Audi

A4/S4 Cabriolet (2005)

2005 · Midsize Sedan · 1 engine
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.1)
48 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
0 Crash Reports
View all 2 generations of the Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet Unidentified Engine

⚠️ Caution (3.1)
47 complaints 47.0 per year
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Complaint Breakdown

exterior
32
electrical
6
engine
3
safety systems
3
transmission
3

Known Issues

Exterior Issues (32 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (6 complaints)
Engine Issues (3 complaints)
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

4.2-V8-Gas

4.2L 8-cyl / 344 hp
Recommended (5.0)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

exterior
1

Known Issues

Exterior Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet regardless of engine variant.

Exterior Issues (33 complaints)
exterior moderate
Electrical System Issues (6 complaints)
electrical cosmetic

All Generations

Alternatives in Midsize Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2005-2005 Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet problems?

The 2005-2005 Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet has accumulated 48 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Exterior, Electrical System, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet engine is most reliable?

The 2005-2005 Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4.2L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2005-2005 Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet a good used car?

The 2005-2005 Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 48 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005-2005 Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet have?

The 2005-2005 Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet has 48 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2005-2005 Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2005-2005 Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet?

Before buying a used Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Exterior, Electrical System, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the A4/S4 Cabriolet have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2005 Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 48 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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