2002 Audi A4: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Audi A4: 1 recall, 181 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
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Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #21V470000 · 2021 · 62,812 vehicles
What's wrong: Volkswagen group of america, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2000-2001 Audi tt coupe, tt roadster, 2000-2002 a4, and s4 vehicles equipped with non-azide driver air bag inflators (nadi) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (psan) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the nadi inflators May absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag May not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Engine & cooling Equipment recall #14E007000 · 2014 · 50 vehicles
What's wrong: These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi a4, 2000-2006 Audi tt, 1998-2005 Volkswagen beetle, 1999-2006 golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt May develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Why it matters: A failure of the timing belt May cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (76): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (21), warning light on (6), electrical failure (5).
- Engine & cooling (28): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (9), warning light on (8), noise or vibration (5).
- Exterior lights (17): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4), electrical failure (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (16): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (11), stalls / loses power (2), warning light on (2).
The 2002 Audi A4 has 181 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 31 A4 model years for complaints (1.9× the average A4 year). Complaints peaked in 2003 (55 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 30,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (131 complaints, 1 recalls), 2003 (210 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | Premium |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Audi A4.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Audi A4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2002 Audi A4, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Audi A4 problems?
Owners have filed 181 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (76), engine & cooling (28), exterior lights (17).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Audi A4 get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Audi A4 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.