RoadVitals

2003 Audi Allroad

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.
14
Latest Dec 18, 2021
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.
3
Latest Apr 8, 2008
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.
1
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 14 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Audi Allroad, most frequently naming the electrical, powertrain (other) and body & structure categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 60 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

  • Electrical527.8%
  • Powertrain (other)316.7%
  • Body & structure211.1%
  • Other / unspecified15.6%
  • Seat belts15.6%
  • Suspension15.6%
  • Tires & wheels15.6%
  • Airbags15.6%

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

3 campaigns cover this model year

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

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Apr 8, 2008
68,240 units potentially affected
The defect: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 68,240 MY 2001-2004 AUDI A6 QUATTRO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7L, 2.8L, OR 3.0L ENGINES AND MY 2001-2005 ALLROAD QUATTRO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.7L OR 4.2L ENGINES. THE AGING OF THE PLASTIC MATERIAL IN THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE COMBINED WITH BENDING STRESS FROM THE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE TO THE ROLLOVER VALVE NIPPLE MAY LEAD TO CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE. IF THIS HAPPENS, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT.
The risk: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE NIPPLE ON THE ROLLOVER VALVE TO PREVENT LEAKAGE OR REPAIR THE CRACKING AT THE NIPPLE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 27, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INCManufacturer number 20L8/JYView on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Jun 5, 2006
70,512 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HALOGEN LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS, CERTAIN CONNECTOR PINS IN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CONNECTOR COME INTO CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT. NOTE: VEHICLES WITH XENON LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT AFFECTED BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT IN THESE VEHICLES CONTAINS A FUSE, WHICH PRECLUDES EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW IN THE CASE OF A SHORT CIRCUIT. AUDI S6 AND S6 AVANT VEHICLES ARE ALL EQUIPPED WITH XENON LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND, THEREFORE, ARE NOT LONGER AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING OR FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REROUTE THE WIRING HARNESS BY INSTALLING A JUMPER WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 16, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INCManufacturer number JNView on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Mar 18, 2004
172,866 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, IF A DRIVER'S KNEES PUSH AGAINST THE KNEE BOLSTER (CRASH ELEMENT) LOCATED UNDER THE DASHBOARD, IT CAN CONTACT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS, AND AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR.
The risk: A FIRE COULD ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT DASHBOARD AREA.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVERING ON THE KNEE BOLSTER (CRASH ELEMENT). IN ADDITION, THE WIRING HARNESS AS WELL AS THE FELT PROTECTOR ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD CARRIER WILL BE CHECKED, AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INCView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE08008ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

FUEL TANK LEAK

Opened Jan 31, 2008
Closed May 30, 2008

VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IS RECALLING CERTAIN VW PASSAT 4MOTION AND AUDI A6 QUATTRO AND ALLROAD QUATTRO ALL-WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER CARS.VW VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2005 AND AUDI VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2001 TO JUNE 1, 2005.THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE VW VEHICLES IS 08V-156 (VW ALSO IS CORRECTING DEFECTS RELATED TO HEAT SHIELD AND FUEL LINE HAZARDS FOR THESE VEHICLES AND FOR 1999-2000 PASSATS IN THIS RECALL ACTION.)THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE AUDI VEHICLES IS 08V-157.SINCE 2006, ODI HAS RECEIVED 17 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL LEAKING FROM THE SUBJECT VEHICLES' FUEL TANKS.THE 400 COMPLAINTS SHOWN ABOVE MAY INCLUDE DUPLICATE REPORTS TO ODI AND THE MANUFACTURER. WHILE THE CONSEQUENCE (FUEL LEAKS FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK) IS SIMILAR FOR BOTH THE PASSAT AND AUDI SUBJECT VEHICLES, DIFFERENCES IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIRE A DIFFERENT REMEDY FOR EACH VEHICLE.ON THE PASSATS, THE VENTILATION LINE COULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY WITH TENSION AND WITH AN INCORRECTLY POSITIONED CABLE TIE.THE TENSION COULD CAUSE CRACKED OR BROKEN NIPPLES ON THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE.ON THE AUDI VEHICLES, A MATERIAL CHANGE (EFFECTIVE JUNE 2, 2001) WITH DIFFERENT AGING CHARACTERISTICS USED FOR THE ROLLOVER VALVE AND THE USE OF AN INFLEXIBLE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE COULD CAUSE CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE ON THE ROLLOVER VALVE.VW IS RECALLING ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THESE DEFECTS.IT WILL INSPECT PASSATS TO ENSURE THAT THE VENT LINE IS TENSION FREE AND CORRECT THE INSTALLATION IF TENSION IS FOUND.IF A CRACK OR FUEL LEAK IS FOUND, VW WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK.AUDI WILL REPAIR ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BY REINFORCING THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WITH AN EPOXY ADHESIVE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLYLed to recall 08V156000

Recent owner complaints

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

Body & structureElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 18, 2021

During recent heavy rains, all of a sudden the car's transmission that had been working fine, after having been parked briefly pointing slightly down hill, no longer functioned properly, and had apparently gone into "LIMP Mode". after talking with Mechanics and doing research, we checked the carpet areas and determined and documented the car's interior was very wet, both in front and in the rear areas, with evident moisture and corrosion under the battery and cabin air filter areas and rear wheel well area. The Transmission no longer shifts properly and the car is not able to be safely driven. Apparently there is a well known design flaw in the Audi C5 A6 vehicles where multiple drains frequently fail. apparently there are 2 very hard to access drains under the battery, under the battery tray, and also the cabin air filter seal to the sidewall is prone to failure. I'm told that there is a "soft" NTSB Audi Recall on this. Please advise.

NHTSA ID
11444216
Incident
Oct 25, 2021
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 23, 2021

please see prior form submission re transmission...please confirm receipt of earlier entry.

NHTSA ID
11437851
Incident
Oct 22, 2021
Airbags
Filed Feb 18, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 AUDI ALLROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING CLOCK SPRING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000.

NHTSA ID
11396848
Incident
Feb 10, 2014
Mileage
135,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Sep 18, 2015

THE FUEL TANK HAS DEVELOPED A LEAK ON ITS OWN. I FILLED MY CAR THE THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 3, 2015. ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2015 THE FUEL GAUGE WAS DOWN A QUARTER TANK. I SMELLED GAS OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. MY MECHANIC TELLS ME THE LEAK IS AT A PLASTIC WELDED NUB ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TANK.THIS IS A PLASTIC FUEL TANK. IF I FILL THE TANK ABOVE THE HALFWAY MARK THIS IS WHEN THE TANK LEAKS. THE CAR IS GOING IN FOR SERVICE ON MONDAY FOR A FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT. I HAVE OPENED CASE NUMBER 150699218 WITH AUDI CORPORATE. THEY WANTED ME TO ALLOW THEM TO TOW THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP AND LET THE DEALER MAKE A DIAGNOSIS. WE WERE DESPERATELY AFRAID THAT THE COST OF THIS WOULD BE EXORBITANT. IT TAKES 10+ HOURS TO GET THE REMOVED AND REINSTALLED. THE TANK IS ABOUT $700.00 WE ARE TRULY AFRAID TO GO TO THE DEALER FOR ANYTHING. WE HAVE AN INDEPENDENT AUDI MECHANIC WE HAVE USED FOR YEARS. AUDI WAS OFFERING TO PAY FOR THE TOW AND THE DIAGNOSIS. WE WERE THINKING AUDI WOULD USE THE EXCUSE OF DISASSEMBLING THE CAR, "FIND THE PROBLEM" AND THEN CHARGE 5 OF THE 10 HOURS TO PUT THE TANK IN. WE DID NOT WANT TO GET STUCK WITH THAT. THIS IS AWHY WE GO TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO IS HIGHLY COMPETENT AND WE TRUST. I WILL KNOW MORE ABOUT THE LEAK ON MONDAY OR TUESDAY . THIS COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.

NHTSA ID
10765202
Incident
Aug 27, 2015
Mileage
167,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedPowertrain (other)Seat belts
Filed Mar 2, 2012

2003 AUDI ALL ROAD. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE TRANSMISSION, SEAT BELTS AND WHEELS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AT TIMES, THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT REACT TO A SUDDEN DEPRESSION OF THE GAS PEDAL. THE RESULTING DELAY IN ACCELERATION COULD RESULT IN A COLLISION DUE TO THE INABILITY TO MOVE THE VEHICLE IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. ALSO, THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE FLAT TIRES, DUE TO WHEEL CORROSION, WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF THE AIR SEAL, BETWEEN THE WHEELS AND TIRES. *JB

NHTSA ID
10449874
Incident
Mar 1, 2012
Engine
Filed Oct 27, 2010

ENGINE OVERHEAT, AUTOMATIC FAN FAILS TO GO ON, THE ENGINE SPILL FUME TO A BLINDING LEVEL WHEN IT BEGINS TO COME FROM BENEATH THE HOOD . HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS SHUT DOWN ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT INCLUDE NEW WATER PUMP NEW RADIATOR NEW AIR CONDITIONING PUMP DID NOT BRING ANY SOLUTION. *TR

NHTSA ID
10362672
Incident
Jul 23, 2010
Mileage
106,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Feb 17, 2010

AIR SUSPENSION FOR AUDI ALLROAD FAILED. ALL AIR WAS VENTED OUT OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION WITHOUT WARNING RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHEN CAR HIT A BUMP/DIP IN THE ROAD. CAR SEEMED TO BOUNCE OFF THE FRONT TIRES AND WAS A VIOLENT COMPRESSION AND REBOUND. I MOMENTARILY LOST CONTROL AND DID NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED UNTIL PULLING OVER AND DISCOVERED FRONT OF CAR WAS SITTING ON THE TIRES. I RESTARTED CAR AFTER SEVERAL FAILED ATTEMPTS TO USE THE RIDE HEIGHT LEVELING SYSTEM CONTROLS AND NOTICED ALL THREE RIDE HEIGHT LEVELING LIGHTS FLASHING AND THEN A SUSPENSION LIGHT FLASHING ON OPERATOR CONSOLE THAT WAS NOT LAMINATED UNTIL AFTER RESTART OF CAR. AFTER THE INCIDENT THE AIR COMPRESSOR REPUTEDLY FAILED TO INFLATE FRONT SHOCKS. THIS TOOK PLACE APROX. 2 MILES FROM MY HOME ON WONDER WOOD EXPRESSWAY. IN JACKSONVILLE FL. CAR IS NOW AT RESIDENCE. UN-DRIVABLE. CONTACTING DEALER! *TR

NHTSA ID
10311290
Incident
Feb 16, 2010
Mileage
94,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jun 18, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 AUDI ALLROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE HAS A DESIGN FLAW. WHEN IT RAINS, WATER ENTERS THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. THERE IS A SMALL DRAINAGE HOLE IN THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE BATTERY IS LOCATED. DEBRIS AND WATER ENTER THIS HOLE AND DRAINS THE BATTERY. THE DEALER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS TOO OLD AND HAD EXCESSIVE MILEAGE. THE AUDI MANUFACTURER HAD THE SAME RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. UPDATED 07/28/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRAIN HOLES IN THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT WERE BLOCKED. WATER FLOODED THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT THEN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND SHORTED OUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CAUSING OVER $3000 IN DAMAGE. UPDATED 07/30/09.*JB

NHTSA ID
10274267
Incident
Jun 15, 2009
Mileage
60,000 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.

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.

A941791 2012749-

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This 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

EQUIPMENT

This 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-

ENGINE

This informational bulletin contains all the the Audi Oil Quality Standards that should be used when doing an oil change.

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 Allroad by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2023000
2022000
2021000
2020010
2019000
2018110
2017210
2016000
2015410
2014610
2013131038.1
2012000
2011000
2010000
2009000
2008000
2005321
2004153163.0
2003Viewing143143.1
2002831
2001173148.8
2000000
1999200
1998100

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.