2005 Audi A4 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 101about this part
- Share
- 46%of 219 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,700miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 101 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Audi A4, 46% of the 219 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,700 miles.
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“The headlights on my Audi A4 flicker and then I get an error message saying that the headlight dipped and then it turns off. I then have to turn off the headlights and turn them back on to get the light to return. I have tried replacing many components of the headlight system and nothing has remedied the issue. The dealer does not know how to fix the problem either.”
NHTSA complaint #10447688, filed 2012-02, 75,000 miles“Front head lights flicker, then go out, resulting in a dipped headlight message. Once, they both went to out once. To fix the problem, I have to pull over, turn the engine and lights off and restart. Sometimes they dip again and sometimes they stay on. I try not to drive the car at night.”
NHTSA complaint #10560276, filed 2014-01, 47,000 miles“I own an Audi A4 2.0t 2005.5 (b7). The driver side xenon headlights flicker intermittently and shut off. This is not a headlight bulb issue the problem is getting worse. The dealer aware of this and is not taking responsibility because of the cost. I have read of many other owners of this make and model having the same problem. This has the potential of creating an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10329961, filed 2010-05, 50,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10169118Dec 6, 2019Exterior lights, moisture accumulation 2013-2021 A3 Cabriolet, 2016-2018 Sportback, 2004-2005 A4 Cabriolet, 2004-2008 S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2010-2021 A4 allroad…
- 10127856Jul 31, 2017This informational bulletin contains technical information for when there is condensation visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front…
- 10120003Apr 17, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 94 number 12-92 dated October 24, 2012. Condensation is visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2015 | 2 | 11% |
| 2014 | 1 | 3% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 11 | 6% |
| 2007 | 8 | 4% |
| 2006 | 159 | 54% |
| 2005 | 101 | 46% |
| 2004 | 14 | 7% |
| 2003 | 23 | 11% |
| 2002 | 17 | 9% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 2 | 2% |
| 1999 | 4 | 2% |
| 1998 | 5 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 3% |
| 1996 | 5 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2005 Audi A4
54 complaintsElectrical system
24 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 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