Vehicles / Audi / A4 / 2003

2003 Audi A4

210 federal complaints (282 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 153 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 31 model years of the Audi A4 →
Engine
1.8L 4-cyl
Fuel
Premium
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
20 city / 27 hwy
Federal complaints
210
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Fuel system
54
Power train
44
Electrical system
33
Engine & cooling
25
Lighting
23
Speed control
22
Glass & wipers
20
Body & structure
14
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 12 complaints01 years old: 12 complaints2 years old: 20 complaints3 years old: 16 complaints4 years old: 30 complaints5 years old: 26 complaints56 years old: 15 complaints7 years old: 24 complaints8 years old: 8 complaints9 years old: 8 complaints10 years old: 4 complaints1011 years old: 6 complaints12 years old: 5 complaints13 years old: 3 complaints14 years old: 5 complaints15 years old: 3 complaints1516 years old: 2 complaints17 years old: 3 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 4 complaints20+ years old: 1 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 208 of 210 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 14 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 27 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 42 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 38 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 20 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 13 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 6 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 10 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 1 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 1 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 173 of 210 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Fuel system

54 complaint records2 fire reports
"FUEL PUMP FAILURE RESULTING IN VEHICLE STOPPING IN TRAFFIC, REQUIRING TOW TO SERVICE CENTER. NOT CURRENTLY COVERED IN RECALL CAMPAIGN. *NM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →

Power train

44 complaint records
"CLUTCH FAILURE ON 2003 AUDI A-4 5-SPD MANUAL TRANSMISSION W. 39,000 MILES. CAR PURCHASED NEW, DRIVEN BY EXPERIENCED MANUAL TRANSMISSION DRIVER. *NM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Electrical system

33 complaint records4 fire reports
"IGNITION COILS HAVE GONE OUT 2 TIMES ALREADY. FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED ON MAY 29,2007, SECOND HAPPENED IN AUGUST OF 2007. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
07V375000Fuel System, GasolineON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.8L TURBO, 2.8L V6, OR 3.0L ENGINES, A CHANGE IN THE ELECTRICAL MOTOR COMPONENTS IN THE FUEL PUMP CAN LEAD TO AN INOPERATIVE FUEL PUMP AND, ULTIMATELY, STOPPAGE OF FUEL SUPPLY TO THE...Normally free
06V017000Fuel System, GasolineON CERTAIN VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM SEPTEMBER 2002 - MARCH 2003, EQUIPPED WITH 1.8L TURBO, 2.8L V6, OR 3.0L ENGINES, A CHANGE IN THE ELECTRICAL MOTOR COMPONENTS IN THE FUEL PUMP CAN LEAD TO AN INOPERATIVE FUEL PUMP AND,...Normally free
05V096000Exterior LightingON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF XENON HEADLAMP COATING DEGRADATION OVER TIME. THE LUMINOUS TRANSMITTANCE OF THE HEADLAMP MAY DECREASE OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2006015
2006-01-19
Fuel System6,630On 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.
2005062
2005-03-14
Lights And Instruments616On certain Audi A4 cabriolet and S4 cabriolet, the Xenon headlamp reflectors may experience coating degradation.
2002221
2002-11-21
Airbag50On 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.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
A0023742052680_4
Oct 2023
EquipmentThis bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
SM 48-2022
Jun 2022
EquipmentThis special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
A0021482021205_6
Jun 2021
EquipmentThis informational bulletin explains how to order replacement VIN plates, Safety Certification Labels, etc.
A0020362002047_1
Apr 2020
EquipmentThis information bulletin contains instructions for technicans on how to ensure their TAC call goes smoothly.
A0019252011732_1
Sep 2019
Electrical System00 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
AWC 19-05
Aug 2019
Electrical SystemThis communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.
AWC 19-04
Jul 2019
EquipmentThis communication is issued to remind dealers of the repair validation process for repair group 19. 2005-2019 A3, 1996-2019 A4, 2008-2019 A5, 1992-2019 A6, 2012-2019 A7, 1997-2019 A8, 2019 E-Tron, 2015-2019 Q3, 2010-2019 Q5, 2007-2019 Q7, 2019 Q8, 2000-2019 TT, 2008-2018 R8
A0019212052680_1
Jun 2019
EquipmentThis bulletin contains instructions for additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries (airbag/seatbelts, accidents, fire and overheat damage).
A941791 2012749-
Jul 2017
Exterior LightingThis informational bulletin contains technical information for when there is condensation visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, and/or third brake light lens.
SM 44-2017 EN
Jun 2017
EquipmentThis special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
A171782 2010043-
May 2017
EngineThis informational bulletin contains all the the Audi Oil Quality Standards that should be used when doing an oil change.
A571738 2017082-
Mar 2017
EquipmentThis informational bulletin contains instructions for sychronizing the remote key after the battery has been disconnected or replaced.
ATE-17-05
Mar 2017
EquipmentDue to increasing requests for high voltage personal protective equipment (HVE PPE) for dealer technicians working with high voltage vehicles (Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid, Electric Vehicle), the Volkswagen Tools and Equipment Team has identified two US based suppliers to support...
A441662 2010334-
Oct 2016
WheelsThis information TSB provides information regarding the correct way to torque adjust a wheel bolt.
A001578 2021205-
Dec 2015
EquipmentSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 10-05 dated June 14, 2010. VIN plate and/or B-Pillar Safety Certification label requires replacement.
A201559 2011703-
Dec 2015
Fuel SystemSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 20 number 13-29 dated November 15, 2013. The fuel tank has been removed from the vehicle and must be neutralized before shipment or disposal.
A961501 2019260-
Sep 2015
Electrical SystemSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 96 number 13-67 dated July 10, 2013. The customer may report that the handheld transmitter cannot be programmed to the garage door opener control module, J530. The customer?s door opener system may not be compatible with J530.
A191562 2025303-
Sep 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 15-61 dated July 7, 2015. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version.
A611523 2010342-
Aug 2015
StructureSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 61 number 13-21 dated September 3, 2013. Convertible top exterior cloth appears soiled. The convertible top is made of durable fabric that has been treated at the factory with a compound that helps repel dirt and water.
A1915612025303-5
Jul 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 14-50 dated June 20, 2014. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version.
SB-01-15-29
Jul 2015
EngineAUDI: ENGINE, ON SOME VEHICLES, WOULD RUN IRREGULARLY OR HAVE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON OR POSSIBLE FILTER ELEMENT FOR CAMSHAFT ADJUSTMENT VALVE CAN LOOSEN AND IN OIL CIRCUIT, THERE IS NO DAMAGE FROM LOOSENED PARTICLES. MODEL ALL. ALL YEARS. *PE
A911598 2018187-
Jun 2015
Electrical SystemSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 14-50 dated July 10, 2014. Customer may report that cracking, grinding, rattling, humming, whining, or similar interference is coming from one or more speakers.
A971548 2013504-
May 2015
Electrical SystemSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 97 number 10-15 dated October 20, 2010. Sporadic fault memory entries are stored in various control modules. Contacts may be widened (over 0.63 mm) if incorrect pins or incorrect methods for current flow tests are used.
A941565 2012749-
Apr 2015
Exterior LightingSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 94 number 12-92 dated October 24, 2012. Condensation is visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime running lights, or third brake light lens.
A911579 2038824-
Mar 2015
Electrical SystemSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 14-69 dated November 4, 2014. The following message appears on the MMI display: "Device or cable type not supported".
A101511 2018288-
Mar 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 10 number 13-10 dated September 5, 2013. Prior to engine replacement, any debris lodged in transferred assemblies must be removed.
A011514 2014753-
Mar 2015
Fuel SystemSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 01 number 13-09 dated June 21, 2013. The use of contaminated gasoline or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in excessive accumulation of deposits on intake valves, intake manifold, fuel injectors, and...
A171557 2010043-
Mar 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 17 number 13-35 dated January 9, 2013. This bulletin lists engine oils that meet Audi oil quality standards (VW 501 01, 502 00, 505 00, 505 01, and 504 00/507 00).
A011507 2028344-
Feb 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 01 number 13-69 dated February 14, 2013. Noises and inconsistent engine operation after cold start during the catalyst heating phase. The customer may misinterpret these symptoms as engine misfiring.
A001470 2039206-
Dec 2014
Electrical SystemHigh quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet. Audi of America has started to host its TSB videos outside of ElsaPro.
00147020392061
Dec 2014
EquipmentHigh quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet.
Accessories Oper
Dec 2014
EquipmentThis is an advance notice for Audi of America employees. This notice contains information for the accessories operations technical bulletin.
44145520103346
Oct 2014
WheelsTightening wheel bolts
A441455 2010334-
Oct 2014
WheelsSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 13-46 dated December 9, 2013. Wheel bolt requires torque adjustment.
Edition106
Oct 2014
EquipmentAudi Elsa Newsletter
A641436 2020552-
Sep 2014
VisibilityWindshield is streaked, has a snakeskin appearance, or its surface feels rough. Residue from industrial fallout as well as normal road dirt and grime may accumulate on windshield.
Guide
Aug 2014
EquipmentQuick Reference Update Guide
A001467 2002047-
Jul 2014
EquipmentSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 14-61 dated May 1, 2014. Technician preparation when calling the Audi Technical Assistance Center (TAC).
Edition96
Jul 2014
EquipmentTechnical bulletins and updates
A001465 2011732-
Jul 2014
Electrical SystemSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 12-32 dated February 7, 2012. This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management (SVM) software update for any TSB or Update.
001465201173210
Jul 2014
EquipmentThis Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management (SVM) software update for any TSB or Update.
A911450 2018187-
Jul 2014
EquipmentSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 13-02 dated August 30, 2013. Customer may report that cracking, grinding, rattling, humming, whining, or similar interference is coming from one or more speakers.
AUD4927ENG
Jul 2014
Unknown Or OtherDue to new Minnesota state regulations regarding biofuels, biodiesel blends of B5 or less may not be available in the State of Minnesota.
Edition92
Jun 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingIdenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants
A191450 2025303-
Jun 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-41 dated June 20, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been replaced by an improved version.
Edition90
Jun 2014
EquipmentTechnical bulletins and updates
Edition89
Jun 2014
Electrical SystemElsaPro Software update and technical bulletins
A371431 2013002-
Jun 2014
Power TrainSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 37 number 11-19 dated January 31, 2011. Automatic transmission fluid is leaking at the sump pan gasket. As the sump pan gasket settles, the torque of the bolts decreases and the seal may leak.
37 14 31 2013002
Jun 2014
Power TrainAs the sump pan gasket settles, the torque of the bolts decreases and the seal may leak. Automatic transmission fluid is leaking at the sump pan gasket.
37143120130025
Jun 2014
Power TrainATF pan leaks
37 13 07 2033658
May 2014
Power TrainVehicle lacks power or will not move after stop due to simultaneous depressing of the brake and accelerator pedals
A371430 2003658-
May 2014
Power TrainSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 37 number 13-07 dated May 29, 2013. Customer states that the engine returns to idle speed of approximately 1,400 RPM although the accelerator is depressed, and/or the vehicle hesitates (lacks power on take-off). No DTCs are stored.
37 14 30 2003658
May 2014
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)This condition may be caused when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are depressed simultaneously. Drivers who drive with their left foot resting on the brake pedal are prone to experience this condition.
37143020036586
May 2014
Power TrainVehicle lacks power or will not move after stop due to simultaneous depressing of the brake and accelerator pedals
Update91i8
May 2014
Unknown Or OtherGoogle Maps Street View (NVLW))
TSB-69-13-27
Dec 2013
Air BagsAUDI: THE CONNECTOR BETWEEN AIRBAG AND SEAT HARNESS HAS A SPORADIC HIGH RESISTANCE DUE TO AIRBAG WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, EVEN THOUGH SIDE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING NORMALLY. *PE
A691327 2010144-
Dec 2013
Air BagsSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 69 number 08-11 dated December 10, 2008. The airbag warning lamp is illuminated in the instrument cluster. DTCs are stored in the airbag control module.
2010144/4
Dec 2013
Air BagsSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
TSB-44-13-46
Dec 2013
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityAUDI: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, USE CALIBRATED TORQUE WRENCH AND NOT TORQUE STICKS, TORQUE EXTENSION BARS AND IMPACT GUNS/WRENCHES NOT APPROVED FOR USAGE ON WHEEL BOLTS BY MANUFACTURER, THAT CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO BRAKE, STEERING WHEEL, HUB. MODEL 1995-2014 ALL. *PE
A441346 2010334-
Dec 2013
WheelsSupersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 12-32 dated August 2, 2012. Wheel bolt requires torque adjustment. Torque sticks, torque extension bars, and impact guns/wrenches are not approved by Audi of America, Inc., and should not be used to apply torque to wheel...

Showing 60 of 153 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
  2. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Audi A4 →