The vehicle dossier US · 2004
2004 Audi
A4Problems & recalls
189 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Fuel system appears in 56 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.
01 / Owner-reported evidence
What owners reported.
Categories attached to 189 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.
See original component labels
These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.
The reporting timeline
When reports arrived.
Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.
59,560 miles is the median among 168 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 38,365–82,700 miles.
This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.
02 / Official safety campaigns
3 recall campaigns on file.
A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 16V382000
Reported concern
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2011 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2008 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling model year 2004 Audi A4 vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Read campaign 16V382000 at NHTSAENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINECampaign 14E007000
Reported concern
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 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Read campaign 14E007000 at NHTSAEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 05V096000
Reported concern
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.
Manufacturer’s stated response
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.
Manufacturer campaign: JH
Read campaign 05V096000 at NHTSA03 / The manufacturer’s record
Instructions. Updates. Responses.
171 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.
A0023742052680_4This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.NHTSA ID 10243930
This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10243930 at NHTSASM 48-2022This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.NHTSA ID 10214458
This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10214458 at NHTSAA0021482021205_6This informational bulletin explains how to order replacement VIN plates, Safety Certification Labels, etc.NHTSA ID 10198567
This informational bulletin explains how to order replacement VIN plates, Safety Certification Labels, etc.
Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10198567 at NHTSAA0020362002047_1This information bulletin contains instructions for technicans on how to ensure their TAC call goes smoothly.NHTSA ID 10184530
This information bulletin contains instructions for technicans on how to ensure their TAC call goes smoothly.
Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10184530 at NHTSAA9419182012749_1Exterior lights, moisture accumulation 2013-2021 A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 Sportback, 2004-2005 A4 Cabriolet, 2004-2008 S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2010-2021 A4 allroad, 2018-2021 A5 Sportback, 2010-2012, 2018-2021 RS5 Cabr…NHTSA ID 10169118
Exterior lights, moisture accumulation 2013-2021 A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 Sportback, 2004-2005 A4 Cabriolet, 2004-2008 S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2010-2021 A4 allroad, 2018-2021 A5 Sportback, 2010-2012, 2018-2021 RS5 Cabriolet, 2018-2021 S5 Sportback, 2004-2006 A7, 2004-2011 S7, 2021 RS6 Avant, 2004-2006 S8
Components: EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10169118 at NHTSA20AUTIRECHAINSNew document 2004-2020 A4 allroad, A6 allroad, A8L, R8 SpyderNHTSA ID 10169098
New document 2004-2020 A4 allroad, A6 allroad, A8L, R8 Spyder
Components: EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · TIRES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10169098 at NHTSASM 80-2019Parts are currently blocked from sale at this time.NHTSA ID 10166778
Parts are currently blocked from sale at this time.
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10166778 at NHTSAA0019262052680_2This bulletin contains instructions for additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries (airbag/seatbelts, accidents, fire and overheat damage.NHTSA ID 10165539
This bulletin contains instructions for additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries (airbag/seatbelts, accidents, fire and overheat damage.
Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10165539 at NHTSAA0019252011732_100 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructionsNHTSA ID 10166284
00 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10166284 at NHTSAAWC 19-05This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.NHTSA ID 10164518
This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY · EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10164518 at NHTSAAWC 19-04This communication is issued to remind dealers of the repair validation process for repair group 19. 2005-2019 A3, 1996-2019 A4, 2008-2019 A5, 1992-2019 A6, 2012-2019 A7, 1997-2019 A8, 2019 E-Tron, 2015-2019 Q3, 2010-2019 Q5, 2…NHTSA ID 10163501
This communication is issued to remind dealers of the repair validation process for repair group 19. 2005-2019 A3, 1996-2019 A4, 2008-2019 A5, 1992-2019 A6, 2012-2019 A7, 1997-2019 A8, 2019 E-Tron, 2015-2019 Q3, 2010-2019 Q5, 2007-2019 Q7, 2019 Q8, 2000-2019 TT, 2008-2018 R8
Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10163501 at NHTSAA9119652050565_2This bulletin contains general software update instructions for vehicles with PR Code 7UH. 2016-2020 A3, 2016-2020 A3 Cabrio, 2016 A3 Sportback, 2016-2020 A4, 2016-2020 A4 allroad, 2016-2012 A4 Avant, 2016-2020 A5 Cabrio, 2016-…NHTSA ID 10161670
This bulletin contains general software update instructions for vehicles with PR Code 7UH. 2016-2020 A3, 2016-2020 A3 Cabrio, 2016 A3 Sportback, 2016-2020 A4, 2016-2020 A4 allroad, 2016-2012 A4 Avant, 2016-2020 A5 Cabrio, 2016-2020 A5 Coupe, 2018-2020 A5 Sportback, 2016-2020 A6, 2016-2020 A7, 2016-2020 A8, 2016-2020 e-tron, 2019-2020 e-tron quattro, 2016-2020 Q3, 2016-2020 Q5, 2016-2020 Q7, 2016-2020 Q8, 2016-2020 R8 Coupe, 2016-2020 R8 Spyder, 2017-2019 RS3, 2016-2020 RS5, 2016-2020 RS5 Cabrio, 2016-2018 RS6, 2016-2018 RS7, 2016-2020 S5 Cabrio, 2016-2020 S5 Coupe, 2018-2020 S5 Sportback, 2016-2020 S6, 2016-2020 S7, 2018-2021 SQ5, 2016-2020 TT Coupe, 2016-2020 TT Roadster
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.
Source record 10161670 at NHTSARecords below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.
04 / Agency investigations
Official inquiries.
An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.
ENGINE STALLING - FUEL PUMP FAILUREPE08027
IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST FOR PE08-027, VOLKSWAGEN AG (VW) STATED THAT IT BELIEVES THAT THE POSSIBLE CAUSAL OR CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES COULD RESULT FROM EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF FOREIGN MATERIALS IN THE FUEL FILTER.IN RARE CASES, THE FUEL FILTER COULD BECOME CLOGGED, WHICH CAN CAUSE INCREASED PRESSURE ON THE PUMP.VW INDICATED THAT ENGINE STALLS RESULTING FROM THIS CONDITION ARE RARE AND WOULD BE PRECEDED BY SYMPTOMS SUCH AS REDUCED ENGINE POWER, NOISE OR HESITATION.ODI'S ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA DETERMINED THAT THE RATE OF ENGINE STALL INCIDENTS RESULTING FROM FUEL PUMP FAILURE IS LOW AT APPROXIMATELY 0.2 PERCENT AFTER THREE YEARS IN SERVICE. ON JANUARY 17, 2006, VW SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO ODI CONCERNING A SAFETY RECALL TO ADDRESS A DEFECT IN THE FUEL PUMPS OF APPROXIMATELY 74,000 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (47,000), AUDI A4 (20,000) AND AUDI A6 (7,000) VEHICLES BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 2002 THROUGH MARCH 2003 (NHTSA RECALL NO. 06V-017, VW RECALL NOS. M7 FOR PASSAT AND JL FOR AUDI A4 AND A6).ACCORDING TO VW, A SUB-SUPPLIER EXPERIENCED AN UNKNOWN CHANGE IN THE MATERIAL COMPOSITION OF THE CARBON-BRUSH SET USED IN THE ELECTRIC MOTOR IN THE FUEL PUMP, WHICH COULD LEAD TO INCREASED WEAR OF THE CARBON-BRUSH SETS, WHICH IN TURN CAN LEAD TO AN INOPERATIVE FUEL PUMP AND, ULTIMATELY, STOPPAGE OF FUEL SUPPLY TO THE ENGINE.ON JULY 23, 2007, VW EXPANDED THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL TO INCLUDE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 2002 THROUGH APRIL 2003, ADDING ANOTHER 34,358 VEHICLES TO THE ORIGINAL RECALL (24,801 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, 7,436 AUDI A4 AND 2,121 AUDI A6 VEHICLES).ODI ASSIGNED RECALL NO. 07V-375 TO THE AMENDED RECALL REPORT. THE MY 2004 AUDI A4 VEHICLES THAT ARE THE SUBJECT OF PE08-027 ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THE SUB-SUPPLIER ISSUE THAT PROMPTED 06V-017 AND 07V-375.PRODUCTION OF THE MY 2004 VEHICLES BEGAN FOUR MONTHS AFTER THE AMENDED PRODUCTION RANGE IDENTIFIED IN 07V-375.THE FUEL PUMP FAILURES IN THE MY 2004 VEHICLES HAVE DIFFERENT CAUSES THAN THE DEFECT IDENTIFIED IN THE PRIOR RECALL POPULATIONS AND HAVE OCCURRED AT MUCH LOWER FREQUENCIES. FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FIND BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.
Recorded closure: Aug 6, 2008
Find investigation PE08027Your next step
Take good questions
to the inspection.
Use these prompts with a qualified inspector. This page is research, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a hands-on inspection.