2003 Audi A4
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2003 Audi A4. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2003 Audi A4. Newest first.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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).
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
210 complaints10 involved a crash6 involved a fire12 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
Crank case ventilation hose breaks and engine runs poorly part#06C103235B
- Air bags · Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Water pump failed inside lights sometimes work and signal lights aren’t accurate
- Electrical system
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
- Engine and engine cooling
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…
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.
- Electrical system
Left turn signal works fine. Right turn signal alternates between flashing left and right.
- Fuel system, gasoline
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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.
- Power train
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?
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc)
Initially drove car home from grocery store hit a bump and noticed a spark coming from front driver's side of car. Pulled over and checked for spark evident once stopped there was no sign of spark or anything. Got car home and parked about an hour later my car was on fire, after putting the fire…
Initially drove car home from grocery store hit a bump and noticed a spark coming from front driver's side of car. Pulled over and checked for spark evident once stopped there was no sign of spark or anything. Got car home and parked about an hour later my car was on fire, after putting the fire out my husband lifted the hood and tried to investigate the issue when he discovered the battery was melted to the hood and IS where the fire initially caught. The location of the battery we believe to be the issue and wanted to make sure to report it immediately. *tr
- Power train
Transmission control module transmission slips out of drive while driving into like neutral and when I accelerate the car does not move and comes to a full stop and I have to stop and turn the car on and off till it works again
- Power train · Vehicle speed control
On january 28, 2019 I was driving to my medical appointment at 35 miles per hour when my car froze up then bucked and now no longer the transmission will no longer engage. Upon research audi has known of this transmission having serious faults and that it will break down without warning. Audi has refused to do any recall on these transmissions, even after a class action that was settled, audi will not do any recall.
- Fuel/propulsion system
There seems to be a fuel pump or other issue along the fuel line. Recently, the gas cap indicator has gone off, and won't turn off. I even tried replacing the gas cap with a new one. I checked for loose parts on top of the gas tank (through the trunk). No visible issues, but I do smell gasoline on…
There seems to be a fuel pump or other issue along the fuel line. Recently, the gas cap indicator has gone off, and won't turn off. I even tried replacing the gas cap with a new one. I checked for loose parts on top of the gas tank (through the trunk). No visible issues, but I do smell gasoline on humid days, there IS clearly an issue along the fuel line. I noticed there were recalls by audi for different vins (not mine), that highlight issues with the fuel system and fuel pump - recall number 06v017000 (01/23/2006), and 07v375000 (08/28/2007) (others?). I've tried calling audi to see if they'd be willing to investigate whether a broader number of vins need to be included in the recall (including mine), and they refused to cover costs to look into it.
- Power train
The constantly variable transmission (cvt) of my 2003 audi A4 cabriolet 1.8T with just 86,000 miles on it IS faulty, and has caused my vehicle to stall out on four occasions, twice while attempting to come to a stop at a stop sign and while parking, and twice while operating the vehicle while…
The constantly variable transmission (cvt) of my 2003 audi A4 cabriolet 1.8T with just 86,000 miles on it IS faulty, and has caused my vehicle to stall out on four occasions, twice while attempting to come to a stop at a stop sign and while parking, and twice while operating the vehicle while accelerating at a speed of 35 and 60 mph, on a city road and once while attempting to merge onto the interstate. The vehicle must be restarted to drive, and has just barely sputtered back to life in my four experiences so far. audi IS aware of the problem, and has settled a class action lawsuit in the past, although the settlement expired more than two years ago leaving owners like myself on the hook for costly repairs, and left with an unsafe vehicle in the mean time. audi should recall all audi A4 1.8T cvt transmissions from 2003 to 2006 and permentantly solve the problem before someone IS seriously injured.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Tamara recall my car wouldnt start keep getting steer wheel hard to drive shifts to gear get stuck
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Suspension
Loss of power or late response to throttle. Tcs and ABS light limininted after replacing sensor. Vibertion in passenger side around 50 mph or braking. Replaced ignition coil twice.
- Electrical system · Engine
After returning home from a drive through fast food place last night my daughter was parking in our driveway, she was in reverse. the car (a 2003 audi A4 cv convertible) bounced and made a sound then she stopped. I said take the keys out of the ignition to her black smoke started to rise out of…
After returning home from a drive through fast food place last night my daughter was parking in our driveway, she was in reverse. the car (a 2003 audi A4 cv convertible) bounced and made a sound then she stopped. I said take the keys out of the ignition to her black smoke started to rise out of the top of the hood crack in front of the front windshield. I told her to get the dog in our back seat and herself out I assumed it was on fire because the dark smoke. I grabbed my purse piped the hood and my daughter called 911 as the neighbors ran inside there home for a fire extinguisher. two men from across the street attempted to put it out as I spoke to the 911 operator. the fire department arrived and got the fire out. my car IS now junk. my daughter was emotionally strained, hysterical throughout the incident. It was traumatic for us both. the firefighters said it was possibly caused by electrical malfunctions.
- Power train
I bought an used 2003 audi A4. I put it in reverse and it would not engage. Then the dash where the gears show what gear you're in started flashing. It showed a p0706 code. this happens so often that one of these times I am going to cause an accident. The car has over 100,000 miles on it, but how…
I bought an used 2003 audi A4. I put it in reverse and it would not engage. Then the dash where the gears show what gear you're in started flashing. It showed a p0706 code. this happens so often that one of these times I am going to cause an accident. The car has over 100,000 miles on it, but how can it be my fault that the other owners did not take it in to get this well known module repair fixed. When I am parked flat I can usually get it in reverse after 4-5 times of trying. But...when I am on any slant it takes at least 10 times of trying almost to the point of getting out and pushing it in reverse myself!! One of these days I am going to hit a car behind me trying to get out of my parking spot!! I know there was a recall and I'm just wondering why a current owner of the car that obviously IS doing this can't get it fixed as there was a recall.
- Power train
My 2003 audi A4 cabriolet has the infamous p0706 code, which IS a error code indicating the failure of the transmission control module. In my case, my audi slips while reversing and causes a hazard when I am reversing, especially while in a tight or cluttered spot. It also has the prnd blinking due…
My 2003 audi A4 cabriolet has the infamous p0706 code, which IS a error code indicating the failure of the transmission control module. In my case, my audi slips while reversing and causes a hazard when I am reversing, especially while in a tight or cluttered spot. It also has the prnd blinking due to the defective transmission control module. Many other audi A4S with cvt transmissions have had this failure, which has led to a lawsuit. I received a recall letter that stated I would be able to get a free repair, but I was refused because my car had over 100000 miles on it, but the problem occurred long before that. I need to get this problem fixed. Thank you for your time.
- Power train
Car stuck in limp mode and car will jump at certain speeds
- Exterior lighting
I bought the vehicle last year when it had 78,000 miles on it. only 4 months after having purchased the car, I got a message on the trouble light warning system that I had a "dipped light". I had to google other audi owners to find out what a dipped light was, as I never heard of a burned out…
I bought the vehicle last year when it had 78,000 miles on it. only 4 months after having purchased the car, I got a message on the trouble light warning system that I had a "dipped light". I had to google other audi owners to find out what a dipped light was, as I never heard of a burned out headlight termed as a "dipped light" before. I can only drive it during the day now, as I have heard in car forums that fixing it can be quite a long and expensive process. I am afraid that it may affect my driving safety even when driving during the day, because in florida we have a lot of stormy weather during the rainy season and the sky gets very dark right before the storms come in. I am also concerned that other motorists cannot see me coming in bad weather and I had a near accident today, when another motorist came flying out of a parking lot in front of me as I was driving down the road, and I had to slam on my brakes to avoid a collision with their vehicle.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2003 audi A4. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds and switching lanes, another vehicle driving at high speeds crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The other vehicle then spun around and crashed into the front of the vehicle impacting the drivers side and the…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 audi A4. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds and switching lanes, another vehicle driving at high speeds crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The other vehicle then spun around and crashed into the front of the vehicle impacting the drivers side and the front passengers side. The air bags did not deploy. The rear passengers seat belt restrained a child passenger tightly who then received ash marks and light abrasions from the impact. The drivers head hit the steering wheel that cause extensive head aches that required medical attention. The child passenger and the driver were taken for medical testing. The vehicle was towed by the insurance company and then towed to the contacts residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
- Air bags
Takata recall I have a 2003 audi A4 I was sideswiped recently causing significant amount of driver side damage which one of the airbags deployed I'm suffering from the injury
- Engine
Gasket leakage, in two separate areas in upper gasket, per mechanic. car IS now in repairs. based upon reading the online recalls on the official nhtsa page, this IS part of the recall for audi A4 2000-2006. united states
- Power train · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
TL* the contact owns a 2003 audi A4. While driving at 40 mph, the accelerator pedal became stuck to the floorboard of the vehicle. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal had to be lifted with her foot for it to go back to normal position. The failure recurred on three occasions. While at a…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 audi A4. While driving at 40 mph, the accelerator pedal became stuck to the floorboard of the vehicle. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal had to be lifted with her foot for it to go back to normal position. The failure recurred on three occasions. While at a complete stop and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle would jerk. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 audi A4. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, various electrical functions of the vehicle shut off and the steering wheel seized. The engine warning light illuminated. The failure occurred once. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 audi A4. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, various electrical functions of the vehicle shut off and the steering wheel seized. The engine warning light illuminated. The failure occurred once. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,003.
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.
- 10243790Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10243789Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10243787Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10243780Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10243756Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10241749Quick Reference Update Guide
- 10231144Technical bulletins and updates
- 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.
- 10228297This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management (SVM) software update for any TSB or Update.
- 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.
- 10224976This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management (SVM) software update for any TSB or Update.
- 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.
- 10221949This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management (SVM) software update for any TSB or Update.
- 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.
- 10214458This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 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.
- 1016628400 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions
- 10164518This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.
Every Audi A4 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.