Is the 2003 Audi A4 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Audi A4 is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Audi A4?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Audi A4 have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2003 Audi A4

◆ Worse than typical

2003 Audi A4
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 210
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2003: 210 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	55
2018	44
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.

Power train

21% · 44 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

Show complaint excerpts

Audi introduced the continuously variable transmission (CVT) to new automobiles about 2003. The CVT was touted as a highly reliable transmission in Audi sales brochures with less moving parts.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-21

Fuel system, gasoline

20% · 43 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.

FIRE

Electrical system

16% · 33 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.

FIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

After returning home from a drive through fast food place last night my daughter was parking in our driveway, she was in reverse. The car (A 2003 Audi A4 cv convertible) bounced and made a sound then she stopped.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-11

Also filed under Engine

Exterior lighting

11% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing headlights and turn signal.

Vehicle speed control

10% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2003Complaint volume 210 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2005-04-11Exterior lighting05V096000 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.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right xenon headlamp reflectors free of charge. The recall began on April 11, 2005. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-04-10Fuel system, gasoline06V017000 On certain vehicles produced from September 2002 - March 2003, equipped with 1.8L turbo, 2.8L V6, or 3.0L engines, a change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an…

Remedy: Dealers will install new fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2006. Owners may contact vw at 1-800-222-8987 or Audi at 1-800-822-2834.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2007-09-28Fuel system, gasoline07V375000 On certain vehicles equipped with 1.8L turbo, 2.8L V6, or 3.0L engines, a change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of…

Remedy: Dealers will install new fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on September 28, 20007. Owners may contact vw at 1-800-222-8987 or Audi at 1-800-822-2834. This recall is a supplement to a…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Audi A4 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 44 reports on file for this year.
Fuel system, gasoline: 43 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 33 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 05V096000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 06V017000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 07V375000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 14E007000 · Engine and engine cooling

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Audi A4 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Audi A4 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Audi A4?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Audi A4 have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.