RoadVitals

2003 Audi A4

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
210
Latest Oct 11, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Mar 7, 2014
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
16
12 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 210 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Audi A4, most frequently naming the fuel system, electrical and driver assistance categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 162 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
14E007000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Mar 7, 2014
50 units potentially affected
The defect: The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
The risk: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
The Gates CorporationView on NHTSA.gov
07V375000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Aug 28, 2007
34,358 units potentially affected
The defect: ON 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 ENGINE CAUSING IT TO STALL.
The risk: IF FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS INTERRUPTED, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND THUS PRESENT A POTENTIAL RISK OF CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 28, 20007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-222-8987 OR AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834. THIS RECALL IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN (PLEASE SEE 06V017).
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INCManufacturer number M7 JLView on NHTSA.gov
06V017000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Jan 23, 2006
74,000 units potentially affected
The defect: ON 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, ULTIMATELY, STOPPAGE OF FUEL SUPPLY TO THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO STALL.
The risk: IF FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS INTERRUPTED, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND THUS PRESENT A POTENTIAL RISK OF CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-222-8987 OR AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INCManufacturer number M7 & JLView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 210
Engine
Filed Oct 11, 2024

Crank case ventilation hose breaks and engine runs poorly part#06C103235B

NHTSA ID
11619369
Incident
Oct 11, 2024
AirbagsElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jan 3, 2023

Water pump failed inside lights sometimes work and signal lights aren’t accurate

NHTSA ID
11499857
Incident
Dec 27, 2022
Electrical
Filed Nov 26, 2022

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 ID
11494969
Incident
Mar 16, 2020
Engine
Filed Oct 6, 2022

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 ID
11488250
Incident
Jul 6, 2022
Mileage
100,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Mar 5, 2022

Left turn signal works fine. Right turn signal alternates between flashing left and right.

NHTSA ID
11455360
Incident
Mar 5, 2022
Fuel system
Filed Jan 6, 2022

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 ID
11446475
Incident
Jan 1, 2022
Mileage
143,839 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Oct 6, 2021
Fire reported

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 ID
11435651
Incident
Oct 4, 2021
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 12, 2020

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 ID
11348847
Incident
Aug 3, 2020
Mileage
174,400 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

A0023742052680_4

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.

SM 48-2022

EQUIPMENT

This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.

A0021482021205_6

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; STRUCTURE

This informational bulletin explains how to order replacement VIN plates, Safety Certification Labels, etc.

A0020362002047_1

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

This information bulletin contains instructions for technicans on how to ensure their TAC call goes smoothly.

A0019252011732_1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

00 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions

AWC 19-05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Audi A4 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026000—
2025000—
2024200—
2023100043.4
2022630—
2021114065.1
20201273048.0
2019101059.4
2018441049.2
2017541040.6
2016110035.5
2015190046.4
2014310032.2
2013240044.8
2012190039.7
2011110027.6
2010640031.8
20091202047.1
20081754050.8
20071963046.5
20062953047.0
20052194049.4
20041893150.9
2003Viewing2104049.2
20021812050.4
20011313157.3
2000965358.5
19991907559.8
19982586559.0
1997988462.0
1996896356.1
1995120—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.