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Body and structurePart report

2003 Audi A4 Body and structure Problems

Complaints
14about this part
Share
7%of 210 total for the year
Median mileage
54,610miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Audi A4, 7% of the 210 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,610 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.

“The adhesive which holds in the rear window on my 2003 Audi A4 3.0 convertible came unglued, resulting in the window gradually falling away from the roof. I had to duct tape it in as I didn't want it popping out completely while driving, and to prevent rain / moisture from getting in. This could be a serious driving hazard should it dislodge while operating. Fyi, the car had been babied since day one; garage kept and hand washed. …”

NHTSA complaint #10246045, filed 2008-10, 52,221 miles

“It would seem that I have two of the issues I've seen here with my 2003 Audi A4 convertible. I have owned it since 2008 and have already replaced the transmission module twice. As described by others, it wouldn't engage reverse, or go into standard mode... Blinking dash lights, etc... The other common issue is my rear window. It is holding on by less that two inches of glue. The rest just hangs on by the headliner. This has resulted in gallons of water entering my car during rain storms. Not to mention the vibrations while driving with the top up.”

NHTSA complaint #10347007, filed 2010-08, 109,000 miles

“Bought a 2003 Audi A4 cabriolet in 2005. 6 months later, rear window in 2003 Audi A4 detached from convertible top causing rear leather seat to rot and tear due to rain water leaking through the detached window. Tried to have the window reattached by an Audi dealership referred detailing company, adhesive did not hold and I was told the car would need a new roof. The dealership I bought the car from, don rosen Audi of conshohoken, pa nor Audi will take any responsibility for the detached window or provide payment for repairs.”

NHTSA complaint #10238628, filed 2008-08, 40,000 miles

“200 Audi A4 convertible. Rear window has separated from roof appears as if the glue is dry rotted? Miles 49k garage kept, hand washed.... Found info on-line regarding several other owners experiencing this problem Audi of america refuses responsibility while Audi germany accepts full responsibility. This is a safety hazard. I'm afraid the window will fall out while on the highway.”

NHTSA complaint #10356253, filed 2010-09, 49,000 miles

“2003 Audi A4 cabriolet, the car is practically new, only driven in summer months. The rear window has separated from the roof, apparently the window is only sealed to the roof with a layer of glue. The window can fall out at anytime as a result of the glue loosening. The only alternative is a completely new roof.”

NHTSA complaint #10323916, filed 2010-04, 50,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2018613%
201515%
201413%
200965%
200832%
200721%
200631%
200531%
200442%
2003147%
200111%
199942%
199831%
199622%

Other parts of the 2003 Audi A4

Fuel system
51 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
43 complaints
Electrical system
32 complaints
Exterior lighting
23 complaints
Vehicle speed control
22 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaints
Engine cooling
17 complaints
Air bags
12 complaints
Engine
7 complaints
Steering
7 complaints
Tires
6 complaints
Equipment
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