2005 Audi A4 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 11%of 219 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Audi A4, 11% of the 219 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car headlights periodically flicker and turn off under normal conditions. Driver side flickers on acceleration and passenger side will flicker and turn off completely during acceleration or braking. Have to switch the headlights completely off and back on for them to light up again. I have the bi-xenon hid adaptive headlights factory installed on my car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10534346, filed 2013-08, 51,000 miles“My right headlight has been flickering for about 3 months, and a few times it has gone out completely. Turning the headlights off and back on fixes it for a couple days. I waited to take it to the dealer until it needed maintenance, and also so there would be more DTC evidence for them to troubleshoot with. The left headlight started doing the same thing so I took it in. Audi cannot replicate and will not replace the headlights.”
NHTSA complaint #10824769, filed 2016-02, 105,000 miles“I was driving down the highway and have continuously gotten the dipped light warning on my display. My lights procceded to flicker and then shut off. I was driving right next to a car and had to pull over because they wouldn't come on. It took 15 minutes before the headlights returned to normal. I was extremely scared when my headlights turned off. This is a big safety issue and has occurred 3 times since then. I have replaced the bulbs and that did not solve the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10608787, filed 2014-07, 101,000 miles“I currently own a 2005.5 Audi A4. My headlights constantly flicker, which is dangerous at night. I have been looking on Audi-tech forums and this seems to be a real problem with many Audi vehicles. When I first got the car, I used to get a flickering problem but the dealership fixed it by replacing the bulbs. However, I do not think it is the bulbs because the problem has apparently flared up again. Please check into this as it may be reason for a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10324754, filed 2010-04, 63,000 miles“I purchased the vehicle on 02/11/2012 and that very evening when I had the opportunity to use the lights, my right light began to flicker and then failed completely. This really unnerved me as I was in an area with no street lights. And didn't really know what was happening. I instinctively turned the lights off and then on again, and this made them come back on. Unfortunately, this happened numerous times that night. I feel this is a blatant safety issue especially as I had family members in my car and their well being was compromised. …”
NHTSA complaint #10447829, filed 2012-02, 51,200 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10207833Feb 7, 2022This bulletin contains technical information regarding when the parking aid sporadically warns of obstacles that don't exist or it is inoperative/constant warning.
- 10177300Jul 8, 2020This informational bulletin explains when the range display is empty in the on-board computer.
- 10176408Jun 9, 2020This informational bulletin contains instructions on how to use the QR code in a TSB.
- 10166284Sep 17, 201900 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions
- 10164518Aug 28, 2019This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.
- 10161670Jun 18, 2019This bulletin contains general software update instructions for vehicles with PR Code 7UH. 2016-2020 A3, 2016-2020 A3 Cabrio, 2016 A3 Sportback, 2016-2020 A4, 2016-2020 A4…
- 10127949Aug 21, 2017This informational bulletin contains resource information for when the traffic feature is inoperative in the MMI navigation.
- 10128205Mar 23, 2017This informational bulletin contains instructions for sychronizing the remote key after the battery has been disconnected or replaced.
- 10123653Dec 10, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 17 number 14-49 dated April 3, 2014. When the vehicle is completely refueled, the vehicle range (?distance to empty?) that is…
- 10123775Sep 21, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 96 number 13-67 dated July 10, 2013. The customer may report that the handheld transmitter cannot be programmed to the garage door…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 30% |
| 2021 | 3 | 27% |
| 2020 | 91 | 71% |
| 2019 | 3 | 30% |
| 2018 | 17 | 38% |
| 2017 | 6 | 11% |
| 2016 | 3 | 27% |
| 2015 | 3 | 16% |
| 2014 | 3 | 9% |
| 2013 | 2 | 8% |
| 2012 | 2 | 11% |
| 2011 | 1 | 9% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 9 | 5% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 21 | 7% |
| 2005 | 24 | 11% |
| 2004 | 15 | 8% |
| 2003 | 32 | 15% |
| 2002 | 76 | 42% |
| 2001 | 35 | 27% |
| 2000 | 11 | 11% |
| 1999 | 11 | 6% |
| 1998 | 23 | 9% |
| 1997 | 33 | 34% |
| 1996 | 26 | 29% |
Other parts of the 2005 Audi A4
101 complaintsAir bags
54 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsTires
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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