2006 Audi A4
This year had more than double the complaints of 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.
- Complaints
- 295
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Exterior lighting
Campaigns on file for 2006
None on file
55% of complaints
Complaints per year
2006: 295 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
55% · 161 reportsMost commonly citing headlights.
Show complaint excerpts
The left headlight flickers and turns off. Changing the bulb did not fix the problem and neither did changing the ballast.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-27
Air bags
25% · 73 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My personal Audi A4 was involved in a front end collision on an inner-city road due to loss of friction on frozen ice.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-08-14
On 7/15/18 I had a mysterious accident in ottawa county, Michigan, where I was knocked out for several hours and I have no recollection off anything at least a few minutes before the accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-11-06
Glancing side impact head on collision - vehicle rolled 270 degrees - right, upside down, then ended on left side. None of the airbags deployed. Impact speed was more than sufficient to roll vehicle, thus they should have deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-11-22
Electrical system
7% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing ignition.
Engine
5% · 15 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Audi A4. The contact stated that there was a sweet, burning smell present in the vehicle for two years.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-26
Power train
5% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2006Complaint volume 295 complaints filed for this model year.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2006 Audi A4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Exterior lighting: 161 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 73 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 21 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V382000 · Air bags
- Recall 17V032000 · Air bags
- Recall 18V427000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2006 Audi A4 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Audi A4 is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Audi A4?
- The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2006 Audi A4 have?
- 3 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.