Model year guide

2004 Audi A4 Avant

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Audi A4 Avant is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 62 on record.

2004 Audi A4 Avant — representative photo
Representative photo

2004 Audi A4 Avant at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints189
Combined19–22 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2004 Audi A4 Avant recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2004 Audi A4 Avant.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2004 Audi A4 Avant common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 189 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.

2004 Audi A4 Avant safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2004 Audi A4 Avant 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2004 Audi A4 Avant MPG & running costs

Combined19–22 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,088
EPA size classSmall Station Wagons
TransmissionAutomatic (S5) or Manual 6-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume91 cu ft
Cargo volume28 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$8,438 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Audi A4 Avant costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$20,440
Fuel only$20,440
Per mile$0.27

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

ENGINE STALLING - FUEL PUMP FAILURE Closed

IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST FOR PE08-027, VOLKSWAGEN AG (VW) STATED THAT IT "BELIEVES THAT THE POSSIBLE CAUSAL OR CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES COULD RESULT FROM EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF FOREIGN MATERIALS IN THE FUEL FILTER. IN RARE CASES, THE FUEL FILTER COULD BECOME CLOGGED, WHICH CAN CAUSE INCREASED PRESSURE ON THE PUMP." VW INDICATED THAT ENGINE STALLS RESULTING…

NHTSA #PE08027 · Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Apr 2008 · closed Aug 2008

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 172

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 172.

This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.

Bulletin A0023742052680_4 · Equipment · Oct 2023

This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.

Bulletin SM 48-2022 · Equipment · Jun 2022

This informational bulletin explains how to order replacement VIN plates, Safety Certification Labels, etc.

Bulletin A0021482021205_6 · Structure, Equipment · Jun 2021

This information bulletin contains instructions for technicans on how to ensure their TAC call goes smoothly.

Bulletin A0020362002047_1 · Equipment · Apr 2020

Exterior 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, 2018-2021 A5 Sportback, 2010-2012, 2018-2021 RS5 Cabriolet, 2018-2021 S5 Sportback, 20…

Bulletin A9419182012749_1 · Equipment, Exterior Lighting, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Dec 2019

New document 2004-2020 A4 allroad, A6 allroad, A8L, R8 Spyder

Bulletin 20AUTIRECHAINS · Tires, Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Dec 2019

Parts are currently blocked from sale at this time.

Bulletin SM 80-2019 · Oct 2019

This bulletin contains instructions for additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries (airbag/seatbelts, accidents, fire and overheat damage.

Bulletin A0019262052680_2 · Equipment · Sep 2019

00 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions

Bulletin A0019252011732_1 · Electrical System · Sep 2019

This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.

Bulletin AWC 19-05 · Electrical System, Equipment · Aug 2019

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the A4 AVANT. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2004 Audi A4 Avant vehicles on record

Other Audi A4 Avant model years

2004 Audi A4 Avant — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Audi A4 Avant have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2004 Audi A4 Avant. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Audi A4 Avant?

Across all 189 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are fuel system, gasoline, air bags.

What is the 2004 Audi A4 Avant safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2004 Audi A4 Avant crash-test ratings of frontal 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Audi A4 Avant get?

The 2004 Audi A4 Avant has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.