Audi, a German automaker, is renowned for its elegant yet opulent vehicles and has sold the well-liked small A4 for over 20 years. It is no surprise that the A4 is still one of Audi’s flagship vehicles, given its reputation for dependability and owner satisfaction. However, the most common problems with Audi A4 owners report that they may turn out to be false (and cost owners a pretty penny). Is the Audi A4 as dependable and plentiful as it seems?
Contents
Initial Airbag Issues ……………………………………………………………………………….2
Failing Water Pump………………………………………………………………………………..2
Excessive use of oil……………………………………………………………………………… 3
Flickering Headlights………………………………………………………………………………3
Glove box………………………………………………………………………………………………3
Failing Ignition Coil…………………………………………………………………………………3
Motorized windshield wipers…………………………………………………………………4
Initial Airbag Issues
According to Car Problem Zoo, the Audi A4’s airbags are one of the most common problems with Audi A4, a website that compiles owner feedback.
The A4 has experienced several airbag-related problems throughout its history; these issues have been documented for models from as far back as 2002 and as recently as 2020.
As you might expect, several of these problems have been the subject of recalls because they directly affect safety.
208,332 Audi vehicles were recently recalled, and several Audi A4 models from 2017 to 2020 were among them.
The front passenger airbag could be disabled by defective wiring connected to the passenger occupant detection system, which was the issue’s root.
As a result, because the airbag is disabled, the passenger is not protected in the event of a collision.
Audi also recalled over 62,000 vehicles between 2000 and 2002, including the A4, to replace a defective driver’s side airbag.
These poorly engineered airbags were known to let moisture inside, which could cause them to deploy with insufficient force or, in some cases, excessive force, not providing the occupants with adequate protection.
Even though these Takata airbags were involved, this recall was distinct from the more extensive Takata recall that affected tens of millions of airbags that could explode.
Failing Water Pump.
Owners of Audi A4 vehicles frequently report that the water pump housing on their car is leaking coolant, which is one of the common problems with Audi A4.
A water pump is essential to the car’s cooling system to prevent overheating. Its main job is continuously circulating coolant from the radiator to the engine block.
Many A4 owners reported water pump failure well before 40,000 miles, even though these parts are reasonably durable and last at least 70,000 miles.
A few high-profile recalls of Audi water pumps have occurred.
Certain 1995–2005 A4s have aftermarket water pumps linked to timing belt failure.
The risk of severe damage, such as an engine block crack and damage to the cylinders, pistons, and head gasket, increases as the engine temperature rises due to a failing water pump.
Excessive use of oil
Owners of Audi A4s frequently complain that their vehicle is burning oil or that its oil consumption is significantly higher than it should be. This complaint has been made about A4 models with 2.0T engines, mainly in the 2012–2017 model year.
There are many threads on this hot topic on the Audi-specific forum AudiWorld.com, so it’s safe to say that this problem was widespread. Inadequate sealing between the combustion chamber and the turbo engine’s lubrication-dependent components causes excessive oil consumption.
Due to inadequate lubrication, engine damage is caused when piston ring fragments flow through the machines.
Additionally, it may result in an abrupt loss of engine power.
Flickering Headlights
With xenon headlights, the Audi A4 frequently experiences flickering headlight issues.
High-intensity discharge (HID) or Xenon bulbs are more expensive but typically last longer, are much brighter, and emit a white light somewhat similar to daylight.
Many owners have complained that their headlights frequently flicker and shut off while driving. Other owners have complained that their headlights dim dangerously at night.
Glove box
Check the glove box while you are sitting in the Audi A4. Do you have to wait for the flap to lower fully, or is the mechanism smooth and straightforward? The problem of movement becoming restricted because of joint wear is well-known. Apply a little lubricant, and the issue should be resolved right away.
Failing Ignition Coil
Premature ignition coil failure has been one of the common problems with Audi A4 for many Audi A4 owners; this mostly happened to models from the early to mid-2000s.
The issue was so pervasive that Volkswagen and Audi were compelled to recall more than 500,000 vehicles to fix a faulty ignition coil.
Breaking down was the most frequent symptom owners reported, but other widespread signs of a defective ignition coil include:
• Check engine light on,
• Poor fuel economy,
• Jerking and vibrating,
• Misfiring engine,
• Hard starts,
• Backfiring
• Stalling
• Spluttering and coughing sounds
A bad coil can overheat the catalytic converter and seriously harm the engine if you drive your A4 for a long time.
Motorized windshield wipers
Returning to the electrics, one of the common problems with Audi A4, is known that the windscreen wiper motor can malfunction and seize up in the middle of an operation. Inspect the A4 wipers to ensure they extend as far as possible. Even so, by thoroughly re-greasing the mechanism, you might be able to fix the problem and bring it back to its former splendor.
At Burbank Motor Works, we solve common and uncommon problems with your Audi A4. Our floor is equipped with experienced and esteemed motor professionals who with be glad to fine-tune your car 24/7. Call us Today.
