Model year guide

2003 Audi A4

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Audi A4 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 111 on record.

2003 Audi A4 at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints215
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$2,896

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Audi A4 recalls 4

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine NHTSA Campaign #14E007000 · 07/03/2014

The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use i…

Fix: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #05V096000 · 15/03/2005

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT XENON HEADLAMP REFLECTORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 11, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #07V375000 · 28/08/2007

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.

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).

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #06V017000 · 23/01/2006

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.

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Audi A4 common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 215 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2003 Audi A4 MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,400

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Audi A4 worth?

Low
$1,300
Typical price
$2,896
High
$4,650

From 111 comparable 2003 Audi A4 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Audi A4 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,000
Depreciation (5 yrs)$1,750
Total$18,750
Per mile$0.25

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($2,896) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,133), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Audi A4 trims & engines on record

Trims
1.8T quattro · 3.0 quattro · 1.8T · 3 · 1.8T Avant quattro · quattro · 3.0 Avant quattro
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl 170 hp · 3.0L 6-cyl 220 hp

2003 Audi A4 vehicles on record

Other Audi A4 model years

2003 Audi A4 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Audi A4 have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2003 Audi A4. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Audi A4?

Based on 215 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, power train.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Audi A4 get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Audi A4 at about 22 mpg combined (19 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 2003 Audi A4 worth?

Comparable 2003 Audi A4 listings run roughly $1,300–$4,650, typically around $2,896 (from 111 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.