2003 Audi A6 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 21%of 66 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Audi A6, 21% of the 66 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,000 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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 fire started under dashboard as I was driving. I stopped the car in the middle of the road and quickly jumped out the car when saw a flame. This was the most freighting experience in my life.”
NHTSA complaint #10537368, filed 2013-08, 70,000 miles“On may 3, 2013, I was driving on the expressway at approximately 10mph. Suddenly, I began smelling smoke. I thought the smoke was coming from nearby trucks. However, soon after, smoke was profusely coming through my glove compartment. I pulled over, turned the car off, and exited the car. About 5 minutes later, this vehicle engulfed in flames, beginning with the hood! The wind shield then shattered approximately 3 minutes later. By this time, the fire department arrived and battled the fire approximately 20 minutes. There was no previous sign that car service was necessary. …”
NHTSA complaint #10512114, filed 2013-05, 124,000 miles“Letter from Audi customer complaint reimbursement service action regarding ignition coil inspection/replacement letter dated july 2009 was received and still waiting for Audi of america inc. To notify me if parts are available at the local dealer and since then have not heard from them. Please look into this matter. Thanks”
NHTSA complaint #10310486, filed 2010-02, 68,000 miles“2003 Audi A6. Consumer seeks reply for request for reimbursement the check engine light illuminated. The consumer took the vehicle to a nearby reputable mechanic who replaced the ignition coil. The consumer is seeking reimbursement, since Audi issued a voluntary campaign stating they would replace for free if needed.”
NHTSA complaint #10335926, filed 2010-06, 109,598 miles“Failed ct emissions test. Check engine light illuminated. Confirmed code to be p0741. Informed by authorized technician that the torque converter requires replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #10643907, filed 2014-10, 120,120 milesRelated recalls
- 06V198000Jun 5, 2006On certain passenger vehicles equipped with halogen low beam headlights, certain connector pins in the headlight switch connector come into contact with each…Covers: Audi A6 1998–2004, Allroad 2001–2005
- 04V133000Mar 18, 2004On certain passenger vehicles, if a driver's knees push against the knee bolster (crash element) located under the dashboard, it can contact the headlight…Covers: Audi A6 1998–2004, S6 1998–2004, Allroad 2001–2004 +1 more
Related 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 71% |
| 2025 | 2 | 33% |
| 2021 | 11 | 61% |
| 2020 | 18 | 69% |
| 2019 | 84 | 74% |
| 2018 | 1 | 9% |
| 2017 | 2 | 10% |
| 2016 | 8 | 16% |
| 2015 | 3 | 14% |
| 2014 | 2 | 5% |
| 2013 | 7 | 13% |
| 2012 | 13 | 22% |
| 2011 | 3 | 14% |
| 2010 | 2 | 12% |
| 2009 | 1 | 5% |
| 2008 | 7 | 10% |
| 2007 | 6 | 11% |
| 2006 | 13 | 19% |
| 2005 | 16 | 18% |
| 2004 | 3 | 9% |
| 2003 | 14 | 21% |
| 2002 | 15 | 17% |
| 2001 | 14 | 12% |
| 2000 | 36 | 24% |
| 1999 | 37 | 17% |
| 1998 | 8 | 6% |
| 1997 | 14 | 70% |
| 1996 | 38 | 75% |
| 1995 | 10 | 63% |
Other parts of the 2003 Audi A6
21 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsTires
6 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Audi A6
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