Owners have filed 282 complaints
about the 2003 Audi A4 with NHTSA between 2003 and 2024.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 28 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Audi A4. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 64
12.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 36
21% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Fuel Pump
2735.5%
Automatic Transmission
1823.7%
Ignition
1215.8%
Accelerator Pedal
79.2%
Clutch Assembly
33.9%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
33.9%
Headlights
33.9%
Manual Transmission
33.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
41.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
83.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
177.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
4820.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
7532.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3715.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3816.2%
150,000+ miles
73.0%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2003 Audi A4 4-DR. w/SAB
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2003peak 7Oct 2024
Recalls on the 2003 Audi A4
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20060156,630 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain Audi A6, A4 Quattro, and Volkswagen Passat vehicles, premature fuel pump wear can lead to pump failure. A failed fuel pump may cause stoppage of fuel supply to the engine, creating an engine stall condition. Should the engine stall while the vehicle is in use, a possible vehicle crash could occur. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel pump.
Recall 2005062616 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain Audi A4 cabriolet and S4 cabriolet, the Xenon headlamp reflectors may experience coating degradation. The luminous transmittance of the headlamp may decrease over a period of time which could negatively affect a driver's field of view. Correction: Dealers will replace the Xenon headlamp reflectors.
Recall 200222150 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the igniter for the driver's side airbag may not have been properly pressed into position during assembly. An improperly positioned igniter will not activate the airbag in the event of a collision. Correction: Dealers will replace the airbag units on all affected vehicles.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Greensburg, INFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The coolant light came on after I replaced coil packs and I stopped to look wasn't leaking anywhere. Drove to work and it caught on fire due to overheating I guess not really sure. I was driving a car on fire down a highway and didn't even know it. I stopped to take a left turn into work and smoke stared billowing out and around the entire car. Other drivers couldn't see me or nothing I could have been in an accident. The fire department checked the car out sort of and it's in a mechanics shop now. Trying to figure it out. Oil light was on and that's it. AN then the coolant light would kick on and off. Nothing else after I changed the coil packs. And it was well after I did that.
NHTSA complaint #11435651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensburg, INFire
ENGINE
The coolant light came on after I replaced coil packs and I stopped to look wasn't leaking anywhere. Drove to work and it caught on fire due to overheating I guess not really sure. I was driving a car on fire down a highway and didn't even know it. I stopped to take a left turn into work and smoke stared billowing out and around the entire car. Other drivers couldn't see me or nothing I could have been in an accident. The fire department checked the car out sort of and it's in a mechanics shop now. Trying to figure it out. Oil light was on and that's it. AN then the coolant light would kick on and off. Nothing else after I changed the coil packs. And it was well after I did that.
NHTSA complaint #11435651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensburg, INFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The coolant light came on after I replaced coil packs and I stopped to look wasn't leaking anywhere. Drove to work and it caught on fire due to overheating I guess not really sure. I was driving a car on fire down a highway and didn't even know it. I stopped to take a left turn into work and smoke stared billowing out and around the entire car. Other drivers couldn't see me or nothing I could have been in an accident. The fire department checked the car out sort of and it's in a mechanics shop now. Trying to figure it out. Oil light was on and that's it. AN then the coolant light would kick on and off. Nothing else after I changed the coil packs. And it was well after I did that.
NHTSA complaint #11435651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,800 milesAlna, MEFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INITIALLY DROVE CAR HOME FROM GROCERY STORE HIT A BUMP AND NOTICED A SPARK COMING FROM FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF CAR. PULLED OVER AND CHECKED FOR SPARK EVIDENT ONCE STOPPED THERE WAS NO SIGN OF SPARK OR ANYTHING. GOT CAR HOME AND PARKED ABOUT AN HOUR LATER MY CAR WAS ON FIRE, AFTER PUTTING THE FIRE OUT MY HUSBAND LIFTED THE HOOD AND TRIED TO INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE WHEN HE DISCOVERED THE BATTERY WAS MELTED TO THE HOOD AND IS WHERE THE FIRE INITIALLY CAUGHT. THE LOCATION OF THE BATTERY WE BELIEVE TO BE THE ISSUE AND WANTED TO MAKE SURE TO REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY.
NHTSA complaint #11331067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,800 milesAlna, MEFire
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
INITIALLY DROVE CAR HOME FROM GROCERY STORE HIT A BUMP AND NOTICED A SPARK COMING FROM FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF CAR. PULLED OVER AND CHECKED FOR SPARK EVIDENT ONCE STOPPED THERE WAS NO SIGN OF SPARK OR ANYTHING. GOT CAR HOME AND PARKED ABOUT AN HOUR LATER MY CAR WAS ON FIRE, AFTER PUTTING THE FIRE OUT MY HUSBAND LIFTED THE HOOD AND TRIED TO INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE WHEN HE DISCOVERED THE BATTERY WAS MELTED TO THE HOOD AND IS WHERE THE FIRE INITIALLY CAUGHT. THE LOCATION OF THE BATTERY WE BELIEVE TO BE THE ISSUE AND WANTED TO MAKE SURE TO REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY.
NHTSA complaint #11331067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTER RETURNING HOME FROM A DRIVE THROUGH FAST FOOD PLACE LAST NIGHT MY DAUGHTER WAS PARKING IN OUR DRIVEWAY, SHE WAS IN REVERSE. THE CAR (A 2003 AUDI A4 CV CONVERTIBLE) BOUNCED AND MADE A SOUND THEN SHE STOPPED. I SAID TAKE THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION TO HER BLACK SMOKE STARTED TO RISE OUT OF THE TOP OF THE HOOD CRACK IN FRONT OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. I TOLD HER TO GET THE DOG IN OUR BACK SEAT AND HERSELF OUT I ASSUMED IT WAS ON FIRE BECAUSE THE DARK SMOKE. I GRABBED MY PURSE PIPED THE HOOD AND MY DAUGHTER CALLED 911 AS THE NEIGHBORS RAN INSIDE THERE HOME FOR A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. TWO MEN FROM ACROSS THE STREET ATTEMPTED TO PUT IT OUT AS I SPOKE TO THE 911 OPERATOR. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND GOT THE FIRE OUT. MY CAR IS NOW JUNK. MY DAUGHTER WAS EMOTIONALLY STRAINED, HYSTERICAL THROUGHOUT THE INCIDENT. IT WAS TRAUMATIC FOR US BOTH. THE FIREFIGHTERS SAID IT WAS POSSIBLY CAUSED BY ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS.
NHTSA complaint #11062227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Winder, GA
ENGINE
Crank case ventilation hose breaks and engine runs poorly part#06C103235B
NHTSA complaint #11619369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
AIR BAGS
Water pump failed inside lights sometimes work and signal lights aren’t accurate
NHTSA complaint #11499857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Water pump failed inside lights sometimes work and signal lights aren’t accurate
NHTSA complaint #11499857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Water pump failed inside lights sometimes work and signal lights aren’t accurate
NHTSA complaint #11499857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winnsboro, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Radio intermediate goes out hitting bumps speedometer stopped working the number ninth digit is not pulling up when I search vehicle information Replaced engine vehicle only had 20,000 miles
NHTSA complaint #11494969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesFresno, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2003 Audi A4. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated, lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart and there was steam coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence where an independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the vehicle had experienced a similar failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14E007000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was necessary to check for recalls. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11488250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Everett, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Left turn signal works fine. Right turn signal alternates between flashing left and right.
NHTSA complaint #11455360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,839 milesPasadena, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2003 Audi A4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a fuel odor was detected. The contact parked the vehicle and noticed there was fuel leaking on the rear driver's side. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the fuel pump flange and hoses needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would cover the part replacement. The failure mileage was 143,839.
NHTSA complaint #11446475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensburg, INFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The coolant light came on after I replaced coil packs and I stopped to look wasn't leaking anywhere. Drove to work and it caught on fire due to overheating I guess not really sure. I was driving a car on fire down a highway and didn't even know it. I stopped to take a left turn into work and smoke stared billowing out and around the entire car. Other drivers couldn't see me or nothing I could have been in an accident. The fire department checked the car out sort of and it's in a mechanics shop now. Trying to figure it out. Oil light was on and that's it. AN then the coolant light would kick on and off. Nothing else after I changed the coil packs. And it was well after I did that.
NHTSA complaint #11435651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensburg, INFire
ENGINE
The coolant light came on after I replaced coil packs and I stopped to look wasn't leaking anywhere. Drove to work and it caught on fire due to overheating I guess not really sure. I was driving a car on fire down a highway and didn't even know it. I stopped to take a left turn into work and smoke stared billowing out and around the entire car. Other drivers couldn't see me or nothing I could have been in an accident. The fire department checked the car out sort of and it's in a mechanics shop now. Trying to figure it out. Oil light was on and that's it. AN then the coolant light would kick on and off. Nothing else after I changed the coil packs. And it was well after I did that.
NHTSA complaint #11435651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensburg, INFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The coolant light came on after I replaced coil packs and I stopped to look wasn't leaking anywhere. Drove to work and it caught on fire due to overheating I guess not really sure. I was driving a car on fire down a highway and didn't even know it. I stopped to take a left turn into work and smoke stared billowing out and around the entire car. Other drivers couldn't see me or nothing I could have been in an accident. The fire department checked the car out sort of and it's in a mechanics shop now. Trying to figure it out. Oil light was on and that's it. AN then the coolant light would kick on and off. Nothing else after I changed the coil packs. And it was well after I did that.
NHTSA complaint #11435651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 174,400 milesClanton, AL
POWER TRAIN
2003 AUDI A4 3.0 CABRIOLET CONVERTIBLE STARTED SHIFTING ROUGH AND HESITANT AND SHUT OFF, CRANKED BACK UP WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND ALL THE SHIFTING GEAR LIGHTS CAME ON R N D 2 , BARELY MADE IT BACK HOME, PUT CODE READER ON CAR HAD A LOT OF CODES ON IT I RESET CODES BUT RND2 LIGHTS STILL ON , POSSIBLE BAD TCM?
NHTSA complaint #11348847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,800 milesAlna, MEFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INITIALLY DROVE CAR HOME FROM GROCERY STORE HIT A BUMP AND NOTICED A SPARK COMING FROM FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF CAR. PULLED OVER AND CHECKED FOR SPARK EVIDENT ONCE STOPPED THERE WAS NO SIGN OF SPARK OR ANYTHING. GOT CAR HOME AND PARKED ABOUT AN HOUR LATER MY CAR WAS ON FIRE, AFTER PUTTING THE FIRE OUT MY HUSBAND LIFTED THE HOOD AND TRIED TO INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE WHEN HE DISCOVERED THE BATTERY WAS MELTED TO THE HOOD AND IS WHERE THE FIRE INITIALLY CAUGHT. THE LOCATION OF THE BATTERY WE BELIEVE TO BE THE ISSUE AND WANTED TO MAKE SURE TO REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY.
NHTSA complaint #11331067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,800 milesAlna, MEFire
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
INITIALLY DROVE CAR HOME FROM GROCERY STORE HIT A BUMP AND NOTICED A SPARK COMING FROM FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF CAR. PULLED OVER AND CHECKED FOR SPARK EVIDENT ONCE STOPPED THERE WAS NO SIGN OF SPARK OR ANYTHING. GOT CAR HOME AND PARKED ABOUT AN HOUR LATER MY CAR WAS ON FIRE, AFTER PUTTING THE FIRE OUT MY HUSBAND LIFTED THE HOOD AND TRIED TO INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE WHEN HE DISCOVERED THE BATTERY WAS MELTED TO THE HOOD AND IS WHERE THE FIRE INITIALLY CAUGHT. THE LOCATION OF THE BATTERY WE BELIEVE TO BE THE ISSUE AND WANTED TO MAKE SURE TO REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY.
NHTSA complaint #11331067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Hills, CA
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE TRANSMISSION SLIPS OUT OF DRIVE WHILE DRIVING INTO LIKE NEUTRAL AND WHEN I ACCELERATE THE CAR DOES NOT MOVE AND COMES TO A FULL STOP AND I HAVE TO STOP AND TURN THE CAR ON AND OFF TILL IT WORKS AGAIN
NHTSA complaint #11210443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesAllenhurst, GA
POWER TRAIN
ON JANUARY 28, 2019 I WAS DRIVING TO MY MEDICAL APPOINTMENT AT 35 MILES PER HOUR WHEN MY CAR FROZE UP THEN BUCKED AND NOW NO LONGER THE TRANSMISSION WILL NO LONGER ENGAGE. UPON RESEARCH AUDI HAS KNOWN OF THIS TRANSMISSION HAVING SERIOUS FAULTS AND THAT IT WILL BREAK DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. AUDI HAS REFUSED TO DO ANY RECALL ON THESE TRANSMISSIONS, EVEN AFTER A CLASS ACTION THAT WAS SETTLED, AUDI WILL NOT DO ANY RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11173668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesAllenhurst, GA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON JANUARY 28, 2019 I WAS DRIVING TO MY MEDICAL APPOINTMENT AT 35 MILES PER HOUR WHEN MY CAR FROZE UP THEN BUCKED AND NOW NO LONGER THE TRANSMISSION WILL NO LONGER ENGAGE. UPON RESEARCH AUDI HAS KNOWN OF THIS TRANSMISSION HAVING SERIOUS FAULTS AND THAT IT WILL BREAK DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. AUDI HAS REFUSED TO DO ANY RECALL ON THESE TRANSMISSIONS, EVEN AFTER A CLASS ACTION THAT WAS SETTLED, AUDI WILL NOT DO ANY RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11173668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tuckahoe, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THERE SEEMS TO BE A FUEL PUMP OR OTHER ISSUE ALONG THE FUEL LINE. RECENTLY, THE GAS CAP INDICATOR HAS GONE OFF, AND WON'T TURN OFF. I EVEN TRIED REPLACING THE GAS CAP WITH A NEW ONE. I CHECKED FOR LOOSE PARTS ON TOP OF THE GAS TANK (THROUGH THE TRUNK). NO VISIBLE ISSUES, BUT I DO SMELL GASOLINE ON HUMID DAYS, THERE IS CLEARLY AN ISSUE ALONG THE FUEL LINE. I NOTICED THERE WERE RECALLS BY AUDI FOR DIFFERENT VINS (NOT MINE), THAT HIGHLIGHT ISSUES WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM AND FUEL PUMP - RECALL NUMBER 06V017000 (01/23/2006), AND 07V375000 (08/28/2007) (OTHERS?). I'VE TRIED CALLING AUDI TO SEE IF THEY'D BE WILLING TO INVESTIGATE WHETHER A BROADER NUMBER OF VINS NEED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL (INCLUDING MINE), AND THEY REFUSED TO COVER COSTS TO LOOK INTO IT.
NHTSA complaint #11152653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,500 milesNaples, FL
POWER TRAIN
THE CONSTANTLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (CVT) OF MY 2003 AUDI A4 CABRIOLET 1.8T WITH JUST 86,000 MILES ON IT IS FAULTY, AND HAS CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO STALL OUT ON FOUR OCCASIONS, TWICE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN AND WHILE PARKING, AND TWICE WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE WHILE ACCELERATING AT A SPEED OF 35 AND 60 MPH, ON A CITY ROAD AND ONCE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MERGE ONTO THE INTERSTATE. THE VEHICLE MUST BE RESTARTED TO DRIVE, AND HAS JUST BARELY SPUTTERED BACK TO LIFE IN MY FOUR EXPERIENCES SO FAR. AUDI IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AND HAS SETTLED A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN THE PAST, ALTHOUGH THE SETTLEMENT EXPIRED MORE THAN TWO YEARS AGO LEAVING OWNERS LIKE MYSELF ON THE HOOK FOR COSTLY REPAIRS, AND LEFT WITH AN UNSAFE VEHICLE IN THE MEAN TIME. AUDI SHOULD RECALL ALL AUDI A4 1.8T CVT TRANSMISSIONS FROM 2003 TO 2006 AND PERMENTANTLY SOLVE THE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #11123996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,379 milesWildomar, CA
ENGINE
TAMARA RECALL MY CAR WOULDNT START KEEP GETTING STEER WHEEL HARD TO DRIVE SHIFTS TO GEAR GET STUCK
NHTSA complaint #11120920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,379 milesWildomar, CA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TAMARA RECALL MY CAR WOULDNT START KEEP GETTING STEER WHEEL HARD TO DRIVE SHIFTS TO GEAR GET STUCK
NHTSA complaint #11120920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,379 milesWildomar, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TAMARA RECALL MY CAR WOULDNT START KEEP GETTING STEER WHEEL HARD TO DRIVE SHIFTS TO GEAR GET STUCK
NHTSA complaint #11120920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,345 milesLake Elsinore, CA
SUSPENSION
LOSS OF POWER OR LATE RESPONSE TO THROTTLE. TCS AND ABS LIGHT LIMININTED AFTER REPLACING SENSOR. VIBERTION IN PASSENGER SIDE AROUND 50 MPH OR BRAKING. REPLACED IGNITION COIL TWICE.
NHTSA complaint #11111062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,345 milesLake Elsinore, CA
ENGINE
LOSS OF POWER OR LATE RESPONSE TO THROTTLE. TCS AND ABS LIGHT LIMININTED AFTER REPLACING SENSOR. VIBERTION IN PASSENGER SIDE AROUND 50 MPH OR BRAKING. REPLACED IGNITION COIL TWICE.
NHTSA complaint #11111062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,345 milesLake Elsinore, CA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
LOSS OF POWER OR LATE RESPONSE TO THROTTLE. TCS AND ABS LIGHT LIMININTED AFTER REPLACING SENSOR. VIBERTION IN PASSENGER SIDE AROUND 50 MPH OR BRAKING. REPLACED IGNITION COIL TWICE.
NHTSA complaint #11111062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
