Model year record

2006 Audi A4 recalls & problems

The 2006 Audi A4 has 3 safety recalls and 295 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is exterior lighting (161 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls

Complaints295filed by owners

Crashes · fires8 · 4reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths5 · 0reported in complaints

2006 Audi A4 in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Air bagsJun 22, 2018

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 18V427000237,947 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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 bagsJan 11, 2017

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 17V03200033,421 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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 bagsJun 1, 2016

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 16V382000194,453 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2006 Audi A4 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	10.7%

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

A4

24mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 30 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,400/year to fuel

A4

24mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 31 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,400/year to fuel

A4 quattro

23mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

A4 Avant quattro

23mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

A4 quattro

22mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel

A4 Avant quattro

22mpg combined

City / highway	19 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel

A4

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.1 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

A4 quattro

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.1 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

A4 Avant quattro

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.1 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

A4 quattro

19mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.1 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

A4 Avant quattro

19mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.1 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Exterior lightingHeadlights	161	1	0	1	55,000 mi
Air bags	73	6	0	4	98,500 mi
Electrical systemIgnition	21	0	1	0	69,000 mi
Engine	15	0	1	0	90,438 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission	14	0	0	0	58,500 mi
Vehicle speed control	7	0	0	0	60,500 mi
Unknown or other	7	0	0	0	60,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine	6	0	2	0	71,000 mi
SteeringHydraulic power assist › Pump	5	0	0	0	27,100 mi
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly	5	0	1	0	71,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	5	0	0	0	110,000 mi
Visibility	4	0	0	0	44,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Fuel/propulsion system
Gas gauge displaying incorrect level of fuel. Oil level notification improperly displaying level of oil.
Jul 11, 2019
Air bagsCrash
The contact owns a 2006 Audi A4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the wife crashed into the rear of a second vehicle. During the crash the front driver side air bag did not deploy, however, the passenger side airbag did deploy, and both the front and rear driver side and passenger side headrest restraints activated. The contact indicated that no passengers were present in the vehicle during the crash. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not contacted. The local dealer was notified. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Nov 5, 2021 · 160,000 miles
Air bags
PURCHASED THE VEHICLE A FEW MONTHS AGO (JULY OF 2020). BEFORE BUYING IT I WAS TOLD THAT THE WARNING CHIME FOR THE SEATBELT HAD STOPPED WORKING , SO I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL GERMAN AUTO SHOP TO SEE WHAT WOULD NEEDED TO FIX IT. TO MY SURPRISE, IT'S A PART IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED, BUT IT'S A COMMON ISSUE AS THESE CARS AGE FOR THE WARNING CHIME TO FAIL THEREFORE NOT NOTIFYING OR WARNING IF THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER BELT IS BUCKLED. WARNING CHIME DOES NOT WORK WHETHER STATIONARY, OR MOVING FOR ANY SEAT IN THE VEHICLE.
Jul 13, 2020 · 165,000 miles
Engine
AUDI ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN THAT I FOUND ON YOUR WEBSITE. THIS BULLETIN WAS REGARDING THE EXACT PARTS THE DEALER (AUDI) IDENTIFIED AS BEING AFFECTED ON MY CAR (HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, CAM FOLLOWER, AND CORRESPONDING INTAKE CAMSHAFT CAM LOBE). THIS BULLETIN (NOT A RECALL, BUT DISTRIBUTED INTERNALLY TO DEALERSHIPS) CLEARLY STATES THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE THAT AFFECTED ALL VIN RANGES OF SPECIFIED AUDI MODELS FROM 2005-2007 THAT INCLUDED MINE. AUDI EXTENDED DRIVETRAIN COVERAGE ON THESE VEHICLES TO 10YR/120K MI. THIS ISSUE CAUSES A WORSENING LOSS OF POWER UPON ACCELERATING (MAKING DRIVING AT ALL SPEEDS DANGEROUS) AND EVENTUAL ENGINE FAILURE IF LEFT ALONE. I AM THE 3RD OWNER…
Sep 11, 2020 · 110,000 miles
Air bagsCrash1 injury
MY PERSONAL AUDI A4 WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION ON AN INNER-CITY ROAD DUE TO LOSS OF FRICTION ON FROZEN ICE. DESPITE THERE ONLY BEING A DRIVER PRESENT IN THE CAR, THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG FROM THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT ACTIVATE WHILE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DID. I HAD ALREADY PREVIOUSLY CHECKED THE TAKATA RECALL, WHICH AFFECT THE EXACT MODEL OF MY VEHICLE, YET WHEN I ENTERED THE VIN, IT DISPLAYED THAT NO RECALLS WERE PRESENT. THE COLLISION HAPPENED AT A SPEED OF LESS THAN 25 MPH, AND THE UNNEEDED DAMAGE COSTS PF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS ALONGSIDE THE HEALTH RISKS OF NOT HAVING AN AIRBAG DEPLOY FOR THE DRIVER HAS LED ME TO FILING THIS COMPLAINT AS IT WAS A VERY UNPLEASANT…
Feb 27, 2020 · 90,000 miles
Exterior lighting
LEFT HEAD LIGHT FLICKERS AND SHUTS ITSELF OFF AFTER VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AND THE LIGHTS HAVE BEEN ON FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. THE WARNING DISPLAY ON THE DASHBOARD GIVES A "LEFT HEADLIGHT LEVEL" ERROR CODE.
Oct 28, 2019
Unknown or other
I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM JOHN AND HE STATED HE DROVE IT APPX 30-40K MILES SINCE HE RECEIVED THE CAR. BUT IN 2016 THE MILES ON THE PINK SLIP SAYS 149214 AND NOW THE MILES ARE AT 150700. I BELIEVE HE TAMPERED WITH THE ODOMETER, TURNED IT OFF AND DROVE THE CAR WITHOUT THE ODOMETER ON. WHEN I ASKED HIM HE SAID IN THE LAST 3- 4 YEARS HE DROVE IT 30-40K MILES. I ASKED HIM WHY IS THE ODOMETER NOT SHOWING THOSE MILES AND HE DIDNT KNOW HOW TO REPLY.
Sep 28, 2019
Exterior lighting
VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHTS. WHEN I TURN THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM GOES OUT.
Feb 7, 2019 · 118,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.