2005 Audi A4
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Visibility & Lighting
Visibility & Lighting leads by volume: 104 of 219 complaints (47%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (6) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 189 in 2004 to 219 in 2005.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | vs. 2005 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,350–4,300 | 3,350–4,100 | 3,250–4,100 | 3,250–4,300 | 3,250–4,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 18–23 | 19–23 | 19–24 | 18–24 | 19–24 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 16–20 / 23–29 | 16–20 / 23–29 | 16–21 / 24–31 | 15–21 / 23–31 | 15–21 / 25–31 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 386–494 | 386–468 | 370–468 | 370–494 | 370–468 | |
| Complaints filed | 210 | 189 | 219 | 295 | 196 | |
| Recalls issued | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 10 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 4 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 6 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 12 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 4 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 7 | 7 | 12 | 7 | 7 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2005 Audi A4 have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2005 Audi A4?
Visibility & Lighting: 104 of 219 NHTSA complaints (47%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Audi A4 get?
EPA rates it 19–24 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2005 Audi A4?
EPA estimates $3,250–$4,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (22)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 20 mpg | 28 mpg | 23 mpg | $3,350 | 386 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 16 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 20 mpg | 27 mpg | 23 mpg | $3,350 | 386 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.8L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 20 mpg | 29 mpg | 23 mpg | $3,350 | 386 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 19 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 1.8L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 19 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic (S5) | 4 | 1.8L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 18 mpg | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 16 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 16 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 13 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 16 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 14 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 16 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 15 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 21 mpg (high) | 30 mpg | 24 mpg (high) | $3,250 (low) | 370 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 16 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 20 mpg | 31 mpg (high) | 24 mpg (high) | $3,250 (low) | 370 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 19 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.1L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg | 24 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 22 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.1L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 17 mpg | 24 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
Show 6 more configurations
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 11 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 1.8L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 19 mpg | 28 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 12 | Automatic (S5) | 4 | 1.8L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 18 mpg | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 17 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 20 mpg | 28 mpg | 23 mpg | $3,350 | 386 g/mi |
| Configuration 18 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 19 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 20 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 20 mpg | 28 mpg | 23 mpg | $3,350 | 386 g/mi |
| Configuration 21 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 19 mpg | 27 mpg | 22 mpg | $3,500 | 404 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 18 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 12 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical | 24 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 54 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 104 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (4)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 18V427000 · Jun 26, 2018
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2006-2011 A6 Avant, and 2007-2011 S6 Sedan vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R7. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V382, 17V032 and 18V004 and includes vehicles that may have had their air bag previously replaced under one of those campaigns.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 17V032000 · Jan 13, 2017
Defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the 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." Additionally, unless included in "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, A6 Sedan, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan vehicles, 2007-2008 A4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S4 Cabriolet and S6 Sedan vehicles, and 2006-2008 A6 Avant and 2008 RS4 Cabriolet vehicles originally sold, or ever 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 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.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall number 18V427.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 16V382000 · May 31, 2016
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · Campaign 14E007000 · Mar 12, 2014
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
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.