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Audi carsCode 8E

Audi A4 B7 problems (2004–2007)

We have documented 3 engines and 1 gearbox for the Audi A4 B7; the Multitronic gearbox, the 3.0 TDI V6 and the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 have high or critical severity faults. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 2.0 FSI, with a «With caution» verdict.[1][2][3][4][5]

Outside the engine: Away from the engine, the A4 B7 is included in the Takata campaign 69EQ for the front airbag, which covers its entire production (2004-2011). The specialist French press and German TÜV reports also document breakage of the aluminium front suspension arms on the 1.9 TDI versions, early wear of the clutch and dual-mass flywheel on diesels, very frequent breakage of the electric window regulators, and occasional failures of the power steering pump and rack.[1][6][7]

Audi A4 B7 (2004–2007)
Photo: Autor desconocido · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468105.5out of 10

Audi A4 B7 rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 20 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated

  • Engine5.9From 5.2 to 6.6 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox5.7Manual: 7.9 · Multitronic: 3.6
  • Suspension7.31 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Brakes7.4Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.0 times the defects normal for its age
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering6.91 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
  • Electrical system8.91 fault
  • Headlights and lights8.2Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.7 times the defects normal for its age
  • Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior8.5Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
  • Airbags and safety7.11 fault

Ranked 68 of 94 among the saloons with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the Audi A4 B7

  1. 1Critical severity: Wear of the variator chain and conesMultitronic gearbox
  2. 2High severity: Control unit (TCU) failure and limp modeMultitronic gearbox
  3. 3High severity: Failing water pump and cooling system leaks3.0 TDI V6 engine
  4. 4High severity: Wear of the high-pressure pump cam followerVW 2.0 TFSI EA113 engine · repair €250–€900
  5. 5Critical severity: Campaigns over the Takata front airbag gas generatorsAirbags and safety · free repair (recall)

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

2 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: Campaign 69EQ over the front airbag gas generator. See the campaigns for the Audi A4 B7

24 sourcesHow we work

Multitronic gearbox

Audi Multitronic (01J/0AW)

In the A4 B7
2004–2007[8]
Name
multitronic
Faults that affect it
3 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
64
High risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • Multitronic 01J (1999-2007)1999–2007 · 01J

    With caution

    It is the generation with the most documented control unit failures, jerking when pulling away and chain wear; it is only worth considering if the gearbox oil change history is verified, there are no stored fault codes and a cold road test shows no jerks or noises.[9][10]

  • Multitronic 0AW (2007-2014)2007–2014 · 0AW

    With caution

    It notably improves on the 01J's reliability, above all in the control unit, but none of the sources consulted says it completely eliminates chain wear or jerking when pulling away; apply the same checks as for the 01J before buying.[10]

Faults that affect the A4 B7

  1. Critical severityFrequency: CommonTransmissionWear of the variator chain and conesYes: the variator uses a chain of more than 1,000 links between two pairs of cones that wears with mileage, especially if the oil is not changed regularly. Gebrauchtwagenberater ties the gearbox's reputation to "numerous total failures"; Schaeffler/LuK sells a kit to repair the chain.
  2. High severityFrequency: CommonElectronicsControl unit (TCU) failure and limp modeYes: the multitronic control unit, especially in the 01J code (up to 2007), is one of its best-documented weak points. Overheating with oil seeping into the control unit causes fault warnings and limp mode and, if ignored, can end up damaging the gearbox itself.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: CommonClutchJerking and vibration when pulling away from cold (multi-plate clutch)Yes: with no torque converter, the multitronic pulls away using an electronic multi-plate clutch that can jerk or vibrate, especially when cold, if its plates are worn or the oil no longer has the right properties. It is one of the most cited fault symptoms of this gearbox.

A4 B7 Multitronic gearbox pageAll versions and faults of the Multitronic

3.0 TDI V6

VW/Audi 3.0 TDI V6 (EA896 and EA897) · Diesel

In the A4 B7
2004–2008[11]
Name
3.0 TDI quattro
Faults that affect it
5 · 3 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
48
Moderate risk

Verdict for the version it uses

Faults that affect the A4 B7

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 3.0 TDI V6 has 7 documented faults in total.

  1. High severityFrequency: CommonCoolingFailing water pump and cooling system leaksOn the 3.0 TDI the water pump can fail and, from 2010, overheat to the point of damaging the engine (the A6 C6 guide cites a service action). Owners also cite coolant leaks from hoses, the regulating valve and the cooler.
  2. High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain stretch and tensioner wearOn the 3.0 TDI V6 the timing chain is at the gearbox end and its tensioner can lose tension: it rattles on a cold start and, if the chain stretches, the timing goes out and the engine is at risk. Replacing it means opening the engine and costs several thousand euros.
  3. High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionInjector wear (needle seat) and injection faultsGerman guides point to wear of the needle seat of the 3.0 TDI injectors: they stop closing properly, diesel drips into the cylinder and dilutes the oil. Smoke from the exhaust can be the warning, and reports on the 313 hp twin-turbo repeat injection faults.
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlFaulty EGR valve and EGR coolerOn the first-generation EA896 engines the EGR valve and cooler often fail: Audi talks about around 15% of units compared with 1-2 in every 1,000 in the second generation (a figure cited by Wikipedia). The cooler clogs with soot and can lose coolant.
  5. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalIntakeWorn intake flaps (swirl) and intake manifoldOn V6 TDI engines from 2004 to 2010 the control of the intake (swirl) flaps can develop play and turn on the engine warning light with code P3134. Hella says the flap and actuator form one unit and are replaced together; on the Q7 4L it is the category owners cite most.

A4 B7 3.0 TDI V6 pageAll versions and faults of the 3.0 TDI V6

VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

VW/Audi 2.0 TFSI turbo EA113 (BWA, AXX, BPY, BHZ) · Petrol

In the A4 B7
2004–2007[14]
Name
A4 2.0 TFSI
Faults that affect it
4 · 1 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
41
Moderate risk

Verdict for the version it uses

Faults that affect the A4 B7

  1. High severityFrequency: CommonFuelWear of the high-pressure pump cam followerYes: the 2.0 TFSI EA113's high-pressure fuel pump is driven by the camshaft through a follower (tappet) that wears; if it wears through it can damage the pump or the camshaft, so it should be checked and replaced as a preventive measure.Repair (garage): €250–€900Appears at around 90,000 km
  2. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalIntakeCarbon build-up on the intake valves from direct injectionOn a direct-injection engine like the 2.0 TFSI the petrol does not wash over the intake valves and oil vapour from the crankcase builds up on them, causing rough idle, hesitation and loss of power; it is fixed with a professional clean.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: RareLubricationPCV crankcase ventilation valve and oil consumptionA fault in the PCV crankcase ventilation valve can cause excessive oil consumption, blue smoke and rough idle on the 2.0 TFSI; it is a replacement part, although there is no reliable frequency data.
  4. Low severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboTurbo diverter (blow-off) valve failureThe original turbo diverter (recirculation) valve can fail under boost pressure and cause pressure loss, whistling when accelerating and weak response; it is a cheap part and easy to replace.

A4 B7 VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 pageAll versions and faults of the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

2.0 FSI

Safest option

Volkswagen / Audi 2.0 FSI atmosférico (EA113) · Petrol

In the A4 B7
2004–2007[1]
Name
2.0 FSI
Faults that affect it
3
Risk index on this car
34
Moderate risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 2.0 FSI (EA113, 150 hp, 2003-2009)2003–2009 · 150 hp · AXW, BLR, BLX, BLY, BVX, BVY

    With caution

    Gebrauchtwagenberater.de singles out the 2.0 FSI, along with the naturally aspirated 1.6, as one of the most reliable petrol engines in the Audi A4 B7. Even so, two faults recur across several models and are worth checking before buying: carbon build-up on the intake valves and ignition coil failure.[1][2][3][4][5]

Faults that affect the A4 B7

  1. Medium severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCarbon build-up on the intake valvesBecause petrol is injected directly into the chamber, the 2.0 FSI does not wash the intake valves the way a port-injection engine does. Gebrauchtwagenberater.de documents carbon build-up in the Audi A3 8P and Passat B6, with higher consumption and less power as the mileage rises.
  2. Medium severityFrequency: CommonIgnitionIgnition coil failureIgnition coils are the engine fault that owners of this 2.0 FSI report most often, in models as different as the Golf V, Passat B6, Leon II and Altea. They cause an unstable idle, the engine running on fewer cylinders and, at times, difficulty starting.
  3. Low severityFrequency: OccasionalEmissions controlBlocked EGR valveOn the 2.0 FSI the EGR valve gets stuck or blocked fairly often, ending in a fault with the exhaust gas recirculation valve. It is a manageable repair with no risk to the engine, but it should be confirmed with diagnostics.

A4 B7 2.0 FSI pageAll versions and faults of the 2.0 FSI

Faults of the Audi A4 B7 outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

What the MOT inspection finds on the Audi A4 B7

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 805 inspections of 300 cars registered between 2005 and 2006, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 14.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 10.6%.

    More defects than average

  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 13.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 12.9%.

    Average

  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 9.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 4.2%.

    More defects than average

  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 20.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 29%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.6% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.8%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 6.1%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 14.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 12.3%.

    Average

  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 4.1% of inspections; in cars of its age, 6.3%.

    Fewer defects than average

  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 16% of inspections; in cars of its age, 17.6%.

    Average

The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl

Checklist for buying a used Audi A4 B7

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the Multitronic gearbox (2004–2007)

Wear of the variator chain and cones

Critical severity

Control unit (TCU) failure and limp mode

High severity

Jerking and vibration when pulling away from cold (multi-plate clutch)

Medium severity

If it has the 3.0 TDI V6 (2004–2008)

Failing water pump and cooling system leaks

High severity

Timing chain stretch and tensioner wear

High severity

Injector wear (needle seat) and injection faults

High severity

Faulty EGR valve and EGR cooler

Medium severity

Worn intake flaps (swirl) and intake manifold

Medium severity

If it has the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 (2004–2007)

Wear of the high-pressure pump cam follower

High severity

Carbon build-up on the intake valves from direct injection

Medium severity

PCV crankcase ventilation valve and oil consumption

Medium severity

Turbo diverter (blow-off) valve failure

Low severity

If it has the 2.0 FSI (2004–2007)

Carbon build-up on the intake valves

Medium severity

Ignition coil failure

Medium severity

Blocked EGR valve

Low severity

Wear parts for the Audi A4 B7

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Buying a Audi A4 B7?

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Audi A4 B7 reliable?

We have documented 3 engines and 1 gearbox for the Audi A4 B7; the Multitronic gearbox, the 3.0 TDI V6 and the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 have high or critical severity faults. None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 2.0 FSI, with a «With caution» verdict. Away from the engine, the A4 B7 is included in the Takata campaign 69EQ for the front airbag, which covers its entire production (2004-2011). The specialist French press and German TÜV reports also document breakage of the aluminium front suspension arms on the 1.9 TDI versions, early wear of the clutch and dual-mass flywheel on diesels, very frequent breakage of the electric window regulators, and occasional failures of the power steering pump and rack.

Which Audi A4 B7 engine is the most reliable?

Among the 3 engines and 1 gearbox we have documented, none has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the 2.0 FSI, with a «With caution» verdict. Gebrauchtwagenberater.de singles out the 2.0 FSI, along with the naturally aspirated 1.6, as one of the most reliable petrol engines in the Audi A4 B7. Even so, two faults recur across several models and are worth checking before buying: carbon build-up on the intake valves and ignition coil failure.[1][2][3][4][5]

What problems does the Audi A4 B7 have apart from the engine?

Away from the engine, the A4 B7 is included in the Takata campaign 69EQ for the front airbag, which covers its entire production (2004-2011). The specialist French press and German TÜV reports also document breakage of the aluminium front suspension arms on the 1.9 TDI versions, early wear of the clutch and dual-mass flywheel on diesels, very frequent breakage of the electric window regulators, and occasional failures of the power steering pump and rack. The most important documented faults are: campaigns over the Takata front airbag gas generators (airbags and safety, critical severity), breakage of the aluminium front suspension arms (suspension, high severity), early wear of the clutch and dual-mass flywheel (diesel) (gearbox and clutch, medium severity) and power steering pump failure and rack wear (steering, medium severity).[1][6][7]

What faults does the Audi A4 B7 have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: wear of the variator chain and cones (Multitronic, critical severity), control unit (TCU) failure and limp mode (Multitronic, high severity), failing water pump and cooling system leaks (3.0 TDI V6, high severity), wear of the high-pressure pump cam follower (VW 2.0 TFSI EA113, high severity) and timing chain stretch and tensioner wear (3.0 TDI V6, high severity).

Does the Audi A4 B7 have recalls?

Yes: we have documented 2 campaigns for the Audi A4 B7, such as campaign 69EQ over the front airbag gas generator (2023). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[7]

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Audi A4 B7 (8E) – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  2. Audi A3 8P: Typische Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  3. VW Passat B6 – Bekannte Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. Fiabilité Volkswagen Golf V - pannes moteur, boîte, électronique...Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité Volkswagen Passat - pannes moteur, boîte, électronique...Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité Audi A4 (2001-2007)fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Seguimos a vueltas con los airbags defectuosos de Takata: ojo si tienes un Audi, BMW o Skoda de hace unos añosCoches.com · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  8. Audi A4Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. MultitronicWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. Typische Probleme & Haltbarkeit der MultitronicGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  11. VW EA896Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  12. Audi A4, A6, A8, Q7: error code P3134 and engine warning lamp lights upHELLA Tech World · Technical documentation · consulted 9 October 2026
  13. Tous les problèmes sur Audi Q7 2006-2014 (130 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 9 October 2026 · in French
  14. List of Volkswagen Group petrol engines (2.0 TFSI EA113)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  15. Fiabilité Audi A6 (2011-2018) (106 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 9 October 2026 · in French
  16. Tous les problèmes sur Audi Q5 2008-2017 (322 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 9 October 2026 · in French
  17. Audi A6 C6 (4F): Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 9 September 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  18. 3.0 TDI: Viele Probleme, teure WartungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 28 January 2023 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  19. VW Touareg 3.0 TDI – typische Probleme und ODIS-DiagnoseKFZ Dietrich (taller, Hardegsen) · Other source · published 22 April 2026 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  20. Audi A5 8T (B8): Probleme, Schwachstellen & KaufberatungGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 20 January 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  21. 2.0 TFSI EA113 upgrade bomba de alta presión BAR-TEK (seguidor de levas)BAR-TEK · Technical documentation · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
  22. 2.0 TFSI (EA113): problemas conocidosAutoscore · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  23. Common problems of Audi A3 8P 2.0 TFSIEuro Auto Pro · Technical documentation · consulted 5 October 2026
  24. Fiabilité Audi A3 - pannes moteur, boîte, électronique...Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French