There are two huge shortcomings with CR's results (aside from their likely grouping of the 2005 and 2005.5 together), which is the reason I'm conducting this research:

1. We don't know what failure rates are behind those black and red dots. Usually the numbers are far smaller than people think they are.

2. CR's data are still based on a survey conducted in April of 2008--over a year ago. This month TrueDelta will be releasing results based on owner experiences through March of 2009--we'll be nearly a year ahead of them.

At some point in a car's life the repair frequency takes a sharp turn for the worse. With CR, you might not learn of this turn for a worse for a year-and-a-half after it happens.

Those updated results soon. Always looking for more people to help make our more timely results possible.

Car reliability research

 

We've updated the results for the B7 A4 to include owner experiences through March 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2008: 56

2007: 43

2005.5-2006: 65

All three are average, which is better than many people expect from an Audi. The B6s have required more repairs.

A big thanks to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in August and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and post separate results for each engine.

Audi A4 reliability comparisons

 

Now 910 A4 owners signed up, an excellent start, and gaining on the number for the 3-Series. Additional participants always helpful. We'll have updated results next month.

Car reliability research

 

Updated results in a couple of weeks. A little later than I'd like, but they're coming.

934 A4 owners now signed up. The more owners participate, the better the information we can provide to everyone.

Car reliability research

 

We've updated the results for the B6 A4 to include owner experiences through June 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2008: 57

2007: 45

2005.5-
2006: 78

All are about average, and quite a bit better than the B6.

Everyone who has been helping, thanks. We'll have further updates in November and February. The more owners participate, the better the information we can provide to everyone.

Audi A4 reliability comparisons

 

I just signed up tonight.

 

Just signed up.

 

Mike-
Will be interesting to see how parts like alternators and when they average failure??? Also i live in the southeast and plan on changing my battery every 3 years regaurdless...the days of waiting till a battery dies is over!!!

 

It would take a larger sample size to check the reliability of specific parts rather than the overall car. We'll get there, but even with over 1000 A4s now signed up (thanks, guys) we're not there yet. So additional participants are certainly helpful.

Car reliability research

 

mkaresh keep up the great work...for me as a owner i just want to know when a critical part is likely to fail so i can replace it before it happens. auto mfrs never tell u when to replace parts u always have to wait for it to fail..i dont like that. they have no interest and i understand that but beiieve you data will certainly help us out in the future!