What's Wrong with the 3rd Generation A4?

Front 3/4 view of a Audi A4

The 3rd generation A4 spans the 2005 to 2007 model years.

It has accumulated 35 owner complaints over those year and ranks dead last in reliability out of 39 eligible Audi generations.

Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems. The average Audi score is 0.92 while this generation comes in at 9.12.

Compare With Other A4 Generations

The Worst 2005-2007 A4 Problems

  1. Busted Timing Chains

    Audi's EA888 2.0-liter engine has a history of tensioner problems in its timing chain. The loose chain is to blame for multiple occurances of catastrophic engine failure. Audi was forced to offer settlement offers, including an extended war…

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  2. Takata Recalls

    A large number of Audi vehicles have been recalled because they contain dangerous airbag inflators made by Takata. The shrapnel-hurling inflators have been recalled in over 37 million vehicles (and counting).

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What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks

Years to Avoid

3rd Generation A4 Key Numbers

  1. 3 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 35 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 39th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 39 eligible generations.

Recent 3rd Generation A4 News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.