NHTSA vehicle safety data
2003 Audi A6 Recalls & Complaints
The 2003 Audi A6 has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 66 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Audi dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Audi A6. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2003 Audi A6 owner complaints
Owners have filed 66 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Audi A6, describing incidents dated January 14, 2003 to March 31, 2021.
Most-cited components
- Fuel/Propulsion System 21 complaints
- Electrical System 14 complaints
- Power Train 10 complaints
- Engine 6 complaints
- Service Brakes 6 complaints
- Tires 6 complaints
Of the 66 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash and 5 a fire; across all 66 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11405748 · Filed
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…
ODI #11092560 · Filed
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…
ODI #11064868 · Filed
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…
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2003 Audi A6 in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Preliminary Evaluation PE08-008: FUEL TANK LEAK
Closed May 30, 2008
FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE
NHTSA #11V267000 · Fuel System, Other — Storage — Tank Assembly · NHTSA notice
Reported May 3, 2011 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Potentially affected: 5,992 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 20L8/JY · Owners notified June 21, 2011 · Vehicles built May 13, 2003 – March 9, 2004 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
VOLKSWAGEN SAFETY RECALL NO. 20L8/JY.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE
NHTSA #08V157000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage — Tank Assembly · NHTSA notice
Reported April 8, 2008 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Potentially affected: 68,240 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 20L8/JY · Owners notified June 27, 2008 · Vehicles built June 2, 2001 – June 1, 2005 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
VW RECALL NO. 20L8/JY.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
FUEL PUMP
NHTSA #07V375000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice
Reported August 28, 2007 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Potentially affected: 34,358 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign M7 JL · Owners notified September 28, 2007 · Vehicles built August 1, 2002 – April 30, 2003 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
IF FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS INTERRUPTED, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND THUS PRESENT A POTENTIAL RISK OF CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
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).
Notes
VW RECALL NO. M7 AND AUDI RECALL NO. JL.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
CROSSMEMBER COVER/DRIVERS SIDE DASH FIRE
NHTSA #06V198000 · Electrical System · NHTSA notice
Reported June 5, 2006 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Potentially affected: 70,512 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign JN · Owners notified December 16, 2006 · Vehicles built August 1, 1997 – June 30, 2005 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING OR FIRE.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
VOLKSWAGEN (AUDI) RECALL NO. JN.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
FUEL PUMP
NHTSA #06V017000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice
Reported January 23, 2006 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Potentially affected: 74,000 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign M7 & JL · Owners notified April 10, 2006 · Vehicles built September 1, 2002 – March 31, 2003 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
IF FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS INTERRUPTED, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND THUS PRESENT A POTENTIAL RISK OF CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
VW RECALL NO. M7 AND AUDI RECALL NO. JL.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
VW/DRIVERS SIDE DASH FIRE
NHTSA #04V133000 · Electrical System · NHTSA notice
Reported March 18, 2004 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Potentially affected: 172,866 vehicles
Owners notified July 26, 2004 · Vehicles built August 14, 1997 – February 12, 2004 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
A FIRE COULD ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT DASHBOARD AREA.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
VW/DRIVER'S AIR BAG
NHTSA #02V275000 · Air Bags — Frontal · NHTSA notice
Reported October 9, 2002 · VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Potentially affected: 170 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign LN · Owners notified November 18, 2002 · Vehicles built August 21, 2002 – August 22, 2002 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
AN IMPROPERLY POSITIONED IGNITER WILL NOT ACTIVATE THE AIR BAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAGS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 18, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Notes
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Other Audi A6 model years
Check your 2003 Audi A6 VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Audi A6 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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