The 2003 Audi A6 has 7 safety recalls and 66 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is fuel system, gasoline (18 complaints).
Recalls7safety recalls
Complaints66filed by owners
Crashes · fires1 · 5reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assembly
NHTSA recall 11V267000 · May 3, 2011 · 5,992 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
NHTSA recall 08V157000 · Apr 8, 2008 · 68,240 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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 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 BEGAN ON JUNE 27, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
NHTSA recall 07V375000 · Aug 28, 2007 · 34,358 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Risk: IF FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS INTERRUPTED, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND THUS PRESENT A POTENTIAL RISK OF CRASH.
Fix: 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 PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN (PLEASE SEE 06V017).
Electrical system
NHTSA recall 06V198000 · Jun 5, 2006 · 70,512 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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: VEHICLES WITH XENON LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT AFFECTED BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT IN THESE VEHICLES CONTAINS A FUSE, WHICH PRECLUDES EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW IN THE CASE OF A SHORT CIRCUIT. AUDI S6 AND S6 AVANT VEHICLES ARE ALL EQUIPPED WITH XENON LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND, THEREFORE, ARE NOT LONGER AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING OR FIRE.
Fix: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
NHTSA recall 06V017000 · Jan 23, 2006 · 74,000 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Risk: IF FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS INTERRUPTED, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND THUS PRESENT A POTENTIAL RISK OF CRASH.
Fix: 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.
Electrical system
NHTSA recall 04V133000 · Mar 18, 2004 · 172,866 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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.
Risk: A FIRE COULD ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT DASHBOARD AREA.
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 1-800-822-2834.
Air bags › Frontal
NHTSA recall 02V275000 · Oct 9, 2002 · 170 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Risk: AN IMPROPERLY POSITIONED IGNITER WILL NOT ACTIVATE THE AIR BAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAGS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 18, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2003 Audi A6 4-DR. w/SAB
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
A6
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 25 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel
A6 quattro
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.7 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
A6 quattro
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
2.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S5) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
A6 quattro
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 24 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S5) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
A6 Avant quattro
19mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 24 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S5) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel
A6 quattro
18mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
4.2 L · 8 cyl · Automatic (S5) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
Electrical system Ignition; Wiring › Front underhood
15
0
5
0
82,000 mi
Power train Automatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
11
0
0
0
59,900 mi
Tires Sidewall; Tread/belt
6
0
0
0
12,500 mi
Visibility Windshield wiper/washer
3
0
0
0
62,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling Engine
3
0
0
0
—
Service brakes, electric
3
0
0
0
100,000 mi
Engine
3
0
1
0
149,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system
3
0
0
0
150,000 mi
Structure Body › Bumpers; Body
2
0
0
0
—
Fuel system, other Delivery
2
0
0
0
—
Steering
2
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Mar 31, 2021 · 150,000 milesFuel/propulsion system 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 PROBLEM, I AM SHOCKED THAT THIS IS NOT A RECALL WHEN IT COULD BE POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING AND THAT AUDI WANTS TO CHARGE 3K TO LOWER THE TANK AND REPAIR.
Nov 1, 2017 · 149,000 milesEngine 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 REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000.
Jan 23, 2018 · 149,000 milesEngine 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 AVAILABLE.
Feb 23, 2017 · 108,789 milesFuel/propulsion system 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. AUDI OFFERED TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT TANK WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ~$600 (REPAIR ORDER ATTACHED). REPAIR COMPLETED ON 2/23/2017, CAR PASSES STATE INSPECTION. AS YOU CAN SEE BY THE "STAINING" IN THE ATTACHED PHOTO, THE LEAK WAS SIGNIFICANT DEALER THEN CALLS TO SAY THAT CAR NEEDS TO BE RETURNED TO PERFORM PRIOR RECALL ON THE NEWLY INSTALLED TANK. RECALL…
May 12, 2017 · 137,000 milesSteering 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 SUDDEN WHILE I'M PRESSING THE GAS PEDDLE THE HORRIBLE GRINDING NOISE COMES BACK AND THE CAR GOES NO WHERE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE.
Mar 30, 2017 · 84,600 milesUnknown or other SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY.
Nov 1, 2016 · 180,000 milesFuel/propulsion system 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 REPAIRED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE RECALL INFORMATION WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000.
Oct 15, 2014 · 150,000 milesFuel system, other 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 RECALL OF UNITS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 19, 2001 THROUGH JUNE 8, 2004. I CONTACTED AUDI AMERICA AND EVENTUALLY SPOKE WITH XXXX AT [XXX]. SHE ASSURED ME THAT MY CAR WAS EITHER NOT SUBJECT TO THE RECALL OR HAD BEEN FIXED. I TOLD HER I WAS THE OWNER OF THE CAR AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL ( MAY 2011) AND MY CAR HAD NOT BEEN FIXED. SHE ROBOTICALLY…
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
PE08008 · opened Jan 31, 2008 · closed May 30, 2008 · led to recall 08V156000FUEL TANK LEAK VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IS RECALLING CERTAIN VW PASSAT 4MOTION AND AUDI A6 QUATTRO AND ALLROAD QUATTRO ALL-WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER CARS.VW VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2005 AND AUDI VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2001 TO JUNE 1, 2005.THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE VW VEHICLES IS 08V-156 (VW ALSO IS CORRECTING DEFECTS RELATED TO HEAT SHIELD AND FUEL LINE HAZARDS FOR THESE VEHICLES AND FOR 1999-2000 PASSATS IN THIS RECALL ACTION.)THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE AUDI VEHICLES IS 08V-157.SINCE 2006, ODI HAS RECEIVED 17 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL LEAKING FROM THE SUBJECT VEHICLES' FUEL TANKS.THE 400 COMPLAINTS SHOWN ABOVE MAY INCLUDE DUPLICATE REPORTS TO ODI AND THE MANUFACTURER. WHILE THE CONSEQUENCE (FUEL LEAKS FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK) IS SIMILAR FOR BOTH THE PASSAT AND AUDI SUBJECT VEHICLES, DIFFERENCES IN DESIGN AND…