MotorDeets

2003 Audi RS6: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2003 Audi RS6: 2 recalls, 43 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
43owner complaints
0mention a crash
16best combined mpg
No free-license photo yet

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Electrical Vehicle recall #04V133000 · 2004 · 172,866 vehicles

What's wrong: 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 short could occur.

Why it matters: A fire could originate in the left dashboard area.

The fix: 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 checked, and replaced if necessary. The recall began on July 26, 2004. Owners should contact Audi at…

Fuel system (other) Vehicle recall #11V267000 · 2011 · 5,992 vehicles

What's wrong: 2l engines and manufactured from June 19, 2001, through June 8, 2004. The aging of the plastic material in the fuel tank rollover valve combined with bending stress from the aluminum ventilation line to the rollover valve nipple May lead to cracking of the nipple. If this happens, a fuel leak May result.

Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could lead to a vehicle fire.

The fix: 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Suspension31
Fuel system5
Transmission & drivetrain3
Electrical1
Electronic Stability Control1
Fuel & propulsion1
Tires1
Fuel system (other)1

What owners describe

Complaints peaked in 2008 (20 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 44,500 miles.

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.2 L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (S5)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive142016Premium

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 RS6.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2003 Audi RS6 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2003 Audi RS6 manual

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FAQ

Does the 2003 Audi RS6 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Audi RS6. 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 RS6 problems?

Owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (31), fuel system (5), transmission & drivetrain (3).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Audi RS6 get?

EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (4.2 L, Automatic (S5)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2003 Audi RS6 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.

Other RS6 years

2003