AutoDefect IQ

2003 Audi A6 problems, complaints & recalls

Most-reported problem areas: Fuel System, Gasoline (8) · Tires:sidewall (5) · Electrical System (5)

🧭 Reliability snapshot

82 /100
✓ Typical or better for this model

Compared against other Audi A6 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →

🛣️ Complaints by mileage

<25k miles: 9 complaints <25k 25–50k miles: 6 complaints 25–50k 50–75k miles: 8 complaints 50–75k 75–100k miles: 10 complaints 10 75–100k 100–125k miles: 10 complaints 100–125k 125–150k miles: 4 complaints 125–150k 150k+ miles: 3 complaints 150k+

50 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.

66
Complaints
1
Recalls
138
Service bulletins
1
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
0
Deaths

Safety recalls (1)

Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly 2011-05-03 · campaign 11V267000 · 5,992 vehicles

Defect: 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, 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.

Risk: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.

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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.

Service bulletins (138)

Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.

Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2023-10-04 · A0023742052680_4 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

this bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.

Equipment 2022-06-15 · SM 48-2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

this special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.

Structure 2021-06-25 · A0021482021205_6 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

this informational bulletin explains how to order replacement vin plates, safety certification labels, etc.

Equipment:electrical 2020-04-16 · A0020362002047_1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

this information bulletin contains instructions for technicans on how to ensure their tac call goes smoothly.

Electrical System 2019-09-17 · A0019252011732_1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

00 software version management (svm), operating instructions

Equipment:other:labels 2019-08-28 · AWC 19-05 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

this communication is issued to inform dealers of updated shipping regulations related to lithium ion batteries.

Showing the 6 most recent of 138 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.

What owners report

2021-03-31 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 150,000 mi

“the gas tank or components of the tank are leaking gas when more than a small amount of gas is put into the tank. gas leaks all over the ground from the tank and the cabin fills with gas fumes. my 18 son has been driving this car and i will not allow him or anyone else to drive the car now. after reading online that many people have this same pr…”

2018-05-08 · Engine · 149,000 mi

“tl* the contact owns a 2003 audi a6. while driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. the contact stated that the failure occurred multiple times. the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer and the crankshaft sensor was replaced, but the failure persisted. the vehicle was not taken back to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repair…”

2018-01-25 · Engine · 149,000 mi

“tl* takata recall. the contact owns a 2003 audi a6. the contact stated while driving at various speeds on the highway, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. a dealer was not contacted. the manufacturer was not contacted and made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 149,000. the vin was not availabl…”

2017-07-11 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 108,789 mi

“check engine light on, vehicle will not pass emissions testing. audi determined that it was due to a fuel leak from a crack in the passenger side rear rollover valve. vehicle had been recalled in past for similar issue (performed). tank has 4 rollover valves, only one (front driver) included in prior recall. initial quoted $3,300 to replace tank. …”

2017-05-12 · Suspension · 137,000 mi

“i was driving in light rain and saw a small puddle of water ahead so i slowed down and went through it at 10mph, all of the sudden my steering wheel locks up and is stuck going right, grinding noise came from the front drivers wheel. i somehow managed to get the vehical to a fire station and park it there after 30m and only going 20ft then all of a…”

2017-04-02 · Unknown Or Other · 84,600 mi

“sunroof exploded while traveling on the freeway.…”

2016-11-30 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 180,000 mi

“tl* the contact owns a 2003 audi a6. while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a puddle of fuel in the driveway. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rollover valve had a crack, causing the fuel tank to leak. the vehicle was repaired per a recall, but the failure recurred. the vehicle was not repa…”

2014-10-17 · Fuel System, Other · 150,000 mi

“i have 2003 audi a6 quattro 4.2 l. i had in shop for rear brakes and mechanic noted fuel leaking/dripping from front drivers side of plastic fuel tank. i did internet search and found recall campaign 11v267000 and many complaints regarding similar leaks. i verified manufacture date 4/3/(2002 or 2003?) from vehicle which falls in window covered by r…”

2014-10-10 · Power Train · 120,120 mi

“failed ct emissions test. check engine light illuminated. confirmed code to be p0741. informed by authorized technician that the torque converter requires replacement. *tr…”

2014-08-21 · Fuel System, Gasoline

“at times when driving the car the acceleration becomes slow and it stalls with a jerk like it's going to just stop also, when the car is put in reverse gear it will not move. i am stuck. the prnd flashing on the dashboard. i become afraid because this can cause serious accidents. …”

Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.

Other Audi A6 years