Is the 2003 Audi A6 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Audi A6 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Audi A6?

The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Audi A6 have?

7 recalls on file for this model year.

2003 Audi A6

● Typical for this model

2003 Audi A6
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:44:27.556Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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: 66
Recalls: 7
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Fuel system, gasoline

Complaints per year

2003: 66 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1994	2
1995	16
1996	51
1997	20
1998	130
1999	217
2000	148
2001	113
2002	88
2003	66
2004	35
2005	91
2006	67
2007	53
2008	71
2009	21
2010	17
2011	21
2012	59
2013	52
2014	41
2015	22
2016	51
2017	20
2018	11
2019	114
2020	26
2021	18
2022	2
2023	2
2024	3
2025	5
2026	6

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Fuel system, gasoline

27% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump and tank assembly.

FIRE

Electrical system

23% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and front underhood.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

The fire started under dashboard as I was driving. I stopped the car in the middle of the road and quickly jumped out the car when saw a flame. This was the most freighting experience in my life.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-08-26

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-15

Also filed under Engine

I was driving my 2003 Audi A6 3.0 quattro on Thursday 04/03/2008 around 10:30PM.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-04-05

Power train

17% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).

Tires

9% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing sidewall and tread/belt.

Service brakes

9% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing electric and hydraulic.

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

R

2002-11-18Air bags02V275000 On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 3-spoke sport steering wheels, it is possible that the igniter for the driver's side air bag may not have been properly assembled.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bags. Owner notification began November 18, 2002. Owners should contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2004-07-26Electrical system04V133000 On certain passenger vehicles, if a driver's knees push against the knee bolster (Crash element) located under the dashboard, it can contact the headlight switch wiring harness, and an electrical…

Remedy: Dealers will install a protective covering on the knee bolster (Crash element). In addition, the wiring harness as well as the felt protector on the left side of the dashboard carrier will be…

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

2006-12-16Electrical system06V198000 On certain passenger vehicles equipped with halogen low beam headlights, certain connector pins in the headlight switch connector come into contact with each other causing a short circuit. Note…

Remedy: Dealers will reroute the wiring harness by installing a jumper wiring harness. The recall began on December 16, 2006. Owners may contact 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 →
I
2008-01-31Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-05-30 Fuel tank leak
R

2008-06-27Fuel system, gasoline08V157000 Volkswagen is recalling 68,240 my 2001-2004 Audi A6 Quattro vehicles equipped with 2.7L, 2.8L, or 3.0L engines and my 2001-2005 Allroad quattro vehicles equipped with 2.7L or 4.2L engines. The…

Remedy: Dealers will reinforce the nipple on the rollover valve to prevent leakage or repair the cracking at the nipple. The recall began on June 27, 2008. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2011-06-21Fuel system, other11V267000 Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2001-2004 Audi A6, model year 2002-2003 S6 and model year 2003 RS6 vehicles equipped with 4.2L engines and manufactured from June 19, 2001, through June 8…

Remedy: Dealers will reinforce the nipple on the rollover valve to prevent leakage or repair the cracking at the nipple. The recall is expected to begin during June 2011. Owners may contact Audi at…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Audi A6 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Fuel system, gasoline: 18 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 15 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 11 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 02V275000 · Air bags
Recall 04V133000 · Electrical system
Recall 06V017000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 06V198000 · Electrical system
Recall 07V375000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 08V157000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 11V267000 · Fuel system, other

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Audi A6 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Audi A6 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Audi A6?: The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Audi A6 have?: 7 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.