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2004 Audi A4 reliability record

Every consumer complaint and recall the U.S. government (NHTSA) has on file for the 2004 Audi A4 — the repair risk behind the ownership cost.

Source-verified · 2026NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Official source
NHTSA complaints
225
7 in the last 5 years
Top problem area
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
35 complaints
Recalls on record
1
see below
Reported harm
10 reported crashes · 7 injuries · 6 fires

How this record compares

raw NHTSA counts, not defect rates

Complaint rank

#2,325

of 4,194 vehicle records

Vs Audi median

+74

median 152 across 46 Audi records

Vs 2002-2006

-44

median 269 complaints in 819 records

Top component share

16%

Fuel System, Gasoline: 35 complaints

What owners report fails — 2004 Audi A4

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 35
  • AIR BAGS 18
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING 14
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 12
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12

1 recall on record for the 2004 Audi A4

  • NHTSA 16V382000 · 2017 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Look up these campaign numbers at NHTSA.gov →

Estimate the 5-year cost to own a 2004 Audi A4

A vehicle's complaint record hints at the repair and maintenance budget you'll need. Add your state, purchase price, and mileage to the TCO calculator for the full picture.

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These are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many 2004 Audi A4 units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle. Data as of 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2004 Audi A4 reliable?

NHTSA has 225 consumer complaints on record for the 2004 Audi A4 and 1 recall. The most-reported problem area is fuel system, gasoline (35 reports). These are unverified consumer reports filed with the government, not validated failure rates, and are not adjusted for how many 2004 Audi A4 units were produced — popular vehicles naturally accumulate more reports.

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

Owners most often report problems with: fuel system, gasoline (35), air bags (18), exterior lighting (14), vehicle speed control (12). Each figure is the number of complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

How much does it cost to own a 2004 Audi A4?

Ownership cost depends on your state taxes, insurance, fuel, and the maintenance the vehicle's reliability record implies. Use the CarOutlay 5-year TCO calculator to estimate the full cost including the repair risk this complaint record suggests.

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