2004 Audi A4
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2004 Audi A4. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2004 Audi A4. Newest first.
Volkswagen 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, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834.
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
On certain passenger vehicles, there IS a possibility of xenon headlamp coating degradation over time. the luminous transmittance of the headlamp may decrease over a period of time.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could affect a driver's field of view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left and right xenon headlamp reflectors free of charge. the recall began on april 11, 2005. owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.
Owner complaints
189 complaints8 involved a crash3 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
******* 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 *******
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
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…
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.
- Visibility › Windshield
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.
- Electrical system · Power train · Unknown or other
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.
- Air bags · Engine · Exterior lighting
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
- Air bags · Engine · Exterior lighting
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…
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
- Fuel/propulsion system
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.
- Unknown or other
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.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 audi A4. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 18v427000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Audi north…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 audi A4. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 18v427000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Audi north miami (1995 ne 142nd st, north miami, fl 33181, (305) 952-5900) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags · Engine
My audi stopped blowing out heat first and then the check engine light came on. When I took it to get the check engine light code tested it read pressure default. Not long after my air bag light came on. Now my car IS leaking coolant.
- Exterior lighting
The hid xenon headlights have dimmed to the point where driving at night could become difficult. there IS a recall (05v096000) for 2004 audi A4'S with hid headlights but this vin. IS not included. Possibly a known problem to audi.
- Air bags
On february 20TH I was putting some items in car.. I started my car to get it warm it was very cold outside. for ten to 15 minutes the car sat and was idling. I came inside to get last few items to load into vehicle. I opened back passenger door when a loud sound as if a gunshot went off. to my surprise the front airbag deployed smoke and debris through out me and my car.
- Air bags
Takata airbag inflators, I got in my car and the airbag light came on for no reason , and it IS still on. For more than 3 months now
- Vehicle speed control
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.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2004 audi A4. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 16v382000 (air bags) and 16v079000 (air bags); however, the parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 audi A4. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 16v382000 (air bags) and 16v079000 (air bags); however, the parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
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…
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.
- Engine
Oil dipstick & support tube, made of plastic, cracks - brakes into pieces , both on the dipstick & tube that can easily go down the tube into the oil below. looks like a poor engineering decision to use plastic that after years of heating to near engind tempatures then cooling has a high…
Oil dipstick & support tube, made of plastic, cracks - brakes into pieces , both on the dipstick & tube that can easily go down the tube into the oil below. looks like a poor engineering decision to use plastic that after years of heating to near engind tempatures then cooling has a high probability of cranckin and having pieces fall into the engine oil supply - possibally causing engind damage or faliure. should be replaced every 5 years or with a metal structure that doesn't crack/break off into pieces. I would think from the youtube complaints on how to replace it I am not alone with this proiblem. dealer part sales might confirm the problem.
- Service brakes
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.
- Unknown or other
Premature rear window leak due to glue problem which results in replacing complete top dealership said window was repaired before on previous owner.
- Exterior lighting
When cold temperature outside and low beam headlights are used. Dash will read out with (left headlight dipped) error. Seems to be a common issue among this car model
- Air bags
Air bag lite stays on
- Electrical system
Electronic deficiency overriding speedometer and odometer on the car. When car IS first started...three loud beeps occur and the ABS and brake warning lights start blinking on and off. Following the three loud beeps both the speedometer and odometer are disabled. When driving, the speedometer does not indicate the speed of the vehicle and the odometer does not indicate any mileage driven.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2004 audi A4. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, the vehicle stalled. In addition, the engine warning light illuminated and the oil pressure was displayed across the message board. The contact stated that an oil change was previously performed on the vehicle.…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 audi A4. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, the vehicle stalled. In addition, the engine warning light illuminated and the oil pressure was displayed across the message board. The contact stated that an oil change was previously performed on the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,500.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2004 audi A4. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
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…
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
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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…
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10251027Tightening wheel bolts
- 10250950Tightening wheel bolts
- 10250453TCM software update for downshift concerns
- 10250430Oil consumption measurement - Repair Authorization (CA)
- 10249085Google Maps Street View (NVLW))
- 10249054Due to new Minnesota state regulations regarding biofuels, biodiesel blends of B5 or less may not be available in the State of Minnesota.
- 102440362004 Scheduled Maintenance Intervals
- 10243930This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
- 10243790Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10243789Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10243787Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10243780Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10243761Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10243756Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10241749Quick Reference Update Guide
- 10231144Technical bulletins and updates
- 10231135Technical bulletins and updates
- 10231130Idenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants
- 10231128Technical bulletins and updates
- 10231127ElsaPro Software update and technical bulletins
- 10228314The use of contaminated gasoline or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or more conditions.
- 10228302High quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet.
- 10228297This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management (SVM) software update for any TSB or Update.
- 10226530ATF pan leaks
- 10226529Vehicle lacks power or will not move after stop due to simultaneous depressing of the brake and accelerator pedals
- 10224993The use of contaminated gasoline or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or more conditions.
- 10224981High quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet.
- 10224976This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management (SVM) software update for any TSB or Update.
- 10221966The use of contaminated gasoline or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or more conditions.
- 10221954High quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet.
- 10221949This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management (SVM) software update for any TSB or Update.
- 10216682Engine oils that meet Audi Oil Quality Standards.
- 10216638If the vehicle?s engine experienced a serious mechanical problem, it is possible that small pieces of metal debris resulting from the mechanical problem may have become deposited in the intake manifold, air intake hoses, exhaust manifolds, exhaust down-pipes, turbocharger, supercharger, and/or intercooler. If these pieces are not removed prior to the installation and operation of the replacement engine, the pieces may be drawn into the combustion chamber, which can cause a knocking noise and subsequent serious engine damage.
- 10216607Maintenance Card
- 10214458This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 10212703Vehicle lacks power or will not move after stop due to simultaneous depressing of the brake and accelerator pedals
- 10210680As the sump pan gasket settles, the torque of the bolts decreases and the seal may leak. Automatic transmission fluid is leaking at the sump pan gasket.
- 10210679This condition may be caused when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are depressed simultaneously. Drivers who drive with their left foot resting on the brake pedal are prone to experience this condition. With the introduction of Electronic Power Control (EPC) (no accelerator cable) to fuel injection systems, an engine RPM control feature has been incorporated into the engine electronic control system software. Customer states that the engine returns to idle speed of approximately 1,400 RPM although the accelerator is depressed, and/or the vehicle hesitates (lacks power on take-off).
- 10210650This condition may be caused when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are depressed simultaneously. Drivers who consciously or unconsciously drive with their left foot resting on the brake pedal are prone to experience this condition. With the introduction of Electronic Power Control (EPC) (no accelerator cable) to fuel injection systems, an engine RPM control feature has been incorporated into the engine electronic control system software. As a result, application of the brake and accelerator pedals at the same time (brake pedal with left foot and accelerator pedal with right foot) results in the following: ? Brake pedal function (normal at all times) overrides any throttle application. ? Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) will not be stored. ? When the brake pedal is applied while the accelerator is depressed, engine RPMs will return to idle speeds of 1400 RPMs after approximately two seconds. ? When the accelerator is applied while the brake pedal is depressed, the vehicle accelerates slower than usual (reduced engine torque).
- 10198567This informational bulletin explains how to order replacement VIN plates, Safety Certification Labels, etc.
Every Audi A4 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.