2001 Audi A4 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 24%of 131 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,520miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Audi A4, 24% of the 131 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,520 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The check engine light on my 2001 Audi A4 quattro came on and was running somewhat roughly. I called the dealerships service department and they told me to bring it in. On the 8-mile freeway drive the engine caught fire and destroyed the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10276441, filed 2009-07, 6,700 miles“A4's have a poorly designed cam tensioner that eventually leaks oil. The cost to repair the item is approximately $1000. The dealer (carousel Audi) even admits to the fact that it is a poor design and there have been numerous complaints about it at the dealer. I've also read numerous complaints about it on Audi forums. The leak typically found shortly after the warranty period has expired. I feel strongly that this should be a recall on all respective cars to have it repaired!”
NHTSA complaint #10131489, filed 2005-08, 53,845 miles“I have an Audi A4 1.8 t and the hydraulic timing belt tensioner lost its pressure witch made the timing belt slip, forcing the pistons into the valves and bending them, causing the engine to basically self destruct after only 89000 miles when the owner's manual only recommended changing the timing belt after 120000 miles. I called Audi, and they told me they would fix it for $5,000 and don't feel I should be the one paying for this when there was nothing I could have done to prevent this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10148836, filed 2006-01, 89,000 miles“Malfuntion indicator had been on before I deployed to iraq and was still on when I came back. I brought it to the dealor for the $50,000 mile scheduled maint. Less than 2 months later, I started the car at a store and heard a loud pop, the engine started idling hard and was very noisy. I was able to drive in first gear the two blocks to my house but the car was very shaky. The spark plug had shot out, there was oil and grime all over it and the threads of the cylinder were stripped. …”
NHTSA complaint #10093627, filed 2004-10, 53,500 miles“2001 Audi A4 1.8 turbo at 99.1k miles. The timing belt prematurely napped while the car was traveling in a busy morning commute causing car to disabled on the freeway. The timing belt failure caused extensive, additional damage to the engine that estimated to coast about $6000 to repair. I have all my maintenances done at the Audi dealers and follow all the recommend service by Audi. I was never been recommended to replace the timing belt on my all previous visits for maintenance service. The recommended timing belts replacement by Audi for my model is 105k miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10198334, filed 2007-08, 99,100 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10123764Sep 8, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 15-61 dated July 7, 2015. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have been…
- 10128399Jul 7, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 14-50 dated June 20, 2014. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have…
- 10119945Mar 17, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 10 number 13-10 dated September 5, 2013. Prior to engine replacement, any debris lodged in transferred assemblies must be removed. If…
- 10119946Mar 6, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 17 number 13-35 dated January 9, 2013. This bulletin lists engine oils that meet Audi oil quality standards (VW 501 01, 502 00, 505…
- 10120682Feb 13, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 01 number 13-69 dated February 14, 2013. Noises and inconsistent engine operation after cold start during the catalyst heating phase…
- 10231130Jun 30, 2014Idenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants
- 10122415Jun 20, 2014Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 19 number 13-41 dated June 20, 2013. Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. G11, G12, and G12+ coolants have…
- 10210680Jun 3, 2014As 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.
- 10121324Sep 5, 2013Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 10 number 10-02 dated September 14, 2010. Prior to engine replacement, any debris lodged in transferred assemblies must be removed. If…
- 10216662Jun 20, 2013Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 17% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 2 | 4% |
| 2015 | 1 | 5% |
| 2014 | 1 | 3% |
| 2013 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 9 | 14% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 12 | 6% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 8 | 4% |
| 2004 | 18 | 10% |
| 2003 | 17 | 8% |
| 2002 | 28 | 15% |
| 2001 | 31 | 24% |
| 2000 | 11 | 11% |
| 1999 | 28 | 15% |
| 1998 | 28 | 11% |
| 1997 | 12 | 12% |
| 1996 | 5 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2001 Audi A4
35 complaintsBrakes
33 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Audi A4
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology