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 PER YEAR
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 | 31 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 54 |
| 2018 | 44 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 124 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
54% of complaints: exterior lighting — 158 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20171227
25% of complaints: air bags — 73 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20200814
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, 20181106
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, 20151122
7% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file.
FIRE5% of complaints: engine — 15 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20130426
3% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 16V382000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 17V032000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 18V427000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Audi A4 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (158 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (73 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V382000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V032000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V427000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 54% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Audi A4 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.