2003 Audi A4 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 20%of 210 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Audi A4, 20% of the 210 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“The car had started to have the prnd flash, but it kept running good. On saturday I drove around 20 miles and parked on a small angled road I turned the car off. When I turned it on again I put it on reverse which didn't engage and started to go down almost crashing into a wall. I had to get out and push the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10474405, filed 2012-09, 111,140 miles“I bought an used 2003 Audi A4. I put it in reverse and it would not engage. Then the dash where the gears show what gear you're in started flashing. It showed a p0706 code. This happens so often that one of these times I am going to cause an accident. The car has over 100,000 miles on it, but how can it be my fault that the other owners did not take it in to get this well known module repair fixed. When I am parked flat I can usually get it in reverse after 4-5 times of trying. …”
NHTSA complaint #11021537, filed 2017-09, 13,300 miles“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“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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10226530Jun 3, 2014ATF pan leaks
- 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.
- 10122418Jun 3, 2014Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 37 number 11-19 dated January 31, 2011. Automatic transmission fluid is leaking at the sump pan gasket. As the sump pan gasket…
- 10212703May 29, 2014Vehicle lacks power or will not move after stop due to simultaneous depressing of the brake and accelerator pedals
- 10226529May 28, 2014Vehicle lacks power or will not move after stop due to simultaneous depressing of the brake and accelerator pedals
- 10210679May 28, 2014This condition may be caused when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are depressed simultaneously. Drivers who drive with their left foot resting on the brake pedal are…
- 10122465May 28, 2014Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 37 number 13-07 dated May 29, 2013. Customer states that the engine returns to idle speed of approximately 1,400 RPM although the…
- 10123551Jun 19, 2013Audi is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle?s original in-service date for certain MY2002 through…
- 10032412Jun 15, 2009Audi: vehicle will not move in any gear. Atf pump border bushing may fail and cause a loss of oil pressure. The atf pump is incorporated in the valve body. The pump is not a…
- 10022453Jun 22, 2007Mil on, and/or multitronic transmission in emergency running mode (dtc p0706 or p1793 in tcm).
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 17% |
| 2021 | 2 | 18% |
| 2018 | 5 | 11% |
| 2017 | 4 | 7% |
| 2016 | 1 | 9% |
| 2015 | 1 | 5% |
| 2014 | 2 | 6% |
| 2012 | 2 | 11% |
| 2011 | 3 | 27% |
| 2010 | 9 | 14% |
| 2009 | 6 | 5% |
| 2008 | 12 | 7% |
| 2007 | 11 | 6% |
| 2006 | 14 | 5% |
| 2005 | 16 | 7% |
| 2004 | 12 | 6% |
| 2003 | 43 | 20% |
| 2002 | 16 | 9% |
| 2001 | 5 | 4% |
| 2000 | 8 | 8% |
| 1999 | 10 | 5% |
| 1998 | 7 | 3% |
| 1997 | 5 | 5% |
| 1996 | 6 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2003 Audi A4
51 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 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 29, 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