2004 Audi A4 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Caution

Ranks 20th of 24 A4 years we score.

Owner complaints: 218; 7 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 45.2; 46,704 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 1.6×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 99; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 2
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2003 A4 2005 A4 →

Should You Buy the 2004 Audi A4?

Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2004 Audi A4 is 65 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.6 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 20th of the 24 A4 years we score.

The most reported problem is the fuel pump, mostly stalling (48 of 218 complaints). Owners also complain about tires and the headlights. 99 of the 218 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 2 recalls. Audi also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for a problem with the transmission. For comparison, the 2003 scores 65 and the 2005 scores 67.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-13-04 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
1 Audi warranty extension may cover repairs

Cons

About 1.6 times the problems of the average car its age
Fuel pump: stalling48 complaints
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart15 complaints
Headlights: stopped working14 complaints

How the 2004 A4 Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	1.7×	−22
Everyday problems	1.2×	−8
Problems in the last two years	Not counted	–
Recalls	0.78×	−5
Score		65

Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2004 A4. If it were exactly average, its 46,704 cars would draw about 0.8 complaints in two years at this age, too few to compare. Their 30% moves to serious and everyday problems, which count for 80% of this score instead of 50%.

What Owners Report

We read all 218 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Audi A4, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 218.

Fuel pump: stalling
48 complaints (22%)
Stalling, failure or loss of drive and a loss of power. 37 of these 48 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 63,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
15 complaints (7%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, damage and early wear. 2 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 12,000 miles.
Headlights: stopped working
14 complaints (6%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and damage. 1 of these 14 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 77,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
11 complaints (5%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 86,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
11 complaints (5%)
Stalling. All 11 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 78,000 miles.
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
10 complaints (5%)
Sticking or stiffness. All 10 describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Windshield wipers: stopped working
9 complaints (4%)
A feature that stopped working, unusual noises and parts breaking or coming apart. 2 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 54,000 miles.
Timing chain or camshaft: rough running or misfires
8 complaints (4%)
Rough running or misfires, a failure and unusual noises. 4 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 69,000 miles.
Steering: a leak
7 complaints (3%)
A leak, overheating and parts breaking or coming apart. 2 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 47,000 miles.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
7 complaints (3%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, failure or loss of drive and warning lights. 4 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 41,000 miles.
Engine failure: locking up
6 complaints (3%)
Locking up, stalling and a failure. All 6 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 99,000 miles.
Ignition coils or spark plugs: rough running or misfires
6 complaints (3%)
Rough running or misfires and a failure that needed a new part. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Cooling system: a leak
5 complaints (2%)
A leak and the system acting on its own. Median mileage when it started: about 68,000 miles.
Fuel filter failure
5 complaints (2%)
A failure and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
5 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration and surging. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.

Show 23 more problems

Airbags: no deployment in a crash
4 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash, a feature that stopped working and warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
4 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 51,000 miles.
Convertible top rear window: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and water leaking in. Median mileage when it started: about 78,000 miles.
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
4 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working, a failure that needed a new part and problems that come and go. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
A/C failure
3 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part, problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 56,000 miles.
CVT: failure or loss of drive
3 complaints (1%)
Failure or loss of drive and harsh or delayed shifts. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 41,000 miles.
Brakes: early wear
3 complaints (1%)
Early wear, loss of braking and unusual noises. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
Engine oil sludge failure
3 complaints (1%)
A failure and warning lights. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
3 complaints (1%)
A loss of power. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 34,000 miles.
Manual transmission or clutch: failure or loss of drive
3 complaints (1%)
Failure or loss of drive, slipping and harsh or delayed shifts. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
3 complaints (1%)
Deployment with no crash and no deployment in a crash. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Valve train: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and damage. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 34,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: stopped working
3 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working, damage and a fire. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
ABS: warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and the system acting on its own.
Engine: rough running or misfires
2 complaints (under 1%)
Rough running or misfires and vibration or shudder.
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
2 complaints (under 1%)
Rough running or misfires.
Instrument cluster: warning lights
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights and a feature that stopped working.
Noise (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Convertible top: sticking or stiffness
2 complaints (under 1%)
Sticking or stiffness.
Seat belts failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and damage.
Taillights or brake lights: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Timing belt failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and damage. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Transmission computer: harsh or delayed shifts
2 complaints (under 1%)
Harsh or delayed shifts and reduced power or limp mode. Both describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking.

Reported Once (22)

Show the 22 problems reported once

12V battery: the car not starting
Uneven tire wear failure
Brake power assist: loss of braking
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Exhaust or catalytic converter: damage
Exterior lights: stopped working
Heater: stopped working
Interior trim: damage
Mirrors: parts breaking or coming apart
Oil pressure failure
Center console latch: parts breaking or coming apart
Crank pulley failure
Electrical system (unspecified)
Engine tensioner (unspecified) failure
Fuel pump injector: stalling
Oil dipstick and tube: parts breaking or coming apart
Plug (unspecified) failure
Vehicle failure
Parking brake: warning lights
Piston rings: damage
Starter: the car not starting
Windshield: oily film

How the 2004 Audi A4 Compares With Other Years

The other A4 years of the 2nd generation (B6), 2002 to 2005, and the years just before and after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2006	Caution	68	1.2×	54.3	4	Headlights: works on and off
2005	Caution	67	1.3×	48.4	3	Headlights: works on and off
2004 This year	Caution	65	1.6×	45.2	2	Fuel pump: stalling
2003	Caution	65	1.6×	43.6	3	Fuel pump: stalling
2002	Caution	65	1.7×	52.3	1	Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
2001	Caution	68	1.3×	49.5	1	Instrument cluster: stopped working

See every A4 year

2004 Audi A4 Recalls

Two recalls cover the 2004 Audi A4. The most recent was issued in June 2016: “Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 16V382000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 1, 2016. By the second quarter of 2018, 33% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Xenon Headlamps
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. This condition could affect a driver's field of view, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 05V096000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 15, 2005.

2004 Audi A4 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has one warranty extension for the 2004 Audi A4, separate from its recalls. It is for a problem with the transmission. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.

Warranty extensionAudi AWA-13-04
CVT transmission and control module failures
The problem:
The bulletin names no symptom. Under a class action settlement, Audi extended the warranty on parts of the factory CVT transmission.
The fix:
An Audi dealer diagnoses and repairs or replaces the covered CVT parts. Which parts are covered depends on the model year.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2002 to 2006 A4 and A6 with the factory CVT. Control module: 2003 to 2006. Valve body: 2003 and 2004. Rest of the transmission: 2002 to 2004, only with proof of the owner's manual transmission maintenance.
Coverage:
10 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

2004 Audi A4 NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2004 Audi A4. It closed without a recall.

Engine stalling from fuel pump failure
Closed without a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation looked into fuel pump failures that stalled 2004 Audi A4 engines. Stalls were rare, about 0.2 percent after three years. The 2004 cars were not affected by the supplier problem behind fuel pump recalls 06V-017 and 07V-375. NHTSA closed it, saying more work would not be an efficient use of its resources.
NHTSA PE08027 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Apr 14, 2008 to Aug 6, 2008

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2004 A4 no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2004 A4 ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door and S4 4-door, all with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat4/5

Passenger seat4/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat5/5

Rear seat4/5

Rollover4/5

Avant 4-door and S4 Avant 4-door, all with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat4/5

Passenger seat4/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seatNot rated

Rear seatNot rated

RolloverNot rated

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2004 A4, from its two recalls, an Audi warranty extension that may still apply and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA 16V382000
Xenon Headlamps NHTSA 05V096000

Ask an Audi Dealer

Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

AWA-13-04: CVT transmission and control module failures

On the Test Drive

Confirm any fuel pump recall was done. Hard starting or stalling is a warning sign.
Look for uneven tire wear and listen for clunks or humming that changes with speed.
Drive long enough to warm up fully, including at highway speed, and note any stalling or loss of power.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Fuel pump
Tires
Headlights
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All A4 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.