Is the 2004 Audi A4 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Audi A4 is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Audi A4?

The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Audi A4 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2004 Audi A4

◆ Worse than typical

2004 Audi A4
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:50:17.906Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 189
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Fuel system, gasoline

Complaints per year

2004: 189 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1995	1
1996	89
1997	98
1998	258
1999	190
2000	96
2001	131
2002	181
2003	210
2004	189
2005	219
2006	295
2007	196
2008	175
2009	120
2010	64
2011	11
2012	19
2013	24
2014	32
2015	19
2016	11
2017	57
2018	45
2019	10
2020	128
2021	11
2022	6
2023	10
2024	2
2025	1

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Fuel system, gasoline

25% · 48 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump and filler pipe and cap.

CRASHFIRE

Air bags

14% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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...

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-08-14

Also filed under Engine and exterior lighting

(1) I was waiting at a major intersection at a red light. When it turned green, I proceeded into the intersection.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-07-20

Engine and engine cooling

11% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.

Visibility

9% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing windshield and power window devices and controls.

Vehicle speed control

8% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I was driving our 2004 Audi A4 on a two lane road at approximately 30 MPH.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-30

On three separate occasions over the past 3 years, we have lost control of acceleration in our 2004 A4.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-18

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2004Complaint volume 189 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2005-04-11Exterior lighting05V096000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2008-04-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-08-06 Engine stalling - fuel pump failure
R

2014-05-01Engine and engine cooling14E007000 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...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-04-28Air bags16V382000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Audi A4 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Fuel system, gasoline: 48 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 26 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 21 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 05V096000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 14E007000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 16V382000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2004 Audi A4 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Audi A4 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Audi A4?: The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Audi A4 have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.