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
- 181
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2002
None on file
44% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 181 complaints
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 | 57 |
| 2018 | 45 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 128 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
44% · 79 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and wiring.
Show 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, 2002-12-17
Also filed under Equipment
Engine and engine cooling
16% · 29 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Exterior lighting
9% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing concealment devices and headlights.
Show 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-10
Power train
9% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
Visibility
6% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and exterior.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2002Complaint volume 181 complaints filed for this model year.
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2014-05-01Engine and engine cooling14E007000 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.
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2021-11-02Air bags21V470000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Audi A4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 79 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 29 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 17 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 14E007000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 21V470000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.