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2003 Audi A4

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most A4 years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Audi A4 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 76.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

177 reports with mileage · 33 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports6 fire reports8 injury reports

What owners actually said

210 reports
87,000 miles · Apr 25, 2008
Power Train

THE COIL PACK ON THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED (SHAKING UPON ACCELERATION). AFTER RESEARCHING THE INTERNET, I FOUND THAT 2001, 2002 AND BEGINNING OF 2003 AUDI A4S HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS PART. WHEN I CALLED AUDI AMERICA, THEY SAID MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE COIL PACK AT A COST OF OVER…

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THE COIL PACK ON THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED (SHAKING UPON ACCELERATION). AFTER RESEARCHING THE INTERNET, I FOUND THAT 2001, 2002 AND BEGINNING OF 2003 AUDI A4S HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS PART. WHEN I CALLED AUDI AMERICA, THEY SAID MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE COIL PACK AT A COST OF OVER $500. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10225724

60,000 miles · Apr 24, 2008
Power Train

FAILURE OF RIGHT CV JOINT, BOOT BECAME DETACHED. IN 1996 AUDI HAD TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD IT WAS DUE TO ROAD HAZARD BUT UPON INSPECTION IT APPEARS TO BE A FAULTY CONNECTION. I HAVE THE PART AND WANT TO KNOW IF TAKING PICTURES OF IT WILL HELP YOU ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS FAILURE. THE BOOT FAILED…

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FAILURE OF RIGHT CV JOINT, BOOT BECAME DETACHED. IN 1996 AUDI HAD TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD IT WAS DUE TO ROAD HAZARD BUT UPON INSPECTION IT APPEARS TO BE A FAULTY CONNECTION. I HAVE THE PART AND WANT TO KNOW IF TAKING PICTURES OF IT WILL HELP YOU ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS FAILURE. THE BOOT FAILED AS A RESULT THE CV JOINT FAILS. EVEN THOUGH I A HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THE COVERS THE PART, THEY ARE SAYING THEY WON'T COVER IT BECAUSE IT WAS DEMANGE RESULTING FROM ROAD HAZARD. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS IN NOT THE CASE THAT IT FAILED EITHER BECAUSE IT WAS INSTALLED IMPROPERLY AT THE FACTORY OR THE SEAL FAILED AS HAPPENED IN THE 1996 RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10225561

35,600 miles · Apr 23, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFire

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 AUDI A4. WHILE DRIVING 38 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT HAS NOT YET BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HE CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED AN ENGINE …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 AUDI A4. WHILE DRIVING 38 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT HAS NOT YET BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HE CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED AN ENGINE LEAK. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY INFORMED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DOES NOT BELIEVE THAT ANYTHING WAS DONE TO THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SHAKING WAS DUE TO THE MOTOR MOUNT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 35,600.

NHTSA ODI #10225471

54,000 miles · Apr 4, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 AUDI A4 CABRIOLET. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A BUMPING SOUND AS IF THERE WERE A FLAT TIRE. WHEN THE CONTACT RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE DROVE SMOOTHLY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER TEN TIMES FOR THIS FAILURE. INITIALLY, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE COULD…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 AUDI A4 CABRIOLET. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A BUMPING SOUND AS IF THERE WERE A FLAT TIRE. WHEN THE CONTACT RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE DROVE SMOOTHLY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER TEN TIMES FOR THIS FAILURE. INITIALLY, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. FINALLY, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V375000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP). THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,130 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.

NHTSA ODI #10223380

60,000 miles · Mar 31, 2008
Visibility

AUDI A4 WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP SUDDENLY DOES NOT WORK. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD THERE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE WASHER PUMP AND IT HAPPENS FREQUENTLY. HOWEVER, THERE ISN'T AN OFFICIAL RECALL SO THEY WILL NOT REPLACE IT. IT WILL JUST KEEP RUINING THE FUSES UNLESS I BUY ANOTHER WASHER PUMP WHICH …

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AUDI A4 WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP SUDDENLY DOES NOT WORK. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD THERE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE WASHER PUMP AND IT HAPPENS FREQUENTLY. HOWEVER, THERE ISN'T AN OFFICIAL RECALL SO THEY WILL NOT REPLACE IT. IT WILL JUST KEEP RUINING THE FUSES UNLESS I BUY ANOTHER WASHER PUMP WHICH WILL ULTIMATELY JUST BREAK AGAIN... IF THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND A FREQUENT ISSUE WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10222874

28,700 miles · Mar 25, 2008
Power Train

IN MID-FEBRUARY, I PURCHASED A 2003 AUDI A4 FROM OVERLAND PARK JEEP IN OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS. THE CAR WAS A ONE OWNER, VERY LOW MILEAGE (28,000)VEHICLE AT AN ATTRACTIVE PRICE. AS A ONE INCOME FAMILY WITH A NEWBORN, THIS CAR HAD THE SAFETY AND LOOKS WE DESIRED. ON THE DAY OF PICKUP, THE CAR'S TOP MALFUNCTIONED, AND IT WAS SENT…

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IN MID-FEBRUARY, I PURCHASED A 2003 AUDI A4 FROM OVERLAND PARK JEEP IN OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS. THE CAR WAS A ONE OWNER, VERY LOW MILEAGE (28,000)VEHICLE AT AN ATTRACTIVE PRICE. AS A ONE INCOME FAMILY WITH A NEWBORN, THIS CAR HAD THE SAFETY AND LOOKS WE DESIRED. ON THE DAY OF PICKUP, THE CAR'S TOP MALFUNCTIONED, AND IT WAS SENT TO MOLLE AUDI IN KC, MO FOR REPAIR. WHILE THERE, I ASKED MOLLE TO RUN AN INSPECTION ON THE CAR TO DETERMINE IF I SHOULD KEEP IT. THEY TOUTED THAT THEY SOLD THE CAR, AND HAD SERVICED IT. MENTIONING THEY WERE THE ONLY AUDI DEALER REPAIR EXPERTS IN THE AREA, THEY GAVE IT A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH. I PICKED IT UP AFTER FIVE DAYS, AND OP JEEP PAID FOR THE ROOF REPAIR. I PAID FOR THE INSPECTION. ON THE 34TH DAY OF OWNERSHIP, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. I THOUGHT MAYBE THE CAR WAS COLD. A COUPLE DAYS LATER, IT DID IT AGAIN. I CONTACTED MOLLE, AND TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE AGAIN. NOW, THEY CLAIM THE CAR NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION AND THAT IT WILL COST OVER $7300.00. OP JEEP STATES THAT SINCE IT IS PAST THIRTY DAYS, THEY "DON'T KNOW WHAT I EXPECT THEM TO DO ABOUT IT". MOLLE SAYS IT IS JUST TOUGH LUCK. IT WAS PERFECT A COUPLE HUNDRED MILES AGO? THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY ON THE CAR WAS 4 YEARS/50,000 MILES. SINCE THE CAR IS 10 MONTHS PAST THE TIME FRAME (ALTHOUGH 22,000 UNDER THE MILEAGE), THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING FOR ME, I JUST NEED TO PAY THE $7,300.00....WHICH I CANNOT DO? AUDI USA HAS YET TO RESPOND, BUT CLAIMED THEY FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF THE SERVICE MANAGER, WHICH DIDN'T INDICATE THEY WOULD DO ANYTHING BUT FIX IT FOR $7,300.00. I NEED THIS CAR FOR WORK, IT NEEDS TO BE SAFE FOR MY FAMILY, AND OUR NEWBORN SON. IT SEEMS INCREDIBLY UNFAIR THAT I HAVE OWNED A ONE OWNER, VERY LOW MILEAGE CAREFULLY MAINTAINED CAR FOR JUST OVER ONE MONTH, AND JUST OVER 200 MILES, AND BE FACED WITH A $7,300. BILL ON A VEHICLE THAT COST $17,000. OP JEEP MADE CLAIMS TO THE QUALITY AND INSPECTION OF THE CAR THAT WERE NOT TRUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10222247

Mileage unknown · Mar 4, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

2003 AUDI A4 WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP. CONSUMER STATES THAT MANUFACTURER TOLD HER THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED BECAUSE HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. SHE STATED HER VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED WITHIN THE DESIGNATED TIME. *KB THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE SUCH AS: FAULTY IGNITION COILS, …

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2003 AUDI A4 WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP. CONSUMER STATES THAT MANUFACTURER TOLD HER THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED BECAUSE HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. SHE STATED HER VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED WITHIN THE DESIGNATED TIME. *KB THE CONSUMER HAD OTHER MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE SUCH AS: FAULTY IGNITION COILS, TRANSMISSION AND A RADIATOR REPLACEMENT. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED DUE TO THE VEHICLE NOT STARTING, THE VALVE AND CAM SEALS WERE LEAKING OIL. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD AN OIL SLUDGE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOORS AT TIMES. THE DEALER REPLACED A LOOSE CONNECTION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10220594

70,000 miles · Feb 22, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

I OWN A 2003 AUDI A4 1.8T QUATTRO. MY CAR HAS SUFFERED A FUEL PUMP FAILURE TWICE, BOTH DOCUMENTED. THE FIRST TIME AT APPROXIMATELY 20K MILES, THE SECOND TIME AT APPROX. 70K MILES WITH WHICH I PAID TO REPAIR. I NOTICED THAT MY CAR MAKE AND MODEL HAS TWO CURRENT OUTSTANDING RECALLS RELATED TO THIS SAME PROBLEM (NHTSA CAMPAIGN I…

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I OWN A 2003 AUDI A4 1.8T QUATTRO. MY CAR HAS SUFFERED A FUEL PUMP FAILURE TWICE, BOTH DOCUMENTED. THE FIRST TIME AT APPROXIMATELY 20K MILES, THE SECOND TIME AT APPROX. 70K MILES WITH WHICH I PAID TO REPAIR. I NOTICED THAT MY CAR MAKE AND MODEL HAS TWO CURRENT OUTSTANDING RECALLS RELATED TO THIS SAME PROBLEM (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 06V017000 AND 07V375000). WHEN I CALLED AUDI SERVICE TO INQUIRE ABOUT A REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIR COSTS, I WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN# WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND THEREFORE, A REIMBURSEMENT WAS NOT POSSIBLE. FUEL PUMP FAILURES ARE NOT TYPICAL. TWO FAILURES IN THE SAME CAR WITHIN 50K MILES OF EACH OTHER ARE EVEN LESS LIKELY AND I FEEL ARE INDICATIVE OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, ESPECIALLY WHEN TWO RECALLS ALREADY EXIST FOR THE SAME PART IN THE SAME CAR. THE REPAIR WAS COSTLY, AND I WOULD APPRECIATE AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE MATTER SO THAT I MAY BE REIMBURSED FOR REPAIRS THAT I FEEL WERE CAUSED BY A MANUFACTURING ISSUE. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10218877

Mileage unknown · Feb 13, 2008
Visibility

I HAVE AUDI A4 QUATRO 2003 MODEL. I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT PROBLEM AND SEE IF THIS IS COMMON WITH AUDI CARS. I HAVE TWO SEPARATE EPISODES OF ELECTRONIC CAR WINDOW NOT ROLLING UP. THE MOTOR THAT SUPPOSE TO HOLD WINDOW DID NOT HOLD THE WINDOW CLOSED AS WELL. EVERYTIME I DRIVE OVER BUMP ON THE ROAD THE WINDOW WILL COME DOWN. I HAD…

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I HAVE AUDI A4 QUATRO 2003 MODEL. I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT PROBLEM AND SEE IF THIS IS COMMON WITH AUDI CARS. I HAVE TWO SEPARATE EPISODES OF ELECTRONIC CAR WINDOW NOT ROLLING UP. THE MOTOR THAT SUPPOSE TO HOLD WINDOW DID NOT HOLD THE WINDOW CLOSED AS WELL. EVERYTIME I DRIVE OVER BUMP ON THE ROAD THE WINDOW WILL COME DOWN. I HAD FIRST INCIDENCE ON PASSENGER SIDE REAR WINDOW IN 2006 AND NOW I HAD ANOTHER INCIDENCE IN DRIVER SIDE REAR WINDOW IN 2008. I WONDER IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH AUDI. IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AS NORMALLY THE WHOLE ROTATOR MOTOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACE. IT COSTS ABOUT $1,000 TO BE FIXED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10217982

47,000 miles · Feb 11, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 AUDI A4. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP CAUSED THE FAILURE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V375000); HOWEVER, THE DEALE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 AUDI A4. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP CAUSED THE FAILURE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V375000); HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 47,000.

NHTSA ODI #10217715

Official recalls

3

07V375000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Aug 28, 2007

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS INTERRUPTED, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND THUS PRESENT A POTENTIAL RISK OF CRASH.

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).

06V017000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Jan 23, 2006

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS INTERRUPTED, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND THUS PRESENT A POTENTIAL RISK OF CRASH.

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.

05V096000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Mar 15, 2005

ON 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD AFFECT A DRIVER'S FIELD OF VIEW, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT XENON HEADLAMP REFLECTORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 11, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.