KnownCarProblems2003 Audi A4 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 210 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Audi A4, most often about the fuel system (24% of complaints, typically around 55,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about A4 model year since 2000 and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2003 Audi A4 problems
Fuel system
51 complaints · 24%Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery.
While proceeding through a busy intersection my car died. It was later determined that the fuel pump had failed in my car which was only 2 years old and had approximately 55,000 miles.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Audi A4. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while idling without prior warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The service technician stated that the fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the VIN was excluded from NHTSA recall number 06v017000 (fuel…
Transmission
43 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 75,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, clutch assembly, manual transmission, axle assembly.
At a stoplight yesterday, the CVT transmission suddenly failed. When I pressed the accelerator, the vehicle would only very slowly lurch forward with a great deal of "grinding" noise. I was barely able to limp out of the flow of traffic and then had it towed to my shop. My mechanic today told me the CVT (continuously…
Purchased vehicle april 2009 (carfax was clean) replaced ignition coil 2x by september 2009 replaced clutch, rack and pinion, and computer module in oct 2009 currently catalytic converter is malfunctioning I have not been able to drive this vehicle in a consistent operating condition for more than 2 weeks at a time. I…
Electrical
32 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 56,500 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, wiring.
While driving, engine lost power, was able to get the vehicle into a parking lot and had it towed to mechanic. Ignition coil in cylinder #2 failed and had to be replaced.
1.the events leading up to the failure: Audi a4s have an intake plenum drain grommet located near the battery; this funnel is known to become clog due to debris and grime. The drain grommet on my vehicle became clogged some time ago and I did not become aware of this problem until the funnel stopped working and…
Engine
24 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 65,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system.
Tl- the contact owns a 2003 Audi A4. While driving 60mph, the engine light came on, the vehicle began to stall and the speed decreased to 20mph and resulted in a loss of power. The vehicle was towed and the dealer stated that the ingition coils failed. The contact spoke with Audi who informed him that they would not…
I have had numerous problems with my A4. First, my headlight shorted out and cost over $600 because it fried all the electrical wires and I had to get a new headlamp setting and wires. Even after replacing the computer has a lightbulb signal light that it is not sending the correct ampage. The power steering leaks…
Lights
23 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: headlights, turn signal, brake lights.
Since I purchased this vehicle, the hid lights have sporadically flickered. Within the past year, they randomly flicker and sometimes turn off briefly making for a hazardous driving situation. I really wish Audi would fix this problem because there are hundreds of owners having the exact same problems.
Warning light on dashboard comes on saying "left headlight dipped" light does not work, changed lightbulbs and checked fuse. Saw several other complaints about the same problem.
Speed control
22 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 71,000 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal.
My 2003 Audi A4 on two different occasions has started to accelerate to high speeds on it's own. The first time it happened I was pulling out and I pushed the gas and it just started to pick up speed I pulled over and then tried to pull out again and it started again to pick up speed I noticed the cruise control was…
Sudden acceleration. I was coming back from the store, and twice I stepped on the gas and the pedal went to the floor on its own! I hit the brake and kept the car from running away while I pulled the pedal up with my other foot. When I got back home, I put it in neutral, gave it a little gas, and it went into full…
Visibility and wipers
20 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 40,000 miles. Parts named most often: windshield wiper/washer, sun/moon roof assembly, rearview mirrors/devices, glass, side/rear.
Bought a 2003 Audi A4 cabriolet in 2005. 6 months later, rear window in 2003 Audi A4 detached from convertible top causing rear leather seat to rot and tear due to rain water leaking through the detached window. Tried to have the window reattached by an Audi dealership referred detailing company, adhesive did not hold…
200 Audi A4 convertible. Rear window has separated from roof appears as if the glue is dry rotted? Miles 49k garage kept, hand washed.... Found info on-line regarding several other owners experiencing this problem Audi of america refuses responsibility while Audi germany accepts full responsibility. This is a safety…
Body and structure
14 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 54,500 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
The adhesive which holds in the rear window on my 2003 Audi A4 3.0 convertible came unglued, resulting in the window gradually falling away from the roof. I had to duct tape it in as I didn't want it popping out completely while driving, and to prevent rain / moisture from getting in. This could be a serious driving…
The rear window of my 2003 A4 cabiorolet has become detached from the top. Now barely hanging on, the window presents a significant safety hazard to passengers and other vehicles when it falls out.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2003 Audi A4 recalls
Fuel system: fuel pump
Risk: If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash.
Fix: 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).
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: fuel pump
Risk: If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Lights: headlights
Risk: This condition could affect a driver's field of view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2003 Audi A4
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Audi A4?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: fuel system (51 complaints, typically around 55,000 miles); transmission (43 complaints, typically around 75,000 miles); electrical (32 complaints, typically around 56,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2003 Audi A4 have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from August 28, 2007 (fuel system). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2003 a bad year for the Audi A4?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about A4 model year since 2000, with 210 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.