2007 Audi A4: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2007 Audi A4
On the 2007 Audi A4, the failure owners report most often is airbag inflator rupture, with 89 reports on file. The earliest to appear is other engine problem, reported by a median of 35,000 miles. Overall it scores 71 out of 100, high risk for a 2007.
High risk for a 2007 — 107th riskiest of the 365 2007 vehicles we can rate. 226 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What breaks on the 2007 Audi A4
Owners have reported 27 named failure modes on the 2007 Audi A4, and the three most-reported carry 50% of everything filed.
Airbag inflator rupture leads with 89 reports and about 5.5 per 1,000 vehicles.
Other engine problem follows with 12 reports, usually reported between 9k to 80,000 miles.
Excessive oil consumption follows with 11 reports, usually reported between 61k to 90,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into airbag (93), engine (34) and fuel (13).
The mileage the reports cluster at
98 of the reports on the 2007 Audi A4 came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 72,500 miles.
Cumulatively, 33% by 50,000 miles and 86% by 100,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 70,000 and 80,000 miles, which alone holds 17% of the dated reports.
30% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
In the order they tend to show up: other engine problem around 35k, excessive oil consumption around 70k and fuel pump failure around 83k.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 27. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
Severity, and what it costs
Across the named modes, 1 mentions a crash and 2 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 5.18, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: airbag inflator rupture at $0–$0, other engine problem at $300–$4,000, excessive oil consumption at $900–$6,500 and fuel pump failure at $600–$2,600. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
19% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag inflator rupture | airbag | 89 | 7 | — | 78k | — | 5.5 | $0–$0 | Critical |
| Other engine problem | engine | 12 | 11 | 9k | 35k | 82k | 0.7 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Excessive oil consumption | engine | 11 | 9 | 61k | 70k | 88k | 0.7 | $900–$6,500 | High |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 11 | 11 | 75k | 83k | 118k | 0.7 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 7 | 1 | — | 119k | — | 0.4 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Headlight failure or clouding | lighting | 7 | 6 | — | 64k | — | 0.4 | $150–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 7 | 6 | — | 82k | — | 0.4 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 7 | 6 | — | 79k | — | 0.4 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Stalling while driving | engine | 4 | 4 | — | 30k | — | 0.2 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 4 | 2 | — | 7k | — | 0.2 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 4 | 4 | — | 56k | — | 0.2 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure | engine | 3 | 3 | — | 36k | — | 0.2 | $1,200–$4,500 | Critical |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 3 | 2 | — | 9k | — | 0.2 | $200–$900 | High |
| Sunroof failure or glass breakage | body | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $700–$4,500 | High |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 3 | 1 | — | 2k | — | 0.2 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 3 | 3 | — | 84k | — | 0.2 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Misfire or rough idle | engine | 2 | 2 | — | 78k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Heater core failure | cooling | 2 | 2 | — | 72k | — | 0.1 | $700–$2,400 | Moderate |
| Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure | electrical | 2 | 2 | — | 73k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,500 | High |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 2 | 2 | — | 45k | — | 0.1 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other steering problem | steering | 2 | 2 | — | 47k | — | 0.1 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 2 | 2 | — | 94k | — | 0.1 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Turbocharger or supercharger failure | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 9k | — | 0.1 | $1,500–$4,500 | High |
| CVT failure | transmission | 1 | 1 | — | 96k | — | 0.1 | $3,000–$8,500 | Critical |
| Parking brake failure | brakes | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault | airbag | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,600 | High |
| Unclassified problem | other | 31 | 8 | 42k | 66k | 84k | 1.9 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2007 Audi A4 draws about 14 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 89th percentile of complaint rates among 2007 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 16,204 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2007 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Airbag inflator rupture
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 audi a4. When the contact started the vehicle, the air bag warning indicator illuminated intermittently. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v385000 (air bags); however, the part needed to perform the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Takata recall I am just concerned about my family's safety. Audi should offer a loaner program until they find a fix for this problem. As a city driver, the likelihood of a collision is far higher.
Other engine problem
We've experienced several incidents of the engine semi-stalling. This has happened at varying speeds. While driving, the engine hesitates as if someone has suddenly stepped on the brake pedal. This occurred while the car was engaged in cruise contral and normal driving.
Tl*the contact owns a 2007 audi a4. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated. The contact removed her foot from the accelerator pedal and applied the brakes; however, the vehicle continued to accelerate. She pulled the vehicle over and turned off the engine. The vehicle was restarted after five minutes and the engine began to rev while in park. There were no warning indicator lights present. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer. The current and failure mileages were 8,000.
Excessive oil consumption
I have an audi a4 2007. Friday, march 5 I was driving to work and the car starting revving by itself, but slowing down at the same time. I was forced to put it in neutral and coast to the side of the road. Took it to the dealer, they said it was the fuel pump, replaced it. Saturday, I was the last car on an exit ramp preparing for light to change, but when I pushed the gas, the engine revved to 5, but would not move. Car was in drive position. While this was happening, a ford f-150 was heading towards the rear of my car, but swerved in time I assume after seeing my hazards on, which I did immediately. The truck barely missed clipping me. Finally, I turned the car off and back on, and it got up to about 20 miles per hour, enough for me to get off the exit ramp. This car burns oil through every 1200-1500 miles. Audi is aware of this problem, in addition to the ignition coil problems with this vehicle. I had 4 coils replaced, but only after I got the letter of the recall from audi. I was told the whole time the jerking of the misfired coils was 'normal'. I am not the only one who has had the same issues. This year of car is unsafe…
I have an audi a4 2007. Friday, march 5 I was driving to work and the car starting revving by itself, but slowing down at the same time. I was forced to put it in neutral and coast to the side of the road. Took it to the dealer, they said it was the fuel pump, replaced it. Saturday, I was the last car on an exit ramp preparing for light to change, but when I pushed the gas, the engine revved to 5, but would not move. Car was in drive position. While this was happening, a ford f-150 was heading towards the rear of my car, but swerved in time I assume after seeing my hazards on, which I did immediately. The truck barely missed clipping me. Finally, I turned the car off and back on, and it got up to about 20 miles per hour, enough for me to get off the exit ramp. This car burns oil through every 1200-1500 miles. Audi is aware of this problem, in addition to the ignition coil problems with this vehicle. I had 4 coils replaced, but only after I got the letter of the recall from audi. I was told the whole time the jerking of the misfired coils was 'normal'. I am not the only one who has had the same issues. This year of car is unsafe…
Recalls on the 2007 model year
NHTSA has issued 3 recall campaigns covering the 2007 Audi A4, affecting an estimated 26,687 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
One caution about reading these together: a recall usually raises the complaint count for the same part, because owners who read about it go and file. The mileages stay informative; the counts get noisy.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
237,947 vehicles 2018-06-22- Defect
- 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…
- Consequence
- 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
33,421 vehicles 2017-01-11- Defect
- 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…
- Consequence
- 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
194,453 vehicles 2016-06-01- Defect
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2011 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2008 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona…
- Consequence
- 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. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2007 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
How 2007 compares with the other years
High risk for a 2007 — 107th riskiest of the 365 2007 vehicles we can rate. The comparison is always within the same model year, so an older car is never penalised for having had longer to break.
Across the 27 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2016 comes out best at 56 and 2021 worst at 80, with 2007 itself at 71.
If the model year is negotiable, 2016, 2014, 1996, 2011, 2005, 2013, 2012, 2000, 2006, 2019, 2015, 2018, 1997 and 1999 score lower than 2007 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2005–2009 generation specifically, 2005 is the strongest year at 65 and 2009 the weakest at 78.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2005-2009 generation, 2005 Audi A4 scores best at 65 and 2009 Audi A4 worst at 78.
Where to spend the inspection money
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other engine problem from about 9k, excessive oil consumption from about 61k and fuel pump failure from about 75k.
On a 2007 Audi A4 with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other engine problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
Treat it as where to point the inspection, not as a prediction. A well-maintained example can sail past every mileage on this page, and a neglected one can fail well before the first of them.
Where these figures stop being useful
226 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 226 reports, 98 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 43% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
The failure modes are assigned by software reading the owner's own words, which is accurate in bulk and wrong in individual cases. A mode with a handful of reports may contain a misfiled one.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2007 Audi A4?
The most-reported failures are airbag inflator rupture (89 reports, median 80,000 miles), other engine problem (12 reports, median 35,000 miles) and excessive oil consumption (11 reports, median 70,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2007 Audi A4 problems start?
Other engine problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 35,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 10,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 72,500 miles.
Is the 2007 Audi A4 reliable?
It scores 71 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 107th riskiest of the 365 2007 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2007 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Audi A4 is best?
Within the 2005–2009 generation, 2005 scores best at 65 out of 100 and 2009 worst at 78. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed