2004 Audi A3 Problems & Complaints

Better than average84% fewer complaints than a typical year of the A3 at the same age

Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2004 Audi A3 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 84% fewer than a typical A3 model year at the same age, making the 2004 one of the better A3 years. The most reported problem area is the speed control & acceleration (2 complaints, typically around 3,000 miles).

6complaints
0recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2004 Audi A3 problems

  • Speed control & acceleration~3,000 miles
    233%
  • Wheels & tires~0 miles
    117%
  • Lights
    117%
  • Transmission & drivetrain
    117%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~75,000 miles
    117%

Share of the 6 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Audi A3 complaints by model year

’04’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’15’16’17’18’19’20’22’23’25612352434750434320938344331016975
Owner complaints per model year, Audi A3. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best A3 years: 2019, 2013, 2020. Years to avoid: 2016, 2015, 2006. Compare all years →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2004 Audi A3 a good car?

Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 A3 rates better than average: 84% fewer complaints than a typical year of the A3 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Audi A3?

The speed control & acceleration — 2 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about accelerator pedal. Next are the wheels & tires (1) and lights (1).

How many recalls does the 2004 Audi A3 have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 Audi A3. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Audi A3?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019, 2013 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2016, 2015 and 2006. See the full Audi A3 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2004 Audi A3 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 3,000 miles; 75% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.