2003 Audi Allroad
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Audi › Allroad › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Audi Allroad. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2003 Audi Allroad. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could lead to a vehicle fire.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could lead to overheating or fire.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fire could originate in the left dashboard area.
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.
Owner complaints
14 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Power train · Structure › Body
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…
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.
- Power train
please see prior form submission re transmission...please confirm receipt of earlier entry.
- Air bags › Frontal › Driver clockspring/spiral cassette
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.
- Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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.
- Power train · Seat belts › Front · Wheels
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…
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
- Engine and engine cooling
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
- Suspension › Front
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…
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
- Structure
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…
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
- Electrical system › Ignition
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.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
The instrument cluster of my 2003 audi fades out. This make the information it displays hard to read. It IS safety and quality issue. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
The instrument cluster on the drivers display IS very faded making it near impossible to see critical information including system warnings and gear selection. This seems to be an important safety issue, as critical information IS not available to the driver. Audi does not cover this under warranty. This IS a known issue with this model car and many complaints have been filed with audi of america. Please assist. *jb
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
My 2003 audi allroad's instrument cluster has dead pixels in the center information display. This IS one of many A6, A4, S6, S4 and allroads that has this problem. *jb
- Tires › Tread/belt
Failure of a P-6 perrelli tire at 5000 miles. Subsequent failure of all tires at 20,000 miles. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Fuel tank leak
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…
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.
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
- 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
- 10243787Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10243780Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10243756Audi Elsa Newsletter
- 10231144Technical bulletins and updates
- 10231130Idenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10212703Vehicle lacks power or will not move after stop due to simultaneous depressing of the brake and accelerator pedals
- 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.
- 10155644This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
- 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.
- 10124690This document contains information on the Audi side assist update.
- 10123995Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 57 number 11-55 dated August 22, 2011. Central locking via remote control does not work either sporadically or permanently. The locks can still be operated manually. Missing synchronization between the remote control key and vehicle because the battery has been disconnected or the battery of the remote control has been replaced. If other senders operate in the same frequency range (mobile phones, TV stations, wireless headphones, baby monitors, other vehicle remote controls, etc.), the remote control key may have been temporarily switched off because a clear identification of the remote control key is not possible. This is necessary to prevent an unintentional unlocking of the vehicle by other unrelated senders.
- 10123863Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 57 number 13-82 dated February 5, 2013. Central locking via remote control does not work either sporadically or permanently. The locks can still be operated manually. Missing synchronization between the remote control key and vehicle because the battery has been disconnected or the battery of the remote control has been replaced. If other senders operate in the same frequency range (mobile phones, TV stations, wireless headphones, baby monitors, other vehicle remote controls, etc.), the remote control key may have been temporarily switched off because a clear identification of the remote control key is not possible. This is necessary to prevent an unintentional unlocking of the vehicle by other unrelated senders.
- 10058584Audi: engine, on some vehicles, would run irregularly or have malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on or possible filter element for camshaft adjustment valve can loosen and in oil circuit, there IS no damage from loosened particles. Model all. All years.
Every Audi Allroad model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.