RoadVitals

2003 Audi Allroad Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
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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.
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What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Audi Allroad, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical527.8%
  • Powertrain (other)316.7%
  • Body & structure211.1%
  • Other / unspecified15.6%
  • Seat belts15.6%
  • Suspension15.6%
  • Tires & wheels15.6%
  • Airbags15.6%
  • Transmission15.6%
  • Engine15.6%
  • Fuel system15.6%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Dec 18, 2021

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 AUDI ALLROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION COIL WAS FAULTY ON HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED ONE OF THE SIX IGNITION COILS FOR FREE. CURRENTLY, THE OTHER FIVE COILS ARE BEGINNING TO FAIL AND NEED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DOES NOT WANT TO PAY THE REPAIR COST. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.

NHTSA ID 10269728 · filed May 22, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Dec 18, 2021

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

NHTSA ID 11437851 · filed Oct 23, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Dec 18, 2021

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 · filed Jun 18, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Mar 2, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Mar 2, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 17, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

FAILURE OF A P-6 PERRELLI TIRE AT 5000 MILES. SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF ALL TIRES AT 20,000 MILES. *NM

NHTSA ID 10106587 · filed Jan 18, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 18, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

CAR TOTALLY LOSES POWER WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC, ETC. HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, FEELS LIKE CAR IS GOING TO STALL, ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED A FEW TIMES BECAUSE CAR HAS NO POWER. BROUGHT IT BACK FOR THIS 3 X SINCE LAST OCT. NOTHING WAS DONE, SAME RESPONSE FROM AUDI, NO PROBLEM FOUND. THIS CAR IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN !*AK

NHTSA ID 10086950 · filed Aug 16, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 27, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 18, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .