KnownCarProblems2003 Audi RS6 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 43 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Audi RS6, most often about the suspension (72% of complaints, typically around 40,500 miles). It is the most complained-about RS6 model year since 2000 and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2003 Audi RS6 problems
Suspension
31 complaints · 72%Half of these problems showed up before 40,500 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
Drc suspension leak - required two trips to dealer to fix it due to bad valve installed the first time - drc was Audi's suspension that was on the RS6 and rs4 cars. These appeared to be problems with the system in terms of # of failures ,and if the dealers could adequately fix the problem, the car could be unsafe to…
Drc unit (shock/suspension unit) in vehicle is problematic and will have to be replaced. I understand that this is a very common occurrence in this type of vehicle that Audi has not attended to.
Fuel system
7 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 66,000 miles.
2003 Audi RS6 (a6 4.2 v8 biturbo) fuel tank defect: this complaint is in regard to my 2003 Audi RS6 sedan. After noticing a strong smell of fuel and fuel vapor in my garage the morning after filling up said car, I immediately took my vehicle to my local Audi dealer to have the car inspected and determine the cause of…
Fuel tank leak from tip over valve. There is a recall on it. Audi recall 20l8/jy was performed on 5/16/2012. But the valve started leaking again recently. I called Audi of america (aoa) they had me take the car to austin north Audi dealer for confirmation and taking photos. After the dealer confirmation they denied my…
Transmission
3 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
Transmission would occasionally slip to such an extent that when merging into traffic I had to pull to the shoulder as I couldn't accelerate. This is an expensive car that has much more power than most vehicles so under normal operations acceleration should be quick & fast. This first started with only 35~40,000 miles…
Check engine light came on. Investigation revealed that the torque converter was malfunctioning. This resulted in needing to replace the torque converter.
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 RS6 recalls
Fuel system: tank assembly
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could lead to a vehicle fire.
Fix: Dealers will reinforce the nipple on the rollover valve to prevent leakage or repair the cracking at the nipple. The recall is expected to begin during june 2011. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.
Full defect summary
Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 audi a6, model year 2002-2003 s6 and model year 2003 rs6 vehicles equipped with 4.2l engines and manufactured from june 19, 2001, through june 8, 2004. 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 to cracking of the nipple. If this happens, a fuel leak may result.
Electrical: electrical system
Risk: A fire could originate in the left dashboard area.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
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 RS6
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Audi RS6?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: suspension (31 complaints, typically around 40,500 miles); fuel system (7 complaints, typically around 66,000 miles); transmission (3 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2003 Audi RS6 have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 3, 2011 (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 RS6?
- It is the most complained-about RS6 model year since 2000, with 43 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.
Other Audi RS6 years
- 2003