2005 Audi S4 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 77%of 43 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Audi S4, 77% of the 43 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Takata recall 1. The left headlight flickers. 2. It then turns itself off 3. The message left dipped headlight appears 4. This happens while my vehicle is parked and in motion so it is a very serious safety risk. I have had both headlights go out at night while driving with my 2 year old in the car!”
NHTSA complaint #11045079, filed 2017-11, 90,256 miles“As I was driving on the freeway my headlight went out with and the message, right dipped headlight came on. When this happen I stopped to fill up with gas and when I started the car the message was gone and the headlight was back on. This has happened a several more times since then.”
NHTSA complaint #10604899, filed 2014-06, 65,000 miles“The xenon headlights in my S4 go out as the car is in motion. The light may flicker. The headlight may dip. The light shuts off and I have to stop the car and shut off the lights and then turn them back on for the light to reignite. The bulb and control unit was replaced under warranty. Now two years later the same thing is happening. It seems to be a very common problem with Audi's (based on forum discussion).”
NHTSA complaint #10485922, filed 2012-11, 48,500 miles“My driver's side headlight frequently goes out with the message, left dipped headlight. If I turn the lights off and back on sometimes the light comes back on, sometimes not.”
NHTSA complaint #10861392, filed 2016-04, 75,000 miles“Hello - I have an Audi 2005.5 Audi S4 avant that the headlights continue to dip and go out while driving. Good thing both it hasn't happened to both at the same time. I'm able to turn off and turn on an generally they will come back on, other times not.”
NHTSA complaint #10413870, filed 2011-07, 40,000 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…
- 10122766Oct 24, 2012Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 94 number 11-52 dated October 11, 2011. Condensation is visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker…
- 10022141Feb 26, 2007Headlight aiming, using hella universal beamsetter.
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2005 Audi S4
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Audi S4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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