What's Wrong with the 3rd Generation A4?

Front 3/4 view of a Audi A4

The 3rd generation A4 started in 2005 and runs to 2007.

Its PainRank™ score of 9.12 ranks 39th out of 39 eligible generations in reliability. The score is based on relative complaint analysis of the 35 owners complaints on CarComplaints.com. A majority of the complaints are about engine problems..

Compare With Other A4 Generations

The Worst 2005-2007 A4 Problems

Busted Timing Chains

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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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Takata Recalls

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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

Worst Topics

Worst Years

By the 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.