2003 Audi A4 Problems
- Complaints
- 210filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles, 177 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns 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
- 23 mpgcombined, 1.8L 4-cyl FWD · 20 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Audi A4 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe sudden loss of power or stalling traced to the fuel pump, and a CVT automatic transmission that bucks, lunges or refuses to engage from a stop. Electrical complaints cluster around failed ignition coils and windows or electronics that stop working, while the HID headlights are reported to flicker or drop out intermittently. Many reports arrive between roughly 40,000 and 90,000 miles, and several describe the car being towed.
- Transmission and drivetrain
CVT transmission bucks, lunges or won't engage
- 25 complaints (12%)
- median 74,000 mi at 7.2 yrs old (24 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $2,500 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2003–2020
Owners describe pressing the accelerator from a stop and the car not moving, then lurching or jerking forward, sometimes with violent bucking in reverse. Some reports mention the gear indicator lights flashing, the car going into a limp mode, or stalling when coming to a stop; several say a dealer diagnosed the transmission control module or the transmission itself. A number describe the repair cost as very high and note that independent shops are reluctant to work on this transmission type. Reported from very low mileage up through about 175,000 miles, with many clustered between 50,000 and 120,000 miles.
What to check: Drive from a full stop, in reverse, and on an incline to feel for hesitation or lurching, and ask whether the transmission fluid has been serviced or the control module replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Hello a recall notice came in for my 03' Audi A4 for etc sensor.(70k miles) took the car into dealer got it fixed. A week later or so check engine light came on and car was dead in its tracks. According to the dealer and two mechanics shops, its the transmission. Dealer price on transmission was 7,558.00 total. Owe my goodness...... Car is worth about that. …”
NHTSA complaint #10243933, filed 2008-09, 72,300 miles“My 2003 Audi A4 3.0 with CVT transmission, purchased new 2/2004, has 8000 miles on it. During the past 2 weeks (the past 500 miles) I have noted the following problem 4 different times: upon pressing the accelerator while at a complete stop, the transmission seems not to engage and the vehicle does not move. Unfortunately, during 3 of those occasions, my vehicle was on a downward incline and I was attempting to make a right turn into a street with traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10047482, filed 2003-11, 7,500 miles - Fuel system
Fuel pump failure causing stall or no-start
- 48 complaints (23%)
- median 54,950 mi at 4.7 yrs old (40 state mileage)
- filed 2004–2023
Complaints describe the engine dying without warning while driving or the car refusing to start, sometimes repeatedly after a pump replacement. Owners report the dealer or an independent shop diagnosing a failed fuel pump (sometimes called a fuel delivery unit), and several say their vehicle identification number fell outside fuel pump recall coverage even though the symptom matched. A few also describe a fuel smell or leak at the rear of the car traced to the pump flange and hoses. Mostly reported between about 14,000 and 65,000 miles, with some reports at higher mileage.
Recall 07V375000Recall 06V017000
What to check: Ask whether the fuel pump has been replaced and check the recall status by VIN; have the pump and fuel lines inspected for seepage or a fuel smell around the rear of the car.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“There was a loud noise coming from the rear area of my vehicle. When I got in my vehicle I noticed that there was a high pitched noise coming from the back seat area. When I took it to my mechanic he said that the fuel pump was going and it would need to be replaced. The car ran ok and the noise went away when the weather was warmer but has recently returned with the cooler weather. I looked online and saw a technical bulletin/recall for my make and model. …”
NHTSA complaint #10496622, filed 2013-02, 105,000 miles“While proceeding through a busy intersection my car died. It was later determined that the fuel pump had failed in my car which was only 2 years old and had approximately 55,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10154839, filed 2006-04, 55,000 miles - Electrical system
Ignition coil failure causing misfire and power loss
- 23 complaints (11%)
- median 52,262 mi at 4.6 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $750 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2004–2021
Complaints describe the car shaking, losing most of its power and the check engine light coming on, often while accelerating or at highway speed, with the vehicle needing a tow. Owners say dealers replaced one or more ignition coils, and several report repeat failures of multiple coils over a year or less. Some say coverage under an earlier coil recall was denied because their vehicle was not included. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 90,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the ignition coils have been replaced and whether any are still original; a test drive with attention to shaking under acceleration is useful.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On october 11th my fuel filter and pump were replaced and a road test was completed...on november 14th (5 weeks later) my A4 began to shake and the mil came on. I pulled vehicle to side of the road and had it towed to dealer. Dealer informed me that ingnition coil failed and had started to affect the spark plugs and was only running on 3 cylinders as a result. …”
NHTSA complaint #10142642, filed 2005-11, 44,000 miles“The coil pack on the vehicle was damaged (shaking upon acceleration). After researching the internet, I found that 2001, 2002 and beginning of 2003 Audi a4s has been recalled for this part. When I called Audi america, they said my VIN number was not included in this recall. The dealership replaced the coil pack at a cost of over $500.”
NHTSA complaint #10225724, filed 2008-04, 87,000 miles - Vehicle speed control
Accelerator pedal sticks or engine speed stays high
- 17 complaints (8%)
- median 63,000 mi at 7.2 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- filed 2004–2015
Complaints describe the accelerator pedal not returning, the engine revving on its own, or the car maintaining speed after the foot is lifted, with owners braking and shifting to neutral to stop. Some reports say a dealer found a floor mat wedged under the pedal, while others state the mats were checked and ruled out. A few mention the engine returning to a high idle or hesitating on take-off. Mostly reported between about 60,000 and 115,000 miles.
What to check: Check that the floor mats are the correct type and secured, and ask whether the throttle pedal assembly or engine software has been updated.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving tostore vehicle accelerator stuck and would not return back to position. I applied brake very hard to maintain control and was able to pull over into parking lot and stop although engine continued to rev like pedal was pushed to the floor . I putcar in park and it redline the tach without my foot on the pedal almost causing the engine to blow.very dangerous .glad I was driving instead of my wife.l bought the car 2 mos. …”
NHTSA complaint #10668127, filed 2014-12, 112,600 miles“As I was driving on the highway and accelerated to about 65 MPH, the gas pedal would lift slightly away from my foot (like I just turned on cruise control, but I had not touched the cruise at all) and when I lifted my foot completely away from the pedal, it would stay steady at 65 MPH. I braked to slow the car down, and the car would slow as long as my foot was on the brake, but once I let off the brake, the car would maintain the lowered speed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10210646, filed 2007-12, 55,935 miles - Exterior lighting
HID headlights flicker or cut out
- 33 complaints (16%)
- median 67,250 mi at 6.4 yrs old (28 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2004–2023
Owners report a warning on the dash that a dipped headlight has failed, after which one headlight flickers, turns off or comes back on intermittently. Complaints attribute it to the ballast or bulb and mention repeated bulb replacements that did not resolve it; some note it happens more in cold weather or after a bump. Others describe moisture or condensation inside the lamp housings. Reported from about 60,000 to 90,000 miles, often described as intermittent and cold-related.
Recall 05V0960002 related service bulletins
What to check: Check the recall status for the headlamp coating campaign, and watch both headlights at night for flicker or dropouts; ask whether the ballasts have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“A warning reading left dipped headlight appeared on my instrument gauge. The issue went away by itself but has now returned. I get the same message now and my front left headlight turns off by itself. Sometimes it comes back on or I have to manually shut off my headlights and turned them back on. The same message comes back on after minutes of driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10436463, filed 2011-11, 89,000 miles“Since I purchased this vehicle, the hid lights have sporadically flickered. Within the past year, they randomly flicker and sometimes turn off briefly making for a hazardous driving situation. I really wish Audi would fix this problem because there are hundreds of owners having the exact same problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10432412, filed 2011-10, 70,000 miles
Buying note. These reports concentrate on fuel pump, transmission and ignition coil faults, so a pre-purchase inspection by a shop familiar with this model plus a VIN recall check is worthwhile. Service records showing fuel pump, coil and transmission work can tell you a lot about how a particular car has been maintained.
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 210 consumer complaints for the 2003 Audi A4. 177 of the complaints include a mileage, and 34% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 60,000 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 12 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 150 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.
- Fuel system51 24%
- Electrical system32 15%
- Exterior lighting23 11%
- Vehicle speed control22 10%
- Engine cooling17 8.1%
- Body and structure14 6.7%
- Air bags12 5.7%
- Engine7 3.3%
Also reported: Steering (7), Tires (6), Equipment (5), Electronic stability control (3), Suspension (3), Brakes (2), Other or unknown (2), Seats (2), Wheels (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “I have had problem with my car's coils and fuel pump and learned recently that these components were under recall yet I was never notified of this. Does the manufacturer or dealer have an obligation to notify owners of recalls? I have paid a mechanic to replace these parts and would have taken to dealer if told of recall. Thank you”
NHTSA complaint #10450896, filed 2012-03, 50,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “On january 28, 2019 I was driving to my medical appointment at 35 miles per hour when my car froze up then bucked and now no longer the transmission will no longer engage. Upon research Audi has known of this transmission having serious faults and that it will break down without warning. Audi has refused to do any recall on these transmissions, even after a class action that was settled, Audi will not do any recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11173668, filed 2019-02, 145,000 milesElectrical system: “Purchased vehicle april 2009 (carfax was clean) replaced ignition coil 2x by september 2009 replaced clutch, rack and pinion, and computer module in oct 2009 currently catalytic converter is malfunctioning I have not been able to drive this vehicle in a consistent operating condition for more than 2 weeks at a time. I have spent almost $5,000 in car repairs to date.”
NHTSA complaint #10294036, filed 2009-11, 74,886 milesExterior lighting: “I bought the vehicle last year when it had 78,000 miles on it. Only 4 months after having purchased the car, I got a message on the trouble light warning system that I had a dipped light . I had to google other Audi owners to find out what a dipped light was, as I never heard of a burned out headlight termed as a dipped light before. I can only drive it during the day now, as I have heard in car forums that fixing it can be quite a long and expensive process. …”
NHTSA complaint #10876025, filed 2016-06, 80,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
34% of the 177 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 38,517 and 86,000 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.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Audi A4. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A4 · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 4 |
| A4 Avant · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2003 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).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A4 FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | CVT | 20 | 27 | 23 | $3,550 |
| A4 FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,550 |
| A4 FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | CVT | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| A4 Avant quattro 4WD/AWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| A4 Avant quattro 4WD/AWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| A4 Avant quattro 4WD/AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $4,350 |
| A4 Avant quattro 4WD/AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 16 | 23 | 18 | $4,550 |
| A4 Cabriolet FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | CVT | 20 | 28 | 23 | $3,550 |
| A4 Cabriolet FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | CVT | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,900 |
| A4 quattro 4WD/AWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| A4 quattro 4WD/AWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,900 |
| A4 quattro 4WD/AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $4,350 |
| A4 quattro 4WD/AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 16 | 23 | 18 | $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
- 07V375000Aug 28, 2007Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Audi A4 2003, Volkswagen Passat 2003, Audi A6 2003
On certain vehicles equipped with 1.8l turbo, 2.8l v6, or 3.0l engines, a change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of fuel supply to the engine causing it to stall.
- 06V017000Jan 23, 2006Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Audi A4 2003, Volkswagen Passat 2003, Audi A6 2003
On certain vehicles produced from september 2002 - march 2003, equipped with 1.8l turbo, 2.8l v6, or 3.0l engines, a change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of fuel supply to…
- 05V096000Mar 15, 2005Exterior lighting › HeadlightsCovers: Audi A4 2003–2004, S4 2003–2004
On certain passenger vehicles, there is a possibility of xenon headlamp coating degradation over time. The luminous transmittance of the headlamp may decrease over a period of time.
Recall details for the 2003 Audi A4 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
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. 150 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10243930Oct 4, 2023Equipment. This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
- 10214458Jun 15, 2022Equipment. This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- 10198567Jun 25, 2021Equipment, Body and structure. This informational bulletin explains how to order replacement VIN plates, Safety Certification Labels, etc.
- 10184530Apr 16, 2020Equipment. This information bulletin contains instructions for technicans on how to ensure their TAC call goes smoothly.
- 10166284Sep 17, 2019Electrical system. 00 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions
- 10164518Aug 28, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.
- 10163501Jul 22, 2019Equipment. This communication is issued to remind dealers of the repair validation process for repair group 19. 2005-2019 A3, 1996-2019 A4, 2008-2019 A5, 1992-2019 A6, 2012-2019 A7, 1997-2019 A8, 2019 E-Tron…
- 10161273Jun 7, 2019Air bags, Seat belts, Equipment. This bulletin contains instructions for additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries (airbag/seatbelts, accidents, fire and overheat damage).
- 10127856Jul 31, 2017Exterior lighting. This informational bulletin contains technical information for when there is condensation visible on the inside of the headlight, taillight, fog light, side marker light, front turn signal, daytime…
- 10155644Jun 28, 2017Equipment. This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
Other model years of the Audi A4
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 | 30,000 | 0 | — | 28 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 6 | 32,400 | 3 | — | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 11 | 2,674 | 4 | 5 | 28 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 128 | 26,000 | 3 | 5 | 30 | 84 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 10 | 50,000 | 1 | 5 | 30 | — | Not enough data |
| 2018 | 45 | 12,000 | 1 | 5 | 31 | 44 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 56 | 28,000 | 1 | 5 | 31 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2016 | 11 | 45,000 | 0 | 5 | 27 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 19 | 44,000 | 0 | 5 | 26 | — | Falling |
| 2014 | 32 | 80,000 | 0 | 5 | 26 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 24 | 101,000 | 0 | 5 | 26 | — | Falling |
| 2012 | 19 | 109,000 | 0 | 4 | 25 | — | Falling |
| 2011 | 11 | 105,500 | 0 | 4 | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 2010 | 64 | 83,750 | 0 | — | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 120 | 65,000 | 2 | — | 25 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2008 | 175 | 62,000 | 4 | — | 24 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 196 | 74,000 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 295 | 60,000 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 219 | 58,400 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 189 | 59,560 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 210 | 60,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 181 | 30,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 131 | 61,028 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 96 | 62,900 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 190 | 75,000 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 258 | 80,650 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 98 | 92,457 | 6 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 89 | 66,821 | 4 | — | 20 | Not 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 2003 Audi A4?
Owners of this model year most often describe sudden loss of power or stalling traced to the fuel pump, and a CVT automatic transmission that bucks, lunges or refuses to engage from a stop. The issues reported most often: CVT transmission bucks, lunges or won't engage; Fuel pump failure causing stall or no-start; Ignition coil failure causing misfire and power loss.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Audi A4 have?
NHTSA recorded 210 consumer complaints for the 2003 Audi A4 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Audi A4 is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 51 complaints (24% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 43.
Has the 2003 Audi A4 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Audi A4 get?
The EPA rates the 2003 Audi A4 (A4, 1.8L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Audi A4 reported?
Among the 177 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 60,000 miles and the middle half falls between 38,517 and 86,000 miles; 34% 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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.