Body complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 6 | 13% | 10,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 5% | 42,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 3% | 85,000 miles |
| 2009 | 6 | 5% | 50,000 miles |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% | 17,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% | 51,000 miles |
| 2006 | 3 | 1% | 96,000 miles |
| 2005 | 3 | 1% | 2,000 miles |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% | 19,000 miles |
| 2003 | 14 | 7% | 57,000 miles |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% | 41,000 miles |
| 1999 | 4 | 2% | 125,000 miles |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% | — |
| 1996 | 2 | 2% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
A vehicle diagnostic scan dated 04/15/2026 showed electrical communication faults involving vehicle control modules. The scan showed U014100, described as "Lost Communication With Body Control Module 'A'," with status listed as passive/sporadic. The scan also showed U112100, described as "Data bus message missing," with status listed as active/static. This is being reported as a safety concern because body-control module, gateway, and data-bus communication faults can affect vehicle electrical functions, warning systems, access/locking systems, lighting or body-control functions, driver information, and other vehicle systems that rely on module communication. The concern is especially important because the vehicle has had multiple intermittent electrical/body-control symptoms, including fuel-door/tank-flap electrical faults and other reported intermittent vehicle electrical concerns. …
The vehicle has a recurring interior rattle / loose-trim concern involving interior panels, trim, speaker/subwoofer area, rear shelf, dashboard area, or related mounting components. The noise is not merely a comfort concern if it is caused by a loose component, fastener, grille, panel, or speaker housing that may move, worsen, detach, or distract the driver. This is being reported as a safety concern because loose interior trim or components can distract the driver, interfere with normal vehicle use, create uncertainty about whether a component is secured, and may indicate improper fastening, panel fitment, speaker/subwoofer mounting, or body/electrical component installation issues. If the affected trim is near safety-system areas, it should be inspected to confirm it does not affect wiring, restraint-system areas, visibility, or safe vehicle operation. …
Sun roof drains on right hand side of vehicle have failed (fail to seal out external water like rain) leading to significant quantities of water entering the passenger compartment and draining into various areas of the car during any measurable rain fall. The last rain storm of about 1/3" was enough to cause the following damage. While parked overnight, some of the water pooled in the right rear body column space where the master computer for much of the car is located. The water shorted out the computer and left car inoperable, unmoveable, unusable until it was towed and replaced, this included the purchase of a new computer and its programming and the reprogramming of the car's keys. Additionally the water saturated the carpet throughout the car and the seats. The sunroof drain repair was expensive as were the computer replacement and reprogramming. …
I was just parking the car and was about 5 MPH and suddenly car got accelerated unintentionally to higher RPM and hit the curb and above cement wall . Even applying brakes hadn't slowed down the vehicle because it was just few feet away.
I accidentally drove over the rumble strip on the side of the highway. The right rear tire blew and the car flipped over six times and changed direction. Every side air bag inflated excepted for my side, the driver's side air bag. The front air bag did not deploy either. My A4 was completely destroyed except for where I was sitting. When the first responders came they did not expect for me to be alive and the accident was classified as a level 2 trauma. I hit my head on the driver's side window and suffered a major concussion with a hematoma. I also had major facial lacerations, a broken nose, broken ribs, and a severe bone bruise on my knee. Audi sent an inspector to the car after the accident and his conclusion was there was not enough impact on the side of the car even though the car flipped six times at highway speeds to deploy my side air bag. …
I recently purchased a 2008 Audi A4 3.2l cabriolet. About 4 weeks ago, while driving, I noticed it sounded like one of my windows was open, as I could hear other vehicles driving by louder than normal. I tried rolling up the windows several times with no change in sound. All windows were up. Once I arrived at home, I did a walk around inspection of my car, and saw that my rear window was detached from the convertible top. There was no damage to the window or convertible top, just the glue/sealant had worn off (after only 2 years!). There was very little adhesive left on the top-center of the window. It was hanging on by about a 2" strip of adhesive. This trip home was 26 miles on the highway at speeds of >55mph. Had there been a little more wind or the need for evasive maneuvers, this window could have easily detached fully, and hit other vehicles. …
Extreme vibrations are occurring while vehicle is stopped and in gear. This problem has existed since I drove it off the lot new. It now has only 8000 miles. The vibration levels vary and can fluctuate. When vibrations are high the vibration is nauseating, tingles my ears, and rattles my teeth. My keys vibrate enough to produce sound and they appear blurry. My local Audi dealer says there is nothing they can do about it currently, but suggest there May be future remedies. They did tighten my seat and say that my car is operating within specifications. I drove an identical vehicle to compare from their lot and my car vibrated significantly more. These severe vibrations prompt me to place my car in neutral at traffic lights so I don't feel ill. This can be dangerous since my car May not be in gear, and if I'm distracted, then need to accelerate suddenly, I won't be able to immediately. …
Tl contact owns a 2005 Audi A4 cabriolet. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle began to shake violently, lost all power and stalled. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road and the contact waited 20-25 minutes before the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who could not duplicate the failure. The failure continued and the vehicle back to the dealer 20 times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer in 2007 and the ignition coils were replaced. In January 2009, the ignitions coils were placed again. The contact stated that the dealer also replaced the ignition switch. The glue separated from the convertible top which allowed water to get into the vehicle and ruin the entire electrical system and carpet; the top needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that the warranty had expired. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Audi A4 years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (14), 2009 (6) and 2018 (6) model years. Body complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Audi A4 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for any Audi A4 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Audi A4 body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles; 49% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (19 mentions), followed by the body › door (5).
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.