Is the 2005 Audi S4 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2005 Audi S4 ranks poorly among S4 model years. It has a complaint index of 93, the second-highest of all 16 model years with data, and carries an Avoid verdict.

What is the biggest problem with the 2005 Audi S4?

Electrical system complaints dominate, accounting for 86% of all reported issues, including headlight condensation and instrument cluster failures. The median mileage at failure for electrical problems is 56,000 miles.

Does the 2005 Audi S4 have any recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 Audi S4, both involving airbags: a 2018 campaign to replace the passenger frontal air bag and a 2017 campaign affecting the air bag inflator on related model years.

How does the 2005 Audi S4 compare to other S4 years?

The 2005 model has a complaint index of 93, worse than 2006 (53), 2007 (60), and most later years like 2014 (47) and 2018 (40). Only the 2010 S4, at a complaint index of 100, ranks worse.

What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Audi S4?

The 2005 Audi S4 gets an EPA-rated 16 mpg combined (13.5 city / 20 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,000.

2005 Audi S4 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2005 Audi S4 has a complaint index of 93, the second-worst of 16 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Electrical system issues dominate, making up 86% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 56,000 miles.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index: 93/100; #2 of 16 S4 years
Verdict: Avoid; vs. other years of this model
Complaints: 43; unique NHTSA reports
Recalls: 2; distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes: 2; reported in complaints
Fires: 0
Injuries: 1
Top issue: Electrical System
Best nearby year: 2014; rated Good

NHTSA overall rating: Not rated
EPA combined MPG: 16; 13.5 city / 20 hwy
Injuries / deaths: 1 / 0

2005 Audi S4 recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

NHTSA 18V427000Jun 22, 2018Airbags237,947 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2006-2011 A6 Avant, and 2007-2011 S6 Sedan vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag with an alternate remedy part, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69R7. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V382, 17V032 and 18V004 and includes vehicles that may have had their air bag previously replaced under one of those campaigns.
NHTSA 17V032000Jan 11, 2017Airbags33,421 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, A6 Sedan, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan vehicles, 2007-2008 A4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S4 Cabriolet and S6 Sedan vehicles, and 2006-2008 A6 Avant and 2008 RS4 Cabriolet vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall number 18V427.

2005 Audi S4 fuel economy and fuel cost

City: 13.5 MPG
Highway: 20 MPG
Combined: 16 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA): $5,000; 15,000 mi/yr
Fuel: Premium
Current regular gas: $4.32/gal; national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2005 compared with other S4 years

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2005	Avoid	93	43	2	16
2006	Caution	53	30	2	16
2007	Caution	60	13	2	15.5

All Audi S4 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2005 Audi S4 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2005 Audi S4 ranks poorly among S4 model years. It has a complaint index of 93, the second-highest of all 16 model years with data, and carries an Avoid verdict.
What is the biggest problem with the 2005 Audi S4?: Electrical system complaints dominate, accounting for 86% of all reported issues, including headlight condensation and instrument cluster failures. The median mileage at failure for electrical problems is 56,000 miles.
Does the 2005 Audi S4 have any recalls?: NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 Audi S4, both involving airbags: a 2018 campaign to replace the passenger frontal air bag and a 2017 campaign affecting the air bag inflator on related model years.
How does the 2005 Audi S4 compare to other S4 years?: The 2005 model has a complaint index of 93, worse than 2006 (53), 2007 (60), and most later years like 2014 (47) and 2018 (40). Only the 2010 S4, at a complaint index of 100, ranks worse.
What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Audi S4?: The 2005 Audi S4 gets an EPA-rated 16 mpg combined (13.5 city / 20 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,000.