2003 Audi A4: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Audi A4: 3 recalls, 210 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls 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.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #05V096000 · 2005 · 9,965 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This condition could affect a driver's field of view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left and right xenon headlamp reflectors free of charge. The recall began on April 11, 2005.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #06V017000 · 2006 · 74,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of fuel supply to the engine causing it to stall.
Why it matters: If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash.
The fix: Dealers will install new fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2006.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #07V375000 · 2007 · 34,358 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 fuel supply to the engine causing it to stall.
Why it matters: If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash.
The fix: Dealers will install new fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on September 28, 20007.
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, 12 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (43): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (12), stalls / loses power (8).
- Fuel system (41): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (22).
- Electrical (32): the most common themes are electrical failure (10), stalls / loses power (6), warning light on (5).
- Exterior lights (23): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), stalls / loses power (3), warning light on (3).
The 2003 Audi A4 has 210 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 31 A4 model years for complaints (2.2× the average A4 year). Complaints peaked in 2008 (28 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 60,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (181 complaints, 1 recalls), 2004 (189 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Premium |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | 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 2003 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.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Audi A4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2003 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 2003 Audi A4 problems?
Owners have filed 210 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (43), fuel system (41), electrical (32).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Audi A4 get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (1.8 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 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.