engine
1.8L 4-cyl
Fuel
Premium
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
20 city / 27 hwy
Federal complaints
219
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
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.

Lighting
101
Air bags
55
Electrical system
24
Engine & cooling
18
Power train
16
Fuel system
13
Speed control
8
Steering
6
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

0 years old: 9 complaints01 years old: 8 complaints2 years old: 7 complaints3 years old: 12 complaints4 years old: 27 complaints5 years old: 49 complaints56 years old: 22 complaints7 years old: 16 complaints8 years old: 7 complaints9 years old: 7 complaints10 years old: 8 complaints1011 years old: 20 complaints12 years old: 14 complaints13 years old: 4 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 2 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 2 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 1 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 218 of 219 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 9 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 17 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 60 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 31 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 17 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 18 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 6 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 3 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 1 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 1 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 163 of 219 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

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.

Lighting

101 complaint records
"2005 AUDI A4 S-LINE'S PROBLEMS: DIPPED HEADLIGHTS FLICKERING & INTERMITTENTLY GOING OUT AND CONDENSATION IN HEADLIGHTS. *TR..."- 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 lighting parts in the directory →

Air bags

55 complaint records7 crash reports
"TAKATA RECALL. AIRBAGS ARE ON BACKORDER. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT RECEIVED ENOUGH TO REPLACE RECALLED ONES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR DRIVERS..."- 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 air bags parts in the directory →

Electrical system

24 complaint records3 fire reports
"2005 AUDI A4 S-LINE'S PROBLEMS: DIPPED HEADLIGHTS FLICKERING & INTERMITTENTLY GOING OUT AND CONDENSATION IN HEADLIGHTS. *TR..."- 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 →

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.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
18V427000Air BagsVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011...Normally free
17V032000Air BagsVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the...Normally free
16V382000Air BagsVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2011 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii,...Normally free

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.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
A0023742052680_4
Oct 2023
EquipmentThis bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
DC_AudiRingsV12
Apr 2023
EquipmentInside the Rings | Volume 12, Spring 2023
TRMDMV_NM_Audi
Mar 2023
Air BagsIn conjunction with the New Mexico DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 389 Audi owners in the State of New Mexico on March 13, 2023.
TRMDMV_MA_Audi
Mar 2023
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Massachusetts DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 2,907 Audi owners in the State of Massachusetts on March 13, 2023.
TRMDMV_CO_Audi
Feb 2023
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Colorado DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 2,174 Audi owners in the State of Colorado on February 13, 2023.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
DC_Rings_VOL10
Feb 2023
EquipmentTakata recall and 3G turndown
TRMDMV_NY_Audi
Oct 2022
Air BagsIn conjunction with the New York DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 5,165 Audi owners in the State of New York on October 17, 2022.
TRMDPS_SC_Audi
Sep 2022
Unknown Or OtherIn conjunction with the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Audi is sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 1,121 Audi owners in the state of South Carolina on September 19, 2022.
TRMDMV_PR_Audi
Jul 2022
EquipmentIn conjunction with the Georgia Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Division and Department of Driver Services, Audi sent Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 565 Audi owners in the State of Puerto Rico on July 25, 2022.
TRMDMV_GA_Audi
Jun 2022
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Georgia Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Division and Department of Driver Services, Audi sent Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 2,616 Audi owners in the State of Georgia on June 22, 2022.
SM 48-2022
Jun 2022
EquipmentThis special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
TRMDMV_CA_Audi
May 2022
Air BagsIn conjunction with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Audi sent Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 12,349 Audi owners in the State of California on April 29, 2022.
AWA 22-04
Apr 2022
Air BagsThis Document informs dealers on the new Takata warranty extension for 2005-2017 A3, A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, S4 Sedan, S4, Avant, A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A5 Cabriolet, S5 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan, Q5, R8 Coupe, R8 Spyder, RS4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S6 Sedan, S6 Sedan, TT...
TRMALEA_AL_Audi
Mar 2022
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Audi is sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 939 Audi owners in the State of Alabama on March 23, 2022.
A9122752024323_9
Feb 2022
Electrical SystemThis bulletin contains technical information regarding when the parking aid sporadically warns of obstacles that don't exist or it is inoperative/constant warning.
TRMDPSSC_Audi
Jan 2022
Air BagsIn conjunction with the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Audi is sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 1,290 Audi owners in the state of South Carolina on January 24, 2022.
TRMDMVID_Audi
Aug 2021
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Idaho DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 688 Audi owners in the State of Idaho on August 30, 2021.
A0021482021205_6
Jun 2021
StructureThis informational bulletin explains how to order replacement VIN plates, Safety Certification Labels, etc.
TRMDMVNY_Audi
Jun 2021
Air BagsIn conjunction with the New York DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 6,957 Audi owners in the State of New York on June 21, 2021.
TRMTXDMV_Audi
May 2021
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Texas DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 7,185 Audi owners in the State of Texas on May 17, 2021.
A9121642024323_7
Jan 2021
Parking BrakeThis bulletin contains technical information regarding when the parking aid sporadically warns of obstacles that don't exist or it is inoperative/constant warning.
SM C-2020
Dec 2020
EquipmentThis special notice is to inform dealers to return the part numbers listed (State of California only).
A1720112060750_1
Oct 2020
EquipmentThis bulletin contains instructions for using the UV additive to find engine oil leaks.
21AUTIRECHAINS
Sep 2020
EquipmentAdded new graphic to reflect where to find MY 21 information
TRMMIDOS_Audi
Aug 2020
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Michigan Department of State, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 3,000 Audi owners in the State of Michigan on August 10, 2020.
Audi Part Labels
Aug 2020
EquipmentRecall Reminder Part Labels
TRMTX_Audi
Jul 2020
Air BagsIn conjunction with the County of Fort Bend, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recalll reminder notices to approximately 370 Audi owners in the State of Texas on July 28, 2020.
A1720062028440_5
Jul 2020
Electrical SystemThis informational bulletin explains when the range display is empty in the on-board computer.
TRMTN_Audi
Jul 2020
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Tennessee DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 2,300 Audi owners in the State of Tennessee on July 7, 2020.
TRMMRFL_Audi
Jun 2020
Air BagsIn conjunction with the City of Miramar, Audi sent Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 89 Audi owners in the State of Florida on June 26, 2020.
A1920042025303_1
Jun 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingThis bulletin contains instructions for identifying and mixing factory fill coolants.
TRMLPCA_Audi
Jun 2020
Air BagsIn conjunction with the City of La Puente, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 45 Audi owners in the State of California on June 22, 2020.
A0020382039206_3
Jun 2020
EquipmentThis informational bulletin contains instructions on how to use the QR code in a TSB.
A9120702044694_2
May 2020
EquipmentThis technical service bulletin provides troubleshooting for issues with the navigation map database.
TK Services_Audi
Apr 2020
EquipmentEffective immediately, TK Services Inc. will resume scheduling part pick-up from dealerships and service centers.
A0020362002047_1
Apr 2020
EquipmentThis information bulletin contains instructions for technicans on how to ensure their TAC call goes smoothly.
A012054201475311
Apr 2020
Fuel SystemThis bulletin contains instructions for when to add gasoline additives for cleaning the injectors.
TRMNEDMV_Audi
Mar 2020
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Nebraska DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 400 Audi owners in the State of Nebraska on March 23, 2020.
TKservicesVW
Mar 2020
Air BagsOperational Update - Takata Return Parts Pickup
A012046201475310
Mar 2020
Fuel SystemThis bulletin contains instructions for when to add gasoline additives for cleaning the injectors.
A912039201818711
Feb 2020
EquipmentThis bulletin contains inspection guidelines for radio interference that causes noises in the speaker.
TRMOHDMV_Audi
Feb 2020
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Ohio DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 4,900 Audi owners in the State of Ohio on February 10, 2020.
TRMGADMV_Audi
Jan 2020
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Georgia DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 5,200 Audi owners in the State of Georgia on January 24, 2020.
TRMSCDPS_Audi
Jan 2020
Air BagsIn conjunction with the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Audi sent Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 1,800 Audi owners in the state of South Carolina on January 20, 2020.
TRMCACBAR_Audi
Jan 2020
Air BagsIn conjunction with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair, Audi sent Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 27,300 Audi owners in the state of California on January 14, 2020.
A9419182012749_1
Dec 2019
EquipmentExterior 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,...
20AUTIRECHAINS
Dec 2019
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityNew document 2004-2020 A4 allroad, A6 allroad, A8L, R8 Spyder
TRMPADMV_Audi
Nov 2019
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Pennsylvania DMV, Audi sent Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 9,100 Audi owners in the State of Pennsylvania on November 18, 2019.
TRMARDMV_Audi
Nov 2019
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Arkansas DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 600 Audi owners in the state of Arkansas on November 19 2019.
TRMTXDMV_Audi
Nov 2019
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Houston Dept. of Neighborhoods, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 2,300 Audi owners in the state of Texas on November 4, 2019.
XPOTAKATACOMAU
Oct 2019
Unknown Or OtherXPO Phone Outage - Takata Airbag/Inflator Returns. 2005 A4 Avant, S4 Avant, 2006 A4 Avant, A6 Avant, S4 Avant, 2007 A4 Avant, A6 Avant, S4 Avant, S4 Cabriolet, 2008 A4 Avant, A6 Avant, RS4 Cabriolet, S4 Avant, S4 Cabriolet, 2009 A6 Avant, 2010 A6 Avant, 2011 A6 Avant, 2016 TT...
TRMFLDMV_Audi
Oct 2019
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 10,000 Audi owners in the state of Florida on October 14, 2019.
SM 80-2019
Oct 2019
Unknown Or OtherParts are currently blocked from sale at this time.
A0019262052680_2
Sep 2019
EquipmentThis bulletin contains instructions for additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries (airbag/seatbelts, accidents, fire and overheat damage.
A0019252011732_1
Sep 2019
Electrical System00 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions
TRMMNDMV_Audi
Sep 2019
Air BagsIn conjunction with the Minnesota DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 3,500 Audi owners in the State of Minnesota on September 16, 2019.
A9119882024323_6
Sep 2019
Forward Collision AvoidanceThis bulletin contains technical information regarding when the parking aid sporadically warns of obstacles that don't exist or it is inoperative/constant warning.
A1719982028440_4
Aug 2019
Fuel SystemThis informational bulletin explains when the range display is empty in the on-board computer. Also A3 Cabriolet 2015-2021, A3 Sportback 2016-2018, 2005 A4 Cabriolet , 2005-2009 S4 Cabriolet, 2010-2012 and 2018-2021 RS5 Cabriolet, 2018-2021 S5 Sportback, 2021 S6, 2005 and 2006...
AWC 19-05
Aug 2019
Electrical SystemThis communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.
TRMNCDMV_Audi
Aug 2019
Air BagsIn conjunction with the North Carolina DMV, Audi will be sending Takata airbag recall reminder notices to approximately 4,500 Audi owners in the State of North Carolina on August 19, 2019.

Showing 60 of 319 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Do a full walk-around with every light on.Condensation inside a lens, a dim side, or a flickering tail light match this vehicle's lighting cluster.
  2. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  3. 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.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 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.
  5. 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 →