2004 Audi A4 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 2%of 189 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Audi A4, 2% of the 189 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,000 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 began to notice a rattle in the right front when going over a bump. It seemed to come from the suspension. At the same time I noticed a slight thump in the steering when stationary and slightly turning the steering wheel to the right. As the rattle was getting worse, I took the car in to get it checked. The problem was that the steering rack had loosened at one end. It was torqued down and lock-tight put on the bolt. I am fearful of what might have happened had the rack failed entirely. I have approximately 27,000 miles on car.”
NHTSA complaint #10172661, filed 2006-11, 27,000 miles“2004 Audi A4, quattro, 3.0l v6. Premature failure of powersteering rack seals causing ps fluid to leak out, and render the car impossible to steer, until fluid is added or rack is replaced. Research indicates that all Audi power steering racks fail within 6 years. Dealer never bothered to check ps fluid levels during regular required maintenance periods. As usual Audi corp. Vehicle is out of warranty gov.'t agencies need to put Audi on notice for sub standard parts with premature failure, that can cause a serious accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10378759, filed 2011-01, 47,000 miles“The steering rack has a hole in it and is leaking into the boot. The problem just started. I noticed a sound and stiffness in the steering wheel which goes away after the car is mobile for about 3 minutes.”
NHTSA complaint #10262902, filed 2009-03, 74,640 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10032412Jun 15, 2009Audi: vehicle will not move in any gear. Atf pump border bushing may fail and cause a loss of oil pressure. The atf pump is incorporated in the valve body. The pump is not a…
- 10012767Feb 3, 2005Power steering, noisy. To include 2006 models.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 3 | 5% |
| 2016 | 3 | 27% |
| 2014 | 9 | 28% |
| 2013 | 10 | 42% |
| 2012 | 1 | 5% |
| 2010 | 3 | 5% |
| 2009 | 15 | 13% |
| 2007 | 5 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% |
| 2004 | 3 | 2% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 15 | 8% |
| 1998 | 23 | 9% |
| 1997 | 4 | 4% |
| 1996 | 10 | 11% |
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 complaintsBrakes
5 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