2002 Audi A4 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 181 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 150,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Audi A4, 3% of the 181 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 150,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2002 Audi A4 with 370k burned a bit of oil which was fine cleaned the engine out with cleaners it smoked a bit which is normal.. Headlights started flickering 'hids' so I parked it. 3 days later I go to take the car on a test drive and the drivers headlight lit on fire ! Not sure if it was a headlight issue or a wiring issue.. Insurance will not cover it.”
NHTSA complaint #11376377, filed 2020-11, 370,000 miles“I am writing regarding a sad story about my 2002 Audi A4 quattro 3.0 sedan . While I realize that the car is not new, and with 152,000 miles on the road; I am still disappointed with the series of events that has happened to me, not once, but twice now! About a week ago, as I turned the engine on, I heard a loud knocking like something had been hit and fallen apart in the engine. At the same time, the check engine light came on (flashing). I took it to my trusted mechanic. At this point, I am thinking that the issue was with a coil ? …”
NHTSA complaint #10573561, filed 2014-03, 152,000 miles“While driving on the city street, the engine overheated and smoke came out. Stopped vehicle on the side road to see what's happening. Drove after engine has cooled off to the next body shop. Diagnostic: engine cooling is leaking, water pump is defect. Timing belt will be affected if not replaced as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11081002, filed 2018-03, 90,000 miles“While driving on a city street, the wheel steering suddenly blocked and it was not possible to steer the vehicle to the left nor to the right. Managed to stop the vehicle on the street shoulder. Diagnostic at the body shop: power steering belt broken and even missing. Need replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #11081003, filed 2018-03, 89,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10128350May 10, 2017This informational bulletin contains all the the Audi Oil Quality Standards that should be used when doing an oil change.
- 10058584Jul 1, 2015Audi: engine, on some vehicles, would run irregularly or have malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on or possible filter element for camshaft adjustment valve can loosen and in oil…
- 10122799Oct 12, 2012Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 17 number 12 - 31 dated August 30, 2012. Oil consumption measurement - Repair Authorization (CA). In order to provide effective…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 30% |
| 2022 | 2 | 33% |
| 2021 | 1 | 9% |
| 2019 | 2 | 20% |
| 2018 | 5 | 11% |
| 2017 | 22 | 39% |
| 2016 | 7 | 64% |
| 2015 | 10 | 53% |
| 2014 | 13 | 41% |
| 2013 | 6 | 25% |
| 2012 | 13 | 68% |
| 2011 | 7 | 64% |
| 2010 | 37 | 58% |
| 2009 | 44 | 37% |
| 2008 | 13 | 7% |
| 2007 | 17 | 9% |
| 2006 | 15 | 5% |
| 2005 | 10 | 5% |
| 2004 | 7 | 4% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2002 Audi A4
76 complaintsEngine cooling
28 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsTires
6 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