2004 Audi A4 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 10%of 189 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,900miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Audi A4, 10% of the 189 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,900 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“One day the low oil light came on, brought it to carousol Audi in golden valley mn and they informed me about the oil sludge problem and told me to get my oil receipts ready. I changed my own oil and don't have my oil receipts and am now being denied a warranty coverage. Was told that I would have a new engine put in if I had oil receipts but will cost at least 9000 without the warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10349391, filed 2010-08, 80,000 miles“I have a 2004 Audi A4 1.8t. This exact model is what is described in the Audi manufacturer's 8 year extended warranty for engines. I am currently being denied warranty coverage for the engine sludge that has built up in the engine. The reason being according to university Audi in seattle, is that: my car is too new. But it is a 2004, the cut off year for the extended warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10289302, filed 2009-10, 54,800 miles“2004 Audi A4 1.8t engine sludge--complete engine failure. Audi absurdly refuses to honor their own extended warranty on the basis the car was run without oil. The engine failed internally because there was and is sludge blocking lubrication ports to the moving parts, I.e., failure. This is my executive synopsis, but I have volumes of supporting evidence, unbelievable as it is to think this could happen in america.”
NHTSA complaint #10356718, filed 2010-09, 99,000 miles“Car is 2004 Audi A4 with 1.8 engine and CVT transmission. Car's engine will upon acceleration from standstill, often hesitate and stumble. At times when making a left hand turn across traffic from standstill, it will at times not only hesitate, but actually stall or have a no power situation for a couple of seconds. This has LED to several near accidents. I have reported to our Audi dealers service department a number of time. Each time, they merely say that they cannot find the problem and return auto to us. …”
NHTSA complaint #10222094, filed 2008-03, 100 miles“My daughter was driving her 2004 Audi A4 at about 40 miles per hour when the car jerked, she then pulled up to the stop light and stopped. The car stalled and would not start. The engine warning light was on. We pushed the car out of the lane of traffic. A few hours later we went back to the car and it started up with no problem, we drove the car with no problems. This is a very dangerous situation and it appears that other owners have had this problem. There was an investigation pe08027 opened on this issue in 2008 and closed in 2008 without a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10362178, filed 2010-10, 57,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10123764Sep 8, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 15-61 dated July 7, 2015. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been…
- 10128399Jul 7, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 14-50 dated June 20, 2014. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have…
- 10119945Mar 17, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 10 number 13-10 dated September 5, 2013. Prior to engine replacement, any debris lodged in transferred assemblies must be removed. If…
- 10119946Mar 6, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 17 number 13-35 dated January 9, 2013. This bulletin lists engine oils that meet Audi oil quality standards (VW 501 01, 502 00, 505…
- 10120682Feb 13, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 01 number 13-69 dated February 14, 2013. Noises and inconsistent engine operation after cold start during the catalyst heating phase…
- 10231130Jun 30, 2014Idenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants
- 10122415Jun 20, 2014Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-41 dated June 20, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have…
- 10210680Jun 3, 2014As the sump pan gasket settles, the torque of the bolts decreases and the seal may leak. Automatic transmission fluid is leaking at the sump pan gasket.
- 10121324Sep 5, 2013Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 10 number 10-02 dated September 14, 2010. Prior to engine replacement, any debris lodged in transferred assemblies must be removed. If…
- 10123587Jun 20, 2013Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-35 dated March 25, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 17% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 2 | 4% |
| 2015 | 1 | 5% |
| 2014 | 1 | 3% |
| 2013 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 9 | 14% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 12 | 6% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 8 | 4% |
| 2004 | 18 | 10% |
| 2003 | 17 | 8% |
| 2002 | 28 | 15% |
| 2001 | 31 | 24% |
| 2000 | 11 | 11% |
| 1999 | 28 | 15% |
| 1998 | 28 | 11% |
| 1997 | 12 | 12% |
| 1996 | 5 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2004 Audi A4
56 complaintsAir bags
26 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 complaintsBrakes
5 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 27, 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