2003 Audi A6 recalls and problems

The 2003 Audi A6 has 7 safety recalls and 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Audi dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 5

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Audi A6 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Audi A6 recalls

Recall 11V-267: Fuel System, Other

Reported May 3, 2011 · 5,992 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

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.

Recall 08V-157: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Apr 8, 2008 · 68,240 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

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.

Recall 07V-375: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Aug 28, 2007 · 34,358 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

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).

Recall 06V-198: Electrical System

Reported Jun 5, 2006 · 70,512 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

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.

Recall 06V-017: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jan 23, 2006 · 74,000 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

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.

Recall 04V-133: Electrical System

Reported Mar 18, 2004 · 172,866 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

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.

Recall 02V-275: Air Bags

Reported Oct 9, 2002 · 170 vehicles affected · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

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.

2003 Audi A6 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Fuel System, Gasoline	18
Electrical System	15
Power Train	11
Tires	6
Visibility	3
Engine and Engine Cooling	3
Service Brakes, Electric	3
Engine	3
Fuel/Propulsion System	3
Structure	2
Fuel System, Other	2
Steering	2

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
Tires › Sidewall — 5
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 4
Electrical System › Ignition — 3
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 3
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
Structure › Body › Bumpers — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 82,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Audi A6 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 150,000 miles · reported Mar 31, 2021

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.

Engine · at 149,000 miles · reported May 8, 2018

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.

Engine · at 149,000 miles · reported Jan 25, 2018

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 108,789 miles · reported Jul 11, 2017

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…

Steering · at 137,000 miles · reported May 12, 2017

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.

Other Audi A6 years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Audi A6 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2003 Audi A6: 11V-267 (fuel system, other), 08V-157 (fuel system, gasoline), 07V-375 (fuel system, gasoline), 06V-198 (electrical system), 06V-017 (fuel system, gasoline) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Audi A6?

Owners report fuel system, gasoline problems most often (18 reports), followed by electrical system (15). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 82,000 miles.

Are Audi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Audi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.