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Audi A4Model year report

2000 Audi A4 Problems

Complaints
96filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
62,900miles, 49 complaints with mileage
Recalls
2campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
21 mpgcombined, 1.8L 4-cyl FWD · 18 city / 28 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2000 Audi A4 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe ABS problems: an amber ABS warning light with a blinking brake light and beeps, often traced to the ABS control module, and a separate wet-weather delay in braking. A second recurring theme is the failed pixel display in the instrument cluster, which owners note carries warning information. Other reports cover timing belt tensioner failures, ignition coil faults, and assorted electrical and transmission repairs, many appearing around or after 50,000 to 90,000 miles.

  1. Brakes

    ABS warning light, blinking brake light, module failure

    • 27 complaints (28%)
    • median 84,425 mi at 6.0 yrs old (22 state mileage)
    • owner-quoted repair $1,100 (median of 8 quotes)
    • filed 2003–2013

    Complaints describe the ABS warning light coming on, sometimes with the red brake light blinking and several warning tones at startup. Owners say the dealer or shop identified the ABS control module as faulty and quoted large sums for a replacement module, and some sent the unit out for rebuilding instead. Several complaints note the module was back-ordered, and owners point out that similar modules were recalled on other vehicles in the group. Mostly described between roughly 45,000 and 100,000 miles, with some reports at higher mileage.

    What to check: Start the car and watch for an ABS light, blinking brake light, or beeps; scan the ABS module for stored codes and confirm it communicates with a scan tool. Ask whether the module has been replaced or rebuilt.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Hello: recently I had a failure with the ABS braking system on my 2000 Audi A4, 2.8l. This failure was verified by the Audi dealer in wilmington, de. From the dealer and according to many articles, this failure is common with this make. So common, that Audi/vw did a recall on vw's, but not on Audi's. This is not fair and I am hear to voice my safety concern.”

    NHTSA complaint #10236522, filed 2008-07, 99,900 miles

    “Abs light is on, and brake light is blinking. I took the car to the dealer and I was told my ABS module is faulty. After looking at the forums online it seems that this is a defect that thousands of Audi/vw owners are getting. Cost of repair is very high. Why isn't there a recall yet???”

    NHTSA complaint #10135298, filed 2005-09, 49,000 miles
  2. Brakes

    Braking delay in wet weather

    • 16 complaints (17%)
    • typically at 0.6 yrs old
    • filed 2000–2001

    Owners describe a delay of one to three seconds before the brakes take hold when driving in moderate or heavy rain, sometimes with uneven grabbing that pulls the car to one side until the water clears. Some report the condition only at highway speed or on first use of the brakes. Dealers are described as offering no fix for the wet-weather behavior. Reported across a range of mileages, specifically in wet or rainy conditions.

    What to check: If possible, drive the car in rain or wet conditions and note whether the first brake application feels delayed; ask the seller about any brake work or pad and rotor replacement.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “During highway driving in the rain, water develops on the brake pads/rotors, causing the delay in braking. Water buildup seems to occur after about 2 minutes of driving in moderate or heavy rain. Braking delay is about 1.5 seconds. When brakes grab, they sometimes grap unevenly, pulling the car to one side or the other, until all 4 corners have cleared the excess water...then normal braking response resumes. I have worked as a professional driver, driving different vehicles over long distances...this is not normal!!! …”

    NHTSA complaint #739644, filed 2001-01

    “Brakes take 2-3 seconds to respond on first use when driving in very wet conditions. Has happened about 12 times in the last year. Dealer service department offered no fix.”

    NHTSA complaint #739389, filed 2001-01
  3. Electrical system

    Instrument cluster pixel display failure

    • 7 complaints (7%)
    • median 52,100 mi at 6.3 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2007–2020

    Complaints describe the LCD in the instrument cluster losing lines or pixels gradually until it becomes unreadable. Owners note this display carries warning messages such as coolant level, oil pressure and brake system status, so the loss leaves them unable to read alerts. Dealers are described as confirming the display failure or, in some cases, not diagnosing it. Reported from around 29,000 to 65,000 miles, often after several years of gradual pixel loss.

    What to check: Turn the ignition on and read the center display; look for missing lines or dead pixels, and ask whether the cluster has been repaired or replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The lcd driver information center is pixelated, this normally wouldn't normally be a huge problem but this screen informs the driver of high engine temperatures, low oil, low coolant, etc. I'm unable to read the screen and have no idea what it is attempting to tell me when my car makes a very high pitched beep to inform me there is a problem. I've also discovered that this is an extremely common problem with cars of this model year and several other model years.”

    NHTSA complaint #10532967, filed 2013-07

    “Lcd part of instrument cluster has progressively failed to the point that it is totally unreadable. It started out as a few missing lines in the display and now there are only a few lines left that still light up.”

    NHTSA complaint #10215769, filed 2008-01, 62,000 miles
  4. Electrical system

    Ignition coil and engine management faults

    • 7 complaints (7%)
    • median 36,310 mi at 4.3 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2002–2006

    Owners describe ignition coil failures that left the car running poorly or not starting, with one complaint noting repeated failures and a wait for a part shipped from overseas. Others report the check engine or EPC light coming on, with the dealer clearing codes, replacing the engine control module, or finding head gaskets, intake gaskets and throttle body work needed. Reported from roughly 32,000 to 50,000 miles in the sampled complaints.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Check that no warning lights are on at idle and after a test drive, ask whether coils or the engine control module have been replaced, and have the car scanned for stored fault codes.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Ignition coil failure - twice once at the end of october and the dealer had my car for almost 3 weeks and the second was 3 days after I received the car back from the previously mentioned repair and they had the car for 18 days. The part had to be shipped from germany. The service man said that audiusa is not allowing all 4 coils to be replaced at once and has no intention to recall to car.”

    NHTSA complaint #10000032, filed 2002-12, 32,500 miles

    “Dt: the contact stated on april 5, 2005 engine started making loud noises. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealership for regular service and inspection, and the dealer found the head gaskets, mass flow sensors, vacuum hoses, intake manifold gaskets, and the throttle body needed to be replaced. Repairs were made. Four months later the vehicle started making loud noises again. The contact waited another four months before taking the vehicle back to the dealer on december 29, 2005 to have it serviced a second time. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10146786, filed 2006-01, 40,121 miles

Buying note. Have any 2000 A4 inspected with attention to the ABS module, the instrument cluster display and the timing belt service history, since these are the items owners most often describe. Pre-purchase scans and service records are the most useful tools for judging this model year.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 96 consumer complaints for the 2000 Audi A4. 49 of the complaints include a mileage, and 31% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 62,900 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 90 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Vehicle speed control (2), Electronic stability control (1), Fuel system (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1), Steering (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Brakes: “On my 2000 Audi A4 the anti lock braking system no longer works. I get a solid amber ABS warning light along with a flashing brake light accompanied with three warning tones when I start the car. After much research, this is a common problem on 1998 to 2001 Audi and vw models. I have not heard of any recall, however there should be one. This is a serious problem that will not allow me to brake quickly in all situations especially winter conditions and the cost to get it replaced is far too much.”

NHTSA complaint #10386972, filed 2011-03, 152,000 miles

Electrical system: “Abs module failure & center cluster failure - 2000 Audi A4 1.8t, 65,000 miles. Abs comes on along with blinking brake lights. Known Audi issue. Having ABS rebuilt by module masters as Audi wants $$ and any new ABS module they will install will also fail. Center cluster also failed, also known Audi issue.”

NHTSA complaint #10343834, filed 2010-07, 65,000 miles

Engine cooling: “I have a 2000 Audi A4. There was a letter that was mailed to me explaining the defect with the vehicle 2 months after the incident happened. The timing belt on my vehicle broke resulting in severe engine damage. The manufacturer refuses to pay for the damage or fix it.”

NHTSA complaint #10276439, filed 2009-07, 159,000 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “Persistent failure of the center differential transmission component. There were no events leading up to the failure, other than normal operation of the vehicle. The part was replaced at 70,000 miles by sewickley Audi and partially covered by warranty (75%). The center differential was replaced again and again at 100,000 miles (along with the whole transmission) - not covered by warranty. …”

NHTSA complaint #10078272, filed 2004-06, 70,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

31% of the 49 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 49,000 and 88,000 miles.

2%0–102%10–2527%25–5031%50–7529%75–1004%100–1506%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (49 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 62,900 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’0118’04’07’10’13’21
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2000 Audi A4 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
A4 FWD1.8L 4-cyl5-speed manual212924$3,400
A4 FWD1.8L 4-cyl5-speed automatic182821$3,900
A4 FWD2.8L 6-cyl5-speed manual182621$3,900
A4 FWD2.8L 6-cyl5-speed automatic162419$4,350
A4 Avant FWD2.8L 6-cyl5-speed automatic162419$4,350
A4 Avant quattro 4WD/AWD1.8L 4-cyl5-speed manual192622$3,750
A4 Avant quattro 4WD/AWD1.8L 4-cyl5-speed automatic172620$4,100
A4 Avant quattro 4WD/AWD2.8L 6-cyl5-speed manual162319$4,350
A4 Avant quattro 4WD/AWD2.8L 6-cyl5-speed automatic152218$4,550
A4 quattro 4WD/AWD1.8L 4-cyl5-speed manual192622$3,750
A4 quattro 4WD/AWD1.8L 4-cyl5-speed automatic172620$4,100
A4 quattro 4WD/AWD2.8L 6-cyl5-speed manual162319$4,350
A4 quattro 4WD/AWD2.8L 6-cyl5-speed automatic162318$4,550

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2000 Audi A4 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 90 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 90 bulletins →

Other model years of the Audi A4

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20231030,0000—28—Too new
2022632,4003—29—Not enough data
2021112,6744528—Not enough data
202012826,000353084 · MoreRising
20191050,0001530—Not enough data
20184512,000153144 · TypicalRising
20175628,00015310 · FewerFalling
20161145,0000527—Not enough data
20151944,0000526—Falling
20143280,00005260 · FewerFalling
201324101,0000526—Falling
201219109,0000425—Falling
201111105,5000425—Not enough data
20106483,7500—2650 · TypicalFalling
200912065,0002—25100 · MoreStable
200817562,0004—24100 · MoreFalling
200719674,0003—24Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200629560,0003—24Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200521958,4003—23Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200418959,5602—23Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200321060,0003—23Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200218130,0001—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200113161,0281—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20009662,9002—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199919075,0004—22Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199825880,6504—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
19979892,4576—20Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19968966,8214—20Not compared (before 2008)Stable

All Audi A4 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2000 Audi A4?

Owners of this model year most often describe ABS problems: an amber ABS warning light with a blinking brake light and beeps, often traced to the ABS control module, and a separate wet-weather delay in braking. The issues reported most often: ABS warning light, blinking brake light, module failure; Braking delay in wet weather; Instrument cluster pixel display failure.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000 Audi A4 have?

NHTSA recorded 96 consumer complaints for the 2000 Audi A4 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2000 Audi A4 is reported most often?

Brakes is named most often, in 51 complaints (53% of the total), followed by electrical system with 11.

Has the 2000 Audi A4 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2000 Audi A4 get?

The EPA rates the 2000 Audi A4 (A4, 1.8L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2000 Audi A4 reported?

Among the 49 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 62,900 miles and the middle half falls between 49,000 and 88,000 miles; 31% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.