2003 Audi A4 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 8%of 210 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,400miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Audi A4, 8% of the 210 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,400 miles. 2 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“I just experienced a serious issue of the gas pedal getting stuck as I was driving out of a parking lot. I tapped on the pedal a couple of times thinking it might get it to unstick but had to press on the brake to bring it to a stop. I put it in neutral and could hear the engine roar up and the tachometer go past 5000 rpms. I reached down to the pedal with my hand and forced it back up to the resting position. This happened twice during the short trip and my colleague was in the passenger seat who witnessed what happened. …”
NHTSA complaint #10453844, filed 2012-04, 112,000 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 miles“On 8/1/07 I purchased a 2003 Audi A4 with a 1.8t engine from a local used car dealership. In may, 2008, the oil light came on, we had a qualified mechanic check the vehicle thoroughly and no problems were found. 2 days later, the engine completely shut down and the vehicle has been inoperable since that time. I have contacted Audi in regard to this since it is due to a manufacturing defect that causes sludge in the oil pan to recirculate through the engine, which is what LED to the engine failure. The oil return ports were not made large enough to recirculate the oil properly. …”
NHTSA complaint #10239923, filed 2008-08, 77,000 miles“I have had numerous problems with my A4. First, my headlight shorted out and cost over $600 because it fried all the electrical wires and I had to get a new headlamp setting and wires. Even after replacing the computer has a lightbulb signal light that it is not sending the correct ampage. The power steering leaks continuously and makes noises also. The check engine light has came on and the motor is running very bumpy like almost like it is mis-firing or something. And last but not least, the transmission is not running correctly. When I put it into reverse it stalls and will not go. …”
NHTSA complaint #10250717, filed 2008-12, 71,000 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 2003 Audi A4
51 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
43 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsExterior lighting
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
22 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 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