2003 Audi A6 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 5%of 66 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 149,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Audi A6, 5% of the 66 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 149,000 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.
“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“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 Audi A6. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on the highway, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 149,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11064868, filed 2018-01, 149,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Audi A6. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the failure occurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer and the crankshaft sensor was replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not taken back to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was contacted, but was unable to assist. The failure mileage was 149,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11092560, filed 2018-05, 149,000 milesRelated 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 14% |
| 2021 | 3 | 17% |
| 2020 | 1 | 4% |
| 2019 | 32 | 28% |
| 2018 | 7 | 64% |
| 2017 | 4 | 20% |
| 2016 | 17 | 33% |
| 2015 | 6 | 27% |
| 2014 | 5 | 12% |
| 2013 | 15 | 29% |
| 2012 | 13 | 22% |
| 2011 | 2 | 10% |
| 2010 | 1 | 6% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 2 | 4% |
| 2006 | 4 | 6% |
| 2005 | 4 | 4% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 3 | 5% |
| 2002 | 5 | 6% |
| 2001 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2003 Audi A6
21 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsTires
6 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