1995 Audi A4 problems
The Audi A4 is a line of luxury compact executive cars produced since 1994 by the German car manufacturer Audi, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. The A4 has been built in five generations and is based on the Volkswagen Group B platform. The first generation A4 succeeded the Audi 80. The automaker's internal numbering treats the A4 as a continuation of the Audi 80 lineage, with the initial A4 designated as the B5-series, followed by the B6, B7, B8, and the B9.
The B8 and B9 versions of the A4 are built on the Volkswagen Group MLB platform shared with several models and brands across the Volkswagen Group. The Audi A4 automobile layout consists of a front-engine design, with transaxle-type transmissions mounted at the rear of the engine. The cars are front-wheel drive, or on some models, "quattro" all-wheel drive. The A4 is available as a sedan and station wagon. Historically, the second (B6) and third generations (B7) of the A4 also included a convertible version. For the fourth generation (B8) and onwards, the convertible, along with a new coupé and 5-door liftback variant, was spun-off by Audi into a new nameplate called the Audi A5.
B5 (Typ 8D; 1994)
The first generation Audi A4 (known internally as the Typ 8D) debuted in October 1994, with production starting November 1994 and European sales commencing in January 1995 for the 1995 model year. North American sales later began in September 1995 for the 1996 model year. It was built on the Volkswagen Group B5 (PL45) platform, which it shared with the fourth generation Volkswagen Passat (B5, Typ 3B). It had a front-mounted longitudinal engine and front-wheel drive. Many variations of the A4 were also available with Audi's quattro four-wheel drive system. The A4 was initially introduced as a four-door saloon/sedan; the Avant (estate/wagon) was introduced in November 1995 and went on sale in February 1996.
Development began in 1988, with the first design sketches being created later that year. By 1991, an exterior design by Imre Hasanic was chosen and frozen for November 1994 production by 1992. The interior design was later finalized in 1992, with pilot production commencing in the first half of 1994. Development concluded in the third quarter of 1994, preceding November 1994 start of production.
A wide range of engines were available in European markets, between 1.6 and 2.8 litres for petrol engines; and a 1.9-litre diesel engine available with Volkswagen Group's VE technology, capable of achieving a 90 PS (66 kW; 89 bhp) or 110 PS (81 kW; 108 bhp). The 2.6 and 2.8-litre V6 engines which had been carried over from the old 80/90 proved popular, although in North America, the 2.8-litre engine was the only V6 that was available there until 1997. A 2.4-liter version was developed especially for the Thai market, where import duty jumped from 60 to 100 percent on cars of over 2,400 cc displacement.
The Audi A4 was the first model in the Volkswagen Group to feature the new 1.8-litre 20v engine with five valves per cylinder, based on the unit Audi Sport had developed for their Supertouring race car. A turbocharged 1.8T version produced 150 PS (110 kW; 148 bhp) and 210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft) torque. Moreover, a quattro GmbH special edition of the B5 1.8T was later available in Germany and Europe, for which the engine's power output was raised to 180 PS (132 kW; 178 bhp) and 235 N⋅m (173 lb⋅ft). Five-valve technology was also added to a reengineered V6 family of engines in 1997, starting with the 2.8-litre V6 30v, which now produced 193 PS (142 kW; 190 bhp), followed by a 2.4-litre V6 which was a downsize from the previous 2.6 litre, 150 hp (112 kW) engine, but with a power increase to 165 PS (121 kW; 163 bhp).
Audi also debuted their new tiptronic automatic transmission on the B5 platform, based on the unit Porsche developed for their 964-generation 911. The transmission is a conventional automatic gearbox with a torque converter offering the driver a fully-automatic operation or manual selection of the gear ratios.
The B5 marked Audi's continued move into the midsize luxury car segment, having started this trajectory notably with later model years of the preceding Audi 80/90 B4. Despite initial mechanical problems, overall build and assembly quality were lauded both by the automotive press and within Audi and Volkswagen, and at the time, parent company Volkswagen declared the B5 the company-wide build quality benchmark for all its other models.
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Common 1995 Audi A4 problems
The Audi A4 B5, produced between 1995 and 2001, is known for its mechanical sophistication and clean, understated design. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems and issues that owners have reported.
One of the most common problems with the Audi A4 B5 is related to the fuel pump. Cars produced until July 1999, particularly those with the 6th TDI engine, often experienced fuel pump issues, requiring replacement after just 120 km.
The Audi A4 TDI 110, manufactured in May 1998, had problems with premature catalytic converter failure, necessitating replacement after only 25 km.
Transmission and clutch vibrations have been reported in some diesel models, which can be caused by a leakage of the hydraulic clutch system.
The upper and lower oscillating shoulders are often quickly worn out, increasing the cost to the owner, and the ends of the struts or the complete front skirt, considered to be Audi's weakest point, did not perform better.
Wind whipping around the car door was a problem on the 1995 Audi A4, solved by adjusting the door (hinges).
Interior lighting may not work in the Audi A4 manufactured until June 1995, and the car had problems with uneven front wheel wear and an incorrect fuel gauge.
In addition to these issues, there was a recall for cambelt problems in 1996, and some reports of electrical problems have surfaced.
Engines and drivetrains generally last well, but the suspension, electrics, and cooling system require regular, sometimes expensive, work.
Non-turbo 1.8s have a nasty habit of snapping cambelts before the scheduled replacement cycle of five years or 60,000 miles, and on early cars, auto gearboxes may need an overhaul, with the cost of that potentially exceeding the car's total value.
What is the common problem with Audi A4?
Some of the common problems with the Audi A4 include: Gearbox problems. Airbag and seat belts fault. Seat backrest fault.
Is an Audi A4 a reliable car?
Are Audi A4s Reliable? RepairPal gives the A4 a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, ranking it 14th out of 31 luxury midsize cars. The typical annual maintenance and repair cost for this model is $739, which is the average for luxury sedans.
How long do Audi A4 engines last?
Audis can typically go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained. They're fairly reliable cars, and Consumer Reports ranks them within the top 10 new car brands when it comes to reliability.
What year is the best used Audi A4?
Best Value for Money: 2018-2019
However, the high mileage of most 2001 Audi A4s could be off-putting. If that's the case, the A4 from 2018 to 2021 gets high marks for reliability, style, power, and safety, making it a great alternative if you want something newer or more modern.
What is the common problem with Audi A4?
Some of the common problems with the Audi A4 include: Gearbox problems. Airbag and seat belts fault. Seat backrest fault.
Are Audi A4 reliable cars?
Are Audi A4s Reliable? RepairPal gives the A4 a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, ranking it 14th out of 31 luxury midsize cars. The typical annual maintenance and repair cost for this model is $739, which is the average for luxury sedans.
Which Audi A4 engine is best?
For us, the sweet spots in the range are the 2.0-litre petrol with either 190 or 204hp – badged 40 TFSI – or the 2.0-litre diesel with 150 or 163hp – badged 35 TDI. These engines offer enough power to make the A4 feel relaxed at high speeds without needing to jump up to one of the stronger but pricier options.
Is an old Audi A4 a good first car?
Should I get an Audi A4 as a first car? A sleek executive car with plenty to offer, the Audi A4 could be a first car for a very lucky driver. It's probably not the first option we'd consider in Audi's lineup, but it's reliable and well-built with plenty of features that make driving easy.
1995 Audi A4 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi A4 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1995 Audi A4 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1995 Audi A4 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1995 Audi A4.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-05
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE VEHICLE VIN [XXX] IS A RHD AUSTRALIAN AUDI THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SLOWLY DRIVEN DOWN A DRIVEWAY BY AN ELDERLY LADY THE CAR ACCELERATED VIOLENTLY BUT WAS ABLE TO BE STOPPED WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT. THE ENGINE REVVING WAS CONFIRMED BY A RAODSIDE ASSIST MECHANIC AND A TOW TRUCK OPERATOR. THE FAULT WAS REPORTED TO AUDI AUSTRALIA WHO ADVISED THE PLENUM CHAMBER WAS CHOKED WITH LEAVES AND THIS HAD CAUSED AN OVERFLOW AND SOME DAMPNESS UNDER THE CARPET WHICH HAD "CAUSED MOISTURE TO FORM IN THE INTEGRATED KICK-DOWN SWITCH IN THE ACCELERATOR CABLE" NOTHING WAS FOUND REMISS WITH THE ENGINE THROTTLE SYSTEM THE CARPET. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
1995 Audi A4 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1995 Audi A4.
- Manufacturer: AAI MOTORSPORTS USA, LLC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
- Remedy: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE DISCHARGE OF STATIC ELECTRICITY UNDER LOW HUMIDITY CONDITIONS CAN ACTIVATE THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WHEN THE DRIVER ENTERS OR EXITS THE VEHICLE AND FORMS AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT BY TOUCHING CERTAIN AREAS OF THE STEERING WHEEL.
- Consequence: ACTIVATION OF THE AIR BAG UNDER THESE CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND WIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1995 Audi A4 problems:
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