2002 Audi A4
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 89 |
| 1997 | 98 |
| 1998 | 258 |
| 1999 | 190 |
| 2000 | 96 |
| 2001 | 131 |
| 2002 | 181 |
| 2003 | 210 |
| 2004 | 189 |
| 2005 | 219 |
| 2006 | 295 |
| 2007 | 196 |
| 2008 | 175 |
| 2009 | 120 |
| 2010 | 64 |
| 2011 | 11 |
| 2012 | 19 |
| 2013 | 24 |
| 2014 | 32 |
| 2015 | 19 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 55 |
| 2018 | 44 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 127 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
44% of complaints: electrical system — 79 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and wiring.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
IGNITION COIL FAILED ON HIGHWAY. CAR "SHOOK" VIOLENTLY UNTIL STOPPED IN PARKING LOT. ONCE CAR WAS OFF THE ROAD, THE COIL HOUSING CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE ULTIMATELY BURNED ITSELF OUT, AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021217
Also filed under EQUIPMENT
16% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 29 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
CRASH9% of complaints: exterior lighting — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing concealment devices and headlights.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FIRST RAINFALL IN MY OWNERSHIP WITH THIS VEHICLE, BOTH HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. AUDI HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT A CONVENIENCE ISSUE BUT A SAFETY ISSUE FOR DRIVING AT NIGHT. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120410
9% of complaints: power train — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
CRASH FIRE6% of complaints: visibility — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and exterior.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013...
Remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
Campaign 14E007000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Campaign 21V470000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Audi A4 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (79 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14E007000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V470000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Audi A4 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Audi A4 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Audi A4?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Audi A4 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.