2003 Audi A4 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 3%of 210 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 129,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Audi A4, 3% of the 210 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 129,000 miles. 2 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.
“Loss of power or late response to throttle. Tcs and ABS light limininted after replacing sensor. Vibertion in passenger side around 50 MPH or braking. Replaced ignition coil twice.”
NHTSA complaint #11111062, filed 2018-07, 112,345 miles“Gasket leakage, in two separate areas in upper gasket, per mechanic. Car is now in repairs. Based upon reading the online recalls on the official NHTSA page, this is part of the recall for Audi A4 2000-2006. United states”
NHTSA complaint #10763413, filed 2015-09, 129,000 miles“The coolant light came on after I replaced coil packs and I stopped to look wasn't leaking anywhere. Drove to work and it caught on fire due to overheating I guess not really sure. I was driving a car on fire down a highway and didn't even know it. I stopped to take a left turn into work and smoke stared billowing out and around the entire car. Other drivers couldn't see me or nothing I could have been in an accident. The fire department checked the car out sort of and it's in a mechanics shop now. Trying to figure it out. Oil light was on and that's it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11435651, filed 2021-10“After returning home from a drive through fast food place last night my daughter was parking in our driveway, she was in reverse. The car (a 2003 Audi A4 cv convertible) bounced and made a sound then she stopped. I said take the keys out of the ignition to her black smoke started to rise out of the top of the hood crack in front of the front windshield. I told her to get the dog in our back seat and herself out I assumed it was on fire because the dark smoke. I grabbed my purse piped the hood and my daughter called 911 as the neighbors ran inside there home for a fire extinguisher. …”
NHTSA complaint #11062227, filed 2018-01“I had a new transmission put in the Audi and after a year the transmission reverse mode failed. I took it to the shop which repaired the car and found that there had been a recall on the part which was needed for the car. When I took it to the Audi dealership they refused to honor the recall and I had to pay for the new part an additional $2700. I was told that I was not the owner of the car and they had no information on file about me however I had repeatedly been in personally to ask about the car and any recalls after replacing the transmission. Also they had my email address. …”
NHTSA complaint #10605973, filed 2014-06Related 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 2003 Audi A4
51 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
43 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsExterior lighting
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
22 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsAir bags
12 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