Is the 2005 Audi S4 a reliable year?

Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Audi S4 ranks #2 of 16 among S4 model years (Complaint Index 93/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 43 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Audi S4?

The most reported problem areas are electrical system (37 complaints), airbags (4 complaints), and engine (4 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 56,000 miles.

Does the 2005 Audi S4 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2005 Audi S4, most recently reported 2018, covering airbags.

What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Audi S4?

EPA rates the 2005 Audi S4 at 16 MPG combined (13.5 city / 20 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,000. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

2005 Audi S4 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

93/100

#2 most-complained of 16 S4 years

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

The 2005 Audi S4 has 43 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 93 out of 100 — #2 highest of 16 S4 model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is electrical system (37 complaints, 86% of the total). Complaints report 2 crashes and 1 injury.

Complaints: 43
Recalls: 2
Crashes / fires: 2 / 0
Injuries / deaths: 1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating: Not rated
EPA combined MPG: 16; 13.5 city / 20 hwy

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 a reliable year?: Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Audi S4 ranks #2 of 16 among S4 model years (Complaint Index 93/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 43 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Audi S4?: The most reported problem areas are electrical system (37 complaints), airbags (4 complaints), and engine (4 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 56,000 miles.
Does the 2005 Audi S4 have any recalls?: Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2005 Audi S4, most recently reported 2018, covering airbags.
What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Audi S4?: EPA rates the 2005 Audi S4 at 16 MPG combined (13.5 city / 20 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,000. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.