2001 Audi A4
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2001 Audi A4. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2001 Audi A4. Newest first.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2000-2001 Audi TT Coupe, TT Roadster, 2000-2002 A4, and S4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver Air Bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag may not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69CJ.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
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.
Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. the recall began on july 1, 2006. owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
Owner complaints
131 complaints5 involved a crash9 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
I just purchased this vehicle from a private owner. I am already aware of the driver side airbag recall. Went to turn key to auxiliary to close sun roof and the steering wheel airbag deployed in my face. The vehicle had been parked and not driven for over 12 hours. Vehicle is available for inspection any time.
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2001 Audi A4. The contact stated that upon closing the driver's side door, her husband heard a loud gun-like sound and he noticed that the passenger-side curtain air bags had deployed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's husband cut the curtain air bags and…
The contact owns a 2001 Audi A4. The contact stated that upon closing the driver's side door, her husband heard a loud gun-like sound and he noticed that the passenger-side curtain air bags had deployed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's husband cut the curtain air bags and drove the vehicle to his residence. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. The VIN was not available.
- Engine
2001 audi A4 quattro 2.8L. As driving smoke was coming from hood.. Park and realize the engine was on fire. It look like it started by the passenger side headlight and spread. I read that audi had a recall on head light switch but did not rec, a recall letter. Not exactly sure where the fire…
2001 audi A4 quattro 2.8L. As driving smoke was coming from hood.. Park and realize the engine was on fire. It look like it started by the passenger side headlight and spread. I read that audi had a recall on head light switch but did not rec, a recall letter. Not exactly sure where the fire started my audi caught on fire. I dont't have pictures to upload but I will soon. I am very hurt to know that the car I enjoyed driving caught on fire/disappointed with audi
- Air bags
While driving the vehicle on a highway going straight at ~65mph the passenger side curtain and seat airbags deployed for no reason. vehicle manufacturer cited a "crash" signal from side impact sensor was the cause of the false deployment. no physical cause could be found, no damage was found on…
While driving the vehicle on a highway going straight at ~65mph the passenger side curtain and seat airbags deployed for no reason. vehicle manufacturer cited a "crash" signal from side impact sensor was the cause of the false deployment. no physical cause could be found, no damage was found on vehicle and all airbag system wiring was found to be intact and original. manufacturer would not own failure and cited the vehicle being lowered as the cause. manufacturer was unable to provide any evidence for this conclusion and vehicle IS well within local laws/regulations for lowered vehicles.
- Service brakes
Brakes were working fine, coming off freeway, was coasting thru light, traffic stopped, brakes no longer worked, brake pedal was suddenly flush with floor. rearended a car, car started jumping forward. had to use the emergency brake to stop the car. car was towed after accident, not because it…
Brakes were working fine, coming off freeway, was coasting thru light, traffic stopped, brakes no longer worked, brake pedal was suddenly flush with floor. rearended a car, car started jumping forward. had to use the emergency brake to stop the car. car was towed after accident, not because it was not drivable, it was not drivable due to brake problem. repair shop said brakes failed to vacuum hose breaking, no warning prior to losing brakes. *tr
- Engine
The check engine light (mil) has had several recurrences. The mass air flow meter and sensor have been replaced twice. ( 65,060 and 107,894). The initial failure was at 36,512 miles. 47,819 miles, 65,060 miles, 107,894 miles,118,628 miles and in july, 2014 at 159,421 miles, there was a warranty…
The check engine light (mil) has had several recurrences. The mass air flow meter and sensor have been replaced twice. ( 65,060 and 107,894). The initial failure was at 36,512 miles. 47,819 miles, 65,060 miles, 107,894 miles,118,628 miles and in july, 2014 at 159,421 miles, there was a warranty extension letter in november, 2003 that included 2001 audi A-4 1.8T vehicles and a voluntary emissions service action 28f2/j1 ignition coil inspection/replacement in october, 2009. secondary issue. Unable to read dashboard display. Pixeled. Unable to read safety/vehicle notifications. *tr
- Seats
While using my heater on my seats and a pillow for additional back support, I noticed smoke and burning smell when pulling into my driveway. when getting out of my car I noticed that my pillow was leaking...and upon pulling the pillow off the drivers seat, it was damaged/burned through. I also noticed that a burned hole the size of a quarter IS now quite visible. worried that this may cause a car fire. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
TL* the contact owns a 2001 audi A4. the contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel and the brake warning light was flashing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics where the mechanic advised the contact that the ecu module would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
- Electrical system
The instrument cluster 99% cannot be read due to the lcd display fading. Have done multiple searches and 9 out of 10 people have this same exact issue. Audi needs to step up and take responsibility for this issue. This has been an ongoing issue and needs to be fixed. This has been a huge pain for…
The instrument cluster 99% cannot be read due to the lcd display fading. Have done multiple searches and 9 out of 10 people have this same exact issue. Audi needs to step up and take responsibility for this issue. This has been an ongoing issue and needs to be fixed. This has been a huge pain for me because sometimes my car will beep and display something on the lcd screen but because it's fading I have no clue what it's telling me. I don't want to be driving and something life threatening happen because of a missed message because the lcd screen IS broken. Fix this before people get hurt and start filing lawsuits. *tr
- Exterior lighting
In 2007 xenon headlights dropped/dipped headlight level sensor replaced and lights appeared to work correctly. in 2011 the same problem occurred again. headlight leveling sensor and wiring harness replaced. appears to be working ok. driving with the headlights aimed incorrectly IS a dangerous driving condition. it appears that there IS a common design flaw with the xenon headlights. *Tr
- Exterior lighting
We have experienced an intermittent problem with the hid head lights flickering and shutting off during operation at night. The left low beam began to flicker and then shut off. The head light warning indicator light comes on. After inspection the next day, lights came back on and were working…
We have experienced an intermittent problem with the hid head lights flickering and shutting off during operation at night. The left low beam began to flicker and then shut off. The head light warning indicator light comes on. After inspection the next day, lights came back on and were working normally no warning lights were on. This appears to be a common problem with this type of car and in my opinion a very dangerous one that needs to be addressed by audi in a recall for the obvious ballast, bulb, wiring, problem that exists on this car. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
ABS module failure. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
2001 audi A4 with timing belt failure and repair. Consumer states that the timing belt repair did not last and his vehicle completely failed on the highway. Consumer was then informed of an oil sludge issue. *kb updated 10/19/11.
- Air bags
All airbags failed to deploy in a driver's side "t-bone" collision. A-4 IS equipped with side airbags. A-4 was stationary and occupied, minivan crashed into driver's door and part of front quarter panel. Van's rate of travel was 20 to 30 mph in reverse! My wife suffered neck and shoulder injuries.…
All airbags failed to deploy in a driver's side "t-bone" collision. A-4 IS equipped with side airbags. A-4 was stationary and occupied, minivan crashed into driver's door and part of front quarter panel. Van's rate of travel was 20 to 30 mph in reverse! My wife suffered neck and shoulder injuries. Local audi dealer replaced the side airbag # 8D0 880 241 aa and the airbag controller module # 8D0 959 655 g. Only at my insistence, was this work performed when I continued to question why no airbags deployed. My direct questions were met with, "you know, more injuries occur when an airbag goes off, so, your wife IS probably luckier that they didn't work". Wtf?! Hey buddy, let's put you in the driver's seat and RAM minivan into it with the same speed and mass! Also, rest your arm on the open window and see if you don't lose an arm like my wife almost did. What are these guy's trying to cover up for audi?! Has there been a corporate decree of total liability avoidance with deceit being pushed down to the dealer level, or are they just idiots? I'm also in the class action regarding the oil sludge lawsuit. Now they are denying 1/2 of my claim because they say I'm missing proof of a single oil change that should be in the records of the dealership that performed the work, which for some reason all the records pertaining to that critical timeline have been wiped off audi's corporate comupter system. When will it all end? I'm about to drive this [xxx] carover a cliff! Any audi execs want to go for a ride? I feel I have been taken for a long enough ride after some $15,000 to $20,000 in repairs over the last 6 years. Let's hope our airbags will be free from failure in the event of a future accident. Someone else's experience has been that switching out the module with the same model module has not eliminated the problem completely and it has re-occurred, i.e., red light in dash coming on again and failure to deploy airbags in crash. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6
- Service brakes, hydraulic
2001 audi A4 with about 105K miles on. ABS sensor IS faulty and this problem IS very widespread amongst audi A4S built around this time. It IS a $1500 - $2000 repair for a part that really doesn't seem to go bad with this frequency in other cars. For an example of the score, see this site. This IS…
2001 audi A4 with about 105K miles on. ABS sensor IS faulty and this problem IS very widespread amongst audi A4S built around this time. It IS a $1500 - $2000 repair for a part that really doesn't seem to go bad with this frequency in other cars. For an example of the score, see this site. This IS just one of many sites with similar complaints around this issue: http://audi-vw-abs-recall.blogspot.com/2005/07/audi-and-vw-please-recall-cars-between.html. *Tr
- Air bags
2001 audi A4 air bag light on dash. Dealer checked and stated air bag module bad. Order one and was installed april 27, 2010. Part # 8d0-959-655-g module. This IS a major safety item. Can cause air bags to not deploy. should last longer than it did. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
The digital instrument cluster IS not working properly on my 2001 audi A4 1.8T. You can only see half the screen on the center display that notifies you when the car needs to be serviced and if any major problems are occurring I feel this IS a safety issue and audi should recall and repair any cars…
The digital instrument cluster IS not working properly on my 2001 audi A4 1.8T. You can only see half the screen on the center display that notifies you when the car needs to be serviced and if any major problems are occurring I feel this IS a safety issue and audi should recall and repair any cars with this malfunction because I have read several reviews of the same problem so obviously it IS something they should look into. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
2001 audi A4 2.8 ABS brake system controller failure. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Excessive gas fumes from car. dealer and other service center looked for problem several times. after car was unfit to drive - smelled so bad from gasoline fumes - a service garage removed the fuel tank. the fuel was seeping through molded in plastic connection fittings on top of the tank at…
Excessive gas fumes from car. dealer and other service center looked for problem several times. after car was unfit to drive - smelled so bad from gasoline fumes - a service garage removed the fuel tank. the fuel was seeping through molded in plastic connection fittings on top of the tank at their molded interface to the tank - the tank IS a poly type tank. the tank was replaced. this IS clearly a design defect. Had the fumes been near an ignition source a possible fire or worse could have resulted. It IS my opinion that the dissimilar materials used for the tank and fittings lost their seal over time. audi of america has shown no interest in dealing with this. since there were 4 fuel tanks available on a friday and on the following monday, there were none, so I had to wait up to 2 additional weeks to get a tank - I suspect they are keenly aware of this defect. this car has been garage kept, I am original owner, and it has no accidents. I have the original failed fuel tank at this time. date of repair 6/29/09 to 7/21/09. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
ABS control module failed. modules are defective and audi should recall them. online research shows thousands of audi/vw car owners have experienced this same problem. cost to replace module IS $1500-2000 dollars. VW has issued recall of this ABS module, but audi has not (even though same exact…
ABS control module failed. modules are defective and audi should recall them. online research shows thousands of audi/vw car owners have experienced this same problem. cost to replace module IS $1500-2000 dollars. VW has issued recall of this ABS module, but audi has not (even though same exact part). nhtsa needs to put pressure on audi to recall this component, they are defective, unsafe, and could lead to accidents. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
TL* the contact owns a 2001 audi A4. He stated that the antilock breaks sensor illuminates constantly. he had the garage replaced the break sensor twice. The first replacement was done on january 10, 2010 and the second break sensor replacement was february 16, 2010 and the failure was not corrected. The failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage was 102,034. He has not contacted the dealer or manufacturer.
- Electrical system
My 2001 audi A4 has central lcd display to display all sort of information, but this display fails in most of A4S just after a few years. This IS critical for vehicle safety, because this car does not have any other indicators to signal abnormal conditions of the car such as low coolant, check…
My 2001 audi A4 has central lcd display to display all sort of information, but this display fails in most of A4S just after a few years. This IS critical for vehicle safety, because this car does not have any other indicators to signal abnormal conditions of the car such as low coolant, check engine, etc. This problem has been known more than five years, but the manufacturer has not been responsible. please look at http://audiforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46512 for other people's complaints about this problem. *Tr
- Service brakes, electric
Failure of ABS brake control unit in an audi 2001 A4 while driving on the freeway with snow. It occurred in salt lake city, utah. ABS brake light came on and the ABS brakes weren't working driving on snow and needed to be replaced. $710.00 was the cost of the repair for a faulty unit and a very…
Failure of ABS brake control unit in an audi 2001 A4 while driving on the freeway with snow. It occurred in salt lake city, utah. ABS brake light came on and the ABS brakes weren't working driving on snow and needed to be replaced. $710.00 was the cost of the repair for a faulty unit and a very common problem that audi knows about it. Good thing that I was going really slow and I was exiting the slippery freeway at the time and I didn't slide. thank you! *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
1. One day suddenly my audi 2001 A4 starts to show ABS and brake light to be failing. 2. The failure when diagnosed seems to be a problem with audi's ABS control unit, and that needs to be repaired. 3. I have not repaired it yet, because dealers quoted a huge price of more than 1500$ to fix the ABS control unit. *Tr
- Air bags
Airbag controller fails with no apparent reason. unit generates an unclear fault code (65535) when temperature drops below 32 degrees. this will not allow the airbags to deploy in case of an accident. module has been replaced, and the same failure occurred again less than a year later. *Tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Brake and clutch pedal bracket
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10251027Tightening wheel bolts
- 10250950Tightening wheel bolts
- 10250430Oil consumption measurement - Repair Authorization (CA)
- 10249085Google Maps Street View (NVLW))
- 10249054Due to new Minnesota state regulations regarding biofuels, biodiesel blends of B5 or less may not be available in the State of Minnesota.
- 10243930This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
- 10243787Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10243780Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10241749Quick Reference Update Guide
- 10231130Idenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants
- 10231128Technical bulletins and updates
- 10231127ElsaPro Software update and technical bulletins
- 10228314The use of contaminated gasoline or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or more conditions.
- 10228302High 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.
- 10226530ATF pan leaks
- 10226529Vehicle lacks power or will not move after stop due to simultaneous depressing of the brake and accelerator pedals
- 10224993The use of contaminated gasoline or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or more conditions.
- 10224981High 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.
- 10221966The use of contaminated gasoline or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or more conditions.
- 10221954High 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.
- 10216682Engine oils that meet Audi Oil Quality Standards.
- 10216662Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
- 10216656Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
- 10216638If the vehicle?s engine experienced a serious mechanical problem, it is possible that small pieces of metal debris resulting from the mechanical problem may have become deposited in the intake manifold, air intake hoses, exhaust manifolds, exhaust down-pipes, turbocharger, supercharger, and/or intercooler. If these pieces are not removed prior to the installation and operation of the replacement engine, the pieces may be drawn into the combustion chamber, which can cause a knocking noise and subsequent serious engine damage.
- 10212703Vehicle lacks power or will not move after stop due to simultaneous depressing of the brake and accelerator pedals
- 10210680As 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.
- 10210679This 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. With the introduction of Electronic Power Control (EPC) (no accelerator cable) to fuel injection systems, an engine RPM control feature has been incorporated into the engine electronic control system software. 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).
- 10210650This condition may be caused when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are depressed simultaneously. Drivers who consciously or unconsciously drive with their left foot resting on the brake pedal are prone to experience this condition. With the introduction of Electronic Power Control (EPC) (no accelerator cable) to fuel injection systems, an engine RPM control feature has been incorporated into the engine electronic control system software. As a result, application of the brake and accelerator pedals at the same time (brake pedal with left foot and accelerator pedal with right foot) results in the following: ? Brake pedal function (normal at all times) overrides any throttle application. ? Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) will not be stored. ? When the brake pedal is applied while the accelerator is depressed, engine RPMs will return to idle speeds of 1400 RPMs after approximately two seconds. ? When the accelerator is applied while the brake pedal is depressed, the vehicle accelerates slower than usual (reduced engine torque).
- 10198567This informational bulletin explains how to order replacement VIN plates, Safety Certification Labels, etc.
- 10184530This information bulletin contains instructions for technicans on how to ensure their TAC call goes smoothly.
- 10164518This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.
- 10163501This 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
- 10161273This bulletin contains instructions for additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries (airbag/seatbelts, accidents, fire and overheat damage). 2008-2021A3, 2015-2021A3 Cabrio, 2005-2016 A3 Sportback, 1999-2021 A4, 2010-2021 A4 allroad, 1999-2012 A4 Avant, 2003-2009 A4 Cabrio, 2010-2021 A5 Cabrio, 2008-2021 A5 Coupe, 2018-2021 A5 Sportback, 1999-2021A6, 1999-2011A6 Avant, 2008-2020 A7, 1999-2021 A8, 2008-2019 e-tron, 2019-2021 e-tron quattro, 2015-2021 Q3, 2009-2021 Q5, 2007-2021 Q7, 2019 Q8, 2008-2020 R8 Coupe, 2011-2020 R8 Spyder, 2017-2019 RS3, 2007-2008 RS4, 2008 RS4 Cabrio, 2010-2021 RS5, 2010-2020 RS5 Cabrio, 2016-2018 RS6, 2016-2018 RS7, 2004-2012 S4, 2004-2009 S4 Cabrio, 2010-2021 S5 Cabrio, 2008-2021 S5 Coupe, 2018-2021 S5 Sportback, 2007-2021 S6, 2008-2020 S7, 2007-2009 S8, 2018-2021 SQ5, 2000-2021 TT Coupe, 2001-2021 TT Roadster, 2012 TT/RS Coupe
- 10155644This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
- 10128399Supersedes 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. G12++ coolant (for service available) has been introduced in MY 2005 for all engines. G13 has been introduced in MY 2008 as factory filling and service.
- 10128350This informational bulletin contains all the the Audi Oil Quality Standards that should be used when doing an oil change.
- 10128222Due 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 dealers in USA and Canada.
- 10128205This informational bulletin contains instructions for sychronizing the remote key after the battery has been disconnected or replaced.
- 10128009This information TSB provides information regarding the correct way to torque adjust a wheel bolt.
- 10127856This 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.
Every Audi A4 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.