2004 Audi A4 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 189 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Audi A4, 3% of the 189 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving my Audi A4 2004 down a slight slope and had to stop at the red light just before crossing a major highway (va 123). As I saw the red light, I tried to press on the breaks and around the same time, I realized that the car started shaking as if it was about to stall. However, the car did not stall and the break was rock hard. I couldn't apply the breaks. I lowered the gear and used the hand break to stop the car. I had the car towed to the Audi dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10348587, filed 2010-08, 82,700 miles“Been a not so proud owner of a Audi A4 2004 , and having a number of documents issues with my call and receiving poor service from my local dealer. At approximately 3000 miles before my warranty expired the front brakes starts to make grinding nose after taking to the dealer the dealer informed me that the brakes needed to be replaced including the routers (which by the way they never replaced under the maintenance despite the fact I requested them to check my brakes every time I took the car for service and they kept telling my the brakes were good). …”
NHTSA complaint #10240024, filed 2008-08, 47,000 miles“On numerous occasions the automatic brake system engages the brakes with no warning. This dangerous and possibly deadly situation has been reported to the manufacturer and many authorized dealers.”
NHTSA complaint #10881370, filed 2016-06, 46,946 miles“Audi dealer replaced front brake pads, under maintenance schedule. Within 90 days wet weather braking in the front is nill! One has to put the left foot on the pedal keeping the pads warmed up so when braking is needed, brake force is available. Some dealers have acknowledged Audi sold pads that got wet easily and retained moisture, causing severe braking loss. Audi america refuses to acknowledge problem and owners have had to have the pads replaced at their own cost! What is it going to take..a brake related death and a lawsuit?”
NHTSA complaint #10380151, filed 2011-02, 48,500 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Audi A4. While attempting to press down the emergency brake, the brake light remained illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that it would cost $5,000 to repair. The dealer would not identify what caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and the brake light remains illuminated. The contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 48,000 and current mileage was 49,000. Updated 01/03/08. Updated 12/31/07”
NHTSA complaint #10209953, filed 2007-11, 48,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10124505Jul 8, 2013Customer may report sporadically hearing the parking brake being actuated after the vehicle has been switched off. If the customer does not identify the sound as the sound of the…
- 10210650May 29, 2013This condition may be caused when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are depressed simultaneously. Drivers who consciously or unconsciously drive with their left foot…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 10% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 10% |
| 2018 | 4 | 9% |
| 2017 | 2 | 4% |
| 2016 | 1 | 9% |
| 2014 | 2 | 6% |
| 2012 | 2 | 11% |
| 2011 | 1 | 9% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 2% |
| 2001 | 33 | 25% |
| 2000 | 51 | 53% |
| 1999 | 91 | 48% |
| 1998 | 125 | 48% |
| 1997 | 15 | 15% |
| 1996 | 11 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2004 Audi A4
56 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsTires
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Audi A4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology