2003 Audi A4 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Caution

Ranks 22nd of 24 A4 years we score.

Owner complaints: 210; 3 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 43.6; 47,487 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 1.6×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 104; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 3
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2002 A4 2004 A4 →

Should You Buy the 2003 Audi A4?

Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2003 Audi A4 is 65 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.6 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 22nd of the 24 A4 years we score.

The most reported problem is the fuel pump, mostly stalling (39 of 210 complaints). Owners also complain about the ignition coil or spark plug and the headlights. 104 of the 210 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 3 recalls. Audi also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for a problem with the transmission. For comparison, the 2002 scores 65 and the 2004 scores 65.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask an Audi dealer about warranty extension AWA-13-04 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
1 Audi warranty extension may cover repairs

Cons

About 1.6 times the problems of the average car its age
Fuel pump: stalling39 complaints
Ignition coils or spark plugs: a loss of power23 complaints
Headlights: works on and off18 complaints

How the 2003 A4 Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	1.8×	−22
Everyday problems	1.1×	−7
Problems in the last two years	Not counted	–
Recalls	0.99×	−6
Score		65

Problems in the last two years are not counted for the 2003 A4. If it were exactly average, its 47,487 cars would draw about 0.6 complaints in two years at this age, too few to compare. Their 30% moves to serious and everyday problems, which count for 80% of this score instead of 50%.

What Owners Report

We read all 210 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Audi A4, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 210.

Fuel pump: stalling
39 complaints (19%)
Stalling, unusual noises and a loss of power. 21 of these 39 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 6 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Ignition coils or spark plugs: a loss of power
23 complaints (11%)
A loss of power, a failure that needed a new part and rough running or misfires. 10 of these 23 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 5 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 57,000 miles.
Headlights: works on and off
18 complaints (9%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and damage. 1 of these 18 complaints describes a serious outcome. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 5 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
16 complaints (8%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, a failure that needed a new part and vibration or shudder. 10 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 72,000 miles.
Convertible top rear window: parts breaking or coming apart
15 complaints (7%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 53,000 miles.
Transmission computer: harsh or delayed shifts
11 complaints (5%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, a failure and warning lights. 4 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
CVT: failure or loss of drive
10 complaints (5%)
Failure or loss of drive, harsh or delayed shifts and vibration or shudder. 9 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 81,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
10 complaints (5%)
Sudden acceleration. All 10 describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 54,000 miles.
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
9 complaints (4%)
Sticking or stiffness. All 9 describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 88,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
6 complaints (3%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, damage and a leak. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 28,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
5 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash and warning lights. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem.
Steering: unusual noises
5 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises, locking up and a leak. 1 of these 5 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 73,000 miles.
12V battery: the car not starting
4 complaints (2%)
The car not starting, a failure that needed a new part and a fire. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 138,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
4 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 95,000 miles.
Cooling system failure
4 complaints (2%)
A failure that needed a new part and a leak.

Show 27 more problems

Engine oil sludge: warning lights
4 complaints (2%)
Warning lights, unusual noises and a failure. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Exterior lights: works on and off
4 complaints (2%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Manual transmission or clutch: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 46,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
4 complaints (2%)
Stalling. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 100,000 miles.
Control module (unspecified) failure
3 complaints (1%)
A failure that needed a new part and water leaking in. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Engine oil leak
3 complaints (1%)
A leak.
Fuel system: refueling difficulty
3 complaints (1%)
Refueling difficulty, stalling and warning lights. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, damage and early wear.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
3 complaints (1%)
The car not starting. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Vibration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (1%)
Vibration or shudder. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Wheel rim: sticking or stiffness
3 complaints (1%)
Sticking or stiffness and rust or corrosion.
Windshield wipers: locking up
3 complaints (1%)
Locking up and a failure that needed a new part. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
3 complaints (1%)
Damage, problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Airbag warning light: rust or corrosion
2 complaints (under 1%)
Rust or corrosion and warning lights.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
2 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in.
Brakes: loss of braking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Loss of braking and warning lights. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of braking.
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure.
Engine failure: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking and a failure that needed a new part. Both describe a serious outcome.
Fuel gauge or level sensor failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure that needed a new part.
Mirrors: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working.
Noise (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Unusual noises.
Plenum drain: water leaking in
2 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in.
Vehicle fire (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A fire. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a fire.
Windshield washer pump: locking up
2 complaints (under 1%)
Locking up and a feature that stopped working.
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
2 complaints (under 1%)
A feature that stopped working.
Timing belt: early wear
2 complaints (under 1%)
Early wear and parts breaking or coming apart.
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.

Reported Once (36)

Show the 36 problems reported once

A/C: a leak
ABS: warning lights
PCV valve or crankcase breather: parts breaking or coming apart
Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
Engine: rough running or misfires
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
Engine mounts: vibration or shudder
Engine sensors or computer failure
Exhaust or catalytic converter failure
Fuel leak
Screen and audio: works on and off
Instrument cluster: stopped working
Interior trim: damage
Loss of power (cause not stated)
PLC failure
Airbag sensor: rust or corrosion
Convertible top failure
Cowl drains: water leaking in
Electrical system (unspecified) failure
Fuel filter failure
Interior lighting: works on and off
Seat heater: a fire
Throttle: sticking or stiffness
Windshield washer reservoir: a leak
Windshield washer system failure
Paint and rust: rust or corrosion
Parking brake: the car rolling away
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
Seat belts failure
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
Sunroof failure
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
Taillights or brake lights: stopped working
Transmission fluid leak
Turbocharger failure
Wheel bearings: locking up

How the 2003 Audi A4 Compares With Other Years

The other A4 years of the 2nd generation (B6), 2002 to 2005, and the years just before and after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2006	Caution	68	1.2×	54.3	4	Headlights: works on and off
2005	Caution	67	1.3×	48.4	3	Headlights: works on and off
2004	Caution	65	1.6×	45.2	2	Fuel pump: stalling
2003 This year	Caution	65	1.6×	43.6	3	Fuel pump: stalling
2002	Caution	65	1.7×	52.3	1	Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
2001	Caution	68	1.3×	49.5	1	Instrument cluster: stopped working

See every A4 year

2003 Audi A4 Recalls

Three recalls cover the 2003 Audi A4. The most recent was issued in August 2007: “Fuel Pump.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Fuel Pump, August 2007
If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash.
NHTSA 07V375000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Aug 28, 2007.
Fuel Pump, January 2006
If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash.
NHTSA 06V017000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 23, 2006.
Xenon Headlamps
On certain passenger vehicles, there is a possibility of xenon headlamp coating degradation over time. The luminous transmittance of the headlamp may decrease over a period of time. This condition could affect a driver's field of view, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 05V096000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 15, 2005.

2003 Audi A4 Warranty Extensions and Programs

Audi has one warranty extension for the 2003 Audi A4, separate from its recalls. It is for a problem with the transmission. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which an Audi dealer can check.

Warranty extensionAudi AWA-13-04
CVT transmission and control module failures
The problem:
The bulletin names no symptom. Under a class action settlement, Audi extended the warranty on parts of the factory CVT transmission.
The fix:
An Audi dealer diagnoses and repairs or replaces the covered CVT parts. Which parts are covered depends on the model year.
Who qualifies:
Certain 2002 to 2006 A4 and A6 with the factory CVT. Control module: 2003 to 2006. Valve body: 2003 and 2004. Rest of the transmission: 2002 to 2004, only with proof of the owner's manual transmission maintenance.
Coverage:
10 years or 100,000 miles from the original in-service date, whichever comes first.
Audi's bulletin (PDF)

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2003 A4 no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2003 A4 ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat4/5

Passenger seat4/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat5/5

Rear seat4/5

Rollover4/5

Avant 4-door with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat4/5

Passenger seat4/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seatNot rated

Rear seatNot rated

RolloverNot rated

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2003 A4, from its three recalls, an Audi warranty extension that may still apply and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Fuel Pump, August 2007 NHTSA 07V375000
Fuel Pump, January 2006 NHTSA 06V017000
Xenon Headlamps NHTSA 05V096000

Ask an Audi Dealer

Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

AWA-13-04: CVT transmission and control module failures

On the Test Drive

Confirm any fuel pump recall was done. Hard starting or stalling is a warning sign.
Have the engine scanned for stored misfire codes. A rough idle or a flashing check-engine light is a warning sign.
Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Fuel pump
Ignition coil or spark plug
Headlights
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All A4 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.