2002 Audi A4 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 15%of 181 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,100miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Audi A4, 15% of the 181 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,100 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We have a 2002 Audi A4 1.8l with 16,700 miles on it (very very low mileage). At 16,700 miles, the water pump (according to the dealer) went bad ... For the year of the vehicle, and the very very low usage, I simply find this unacceptable.”
NHTSA complaint #10243420, filed 2008-09, 16,700 miles“I have an 2002 Audi A4. In december 2006 the car suddenly stalled while traveling on an extremely busy interstate. This occurred with no warning at all. After having the car towed ($200 plus) we found that the timing belt had failed which in turn completely destroyed the engine. The car only has 45,000 miles on it and we followed all recommended service. This belt should not have failed and by doing so put my family and everyone else on that highway in a horrendously dangerous situation.”
NHTSA complaint #10177699, filed 2007-01, 45,000 miles“My 2002 Audi A4 just hit 69,900 miles & the 3rd turbo on my car has just gone bad & has now developed a ticking noise in the valve-train. Fiore Audi in altoona, pa looked at the car & said they never heard a noise in the top of the motor & that the dentist drill turbo noise was caused by an exhaust leak. I verbalized my concerns over oil sludge issues with this car & they pulled the valve-cover & oil pan & found oil sludge build-up in the oil lines feeding the turbo & in some of the oil galleys in the engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10152539, filed 2006-03, 69,900 miles“My Audi A4 1.8 turbo engine may have sludging problem - 80k miles. Car engine oil light illuminating after driving long distances - about 1.5 hours on the road going approx 60-70 MPH. But oil levels are actually fine. Oil light does not illuminate when driving in local commuting area. Audi will only cover the fix if consumers have receipts for oil changes performed within the 10k recommended mileage. I have to pay $2750 estimated to fix the problem - some engine sludging and oil pressure low. Audi will not cover. …”
NHTSA complaint #10174459, filed 2006-11, 79,000 miles“In december of 2005 my red oil light came on, I was advised that my car needed an oil change and to bring it into the dealership. Instead of Audi repairing or replacing the engine at this time, they simply changed the oil. In june of 2006 my red oil light came on. The next day the engine in my car began making horrible noises and driving very, very poorly. . My service advisor called me and asked me how often did I change and the oil and who changed the oil in my car. I advised them that they are the only ones who have every worked on the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10164093, filed 2006-08, 71,700 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 2002 Audi A4
76 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsTires
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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