2003 Audi A4 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 15%of 210 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,600miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Audi A4, 15% of the 210 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,600 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“Initially drove car home from grocery store hit a bump and noticed a spark coming from front driver's side of car. Pulled over and checked for spark evident once stopped there was no sign of spark or anything. Got car home and parked about an hour later my car was on fire, after putting the fire out my husband lifted the hood and tried to investigate the issue when he discovered the battery was melted to the hood and is where the fire initially caught. The location of the battery we believe to be the issue and wanted to make sure to report it immediately.”
NHTSA complaint #11331067, filed 2020-06, 199,800 miles“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“My 2003 Audi A4 failed to start on december 24th, 2002 and may 2nd, 2003. Both times I was left stranded. The first time they replaced the steering lock, ignition cylinder, and steering column. After the problem occured a second time, they replaced the instrument cluster. This problem occurred at 5,000 and 11,000 miles and should not happen to a new car. It is a safety issue because it has left me stranded 2 times.”
NHTSA complaint #10021376, filed 2003-06, 11,000 miles“I purchased a brand new 03 Audi a4t quattro in june of 03. The dealer is great and thank god they value their customers because my car has given them alot practice on everything. I think germany sent us a dud! …”
NHTSA complaint #10185923, filed 2007-03, 52,125 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10166284Sep 17, 201900 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions
- 10164518Aug 28, 2019This communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.
- 10128205Mar 23, 2017This informational bulletin contains instructions for sychronizing the remote key after the battery has been disconnected or replaced.
- 10123775Sep 21, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 96 number 13-67 dated July 10, 2013. The customer may report that the handheld transmitter cannot be programmed to the garage door…
- 10120832Jun 29, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 14-50 dated July 10, 2014. Customer may report that cracking, grinding, rattling, humming, whining, or similar interference…
- 10120052May 29, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 97 number 10-15 dated October 20, 2010. Sporadic fault memory entries are stored in various control modules. Contacts may be widened…
- 10119956Mar 20, 2015Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 14-69 dated November 4, 2014. The following message appears on the MMI display: "Device or cable type not supported". The…
- 10224981Dec 10, 2014High quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet.
- 10124882Dec 10, 2014High quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet…
- 10228297Jul 15, 2014This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management (SVM) software update for any TSB or Update.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 30% |
| 2021 | 3 | 27% |
| 2020 | 91 | 71% |
| 2019 | 3 | 30% |
| 2018 | 17 | 38% |
| 2017 | 6 | 11% |
| 2016 | 3 | 27% |
| 2015 | 3 | 16% |
| 2014 | 3 | 9% |
| 2013 | 2 | 8% |
| 2012 | 2 | 11% |
| 2011 | 1 | 9% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 9 | 5% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 21 | 7% |
| 2005 | 24 | 11% |
| 2004 | 15 | 8% |
| 2003 | 32 | 15% |
| 2002 | 76 | 42% |
| 2001 | 35 | 27% |
| 2000 | 11 | 11% |
| 1999 | 11 | 6% |
| 1998 | 23 | 9% |
| 1997 | 33 | 34% |
| 1996 | 26 | 29% |
Other parts of the 2003 Audi A4
51 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
43 complaintsExterior lighting
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
22 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsTires
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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