Is the 2005 Audi A4 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Audi A4 is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Audi A4?

The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 Audi A4 have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2005 Audi A4

◆ Worse than typical

2005 Audi A4
BUILT 2026-10-10

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: 219
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Exterior lighting

Complaints per year

2005: 219 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	55
2018	44
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.

Exterior lighting

46% · 101 reports

Most commonly citing headlights.

Air bags

25% · 55 reports

Most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The airbags in our 2005 Audi A4 were recalled. We had the airbag replaced due to the recall in Audi of Stratham, 58 Portsmouth Ave, Stratham, NH 03885 in February 2023.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-09

'Takata recall' I made appointments and registered to get my airbag replaced on numerous occasions.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-08

Also filed under Engine and fuel/propulsion system

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Audi A4. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the front driver's side of the his vehicle. The air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-28

Electrical system

11% · 24 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Driving down the road and my car starts smoking and catchs on fire

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-08-02

Also filed under Engine

Power train

7% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).

Engine

5% · 10 reports

CRASHFIRE

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

▮
2005Complaint volume 219 complaints filed for this model year.
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 →
R

2018-03-30Air bags17V032000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-06-29Air bags18V427000 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag with an alternate remedy part, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2005 Audi A4 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Exterior lighting: 101 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 55 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 24 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 14E007000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 16V382000 · Air bags
Recall 17V032000 · Air bags
Recall 18V427000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2005 Audi A4 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Audi A4 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Audi A4?: The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Audi A4 have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.