The Verdict
Worst problem area
Fuel System
Fuel System leads by volume: 21 of 66 complaints (32%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 88 in 2002 to 66 in 2003.
At a glance
- NHTSA complaints
- 66
- Recall campaigns
- 7
- EPA fuel cost per year
- $3,700–$4,300
- Combined MPG
- 18–21
Complaints by model year
Where owners report problems
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Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | vs. 2003 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 4,300 | 4,050–4,300 | 3,700–4,300 | 3,700–4,300 | 4,050 | |
| Combined MPG | 18 | 18–19 | 18–21 | 18–21 | 19 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 15–16 / 22–23 | 15–17 / 22–23 | 15–18 / 23–25 | 15–18 / 22–25 | 17 / 24 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 494 | 468–494 | 423–494 | 423–494 | 468 | |
| Complaints filed | 113 | 88 | 66 | 35 | 91 | |
| Recalls issued | 7 | 4 | 7 | 4 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 11 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 7 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 2 | |
| Injuries reported | 10 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 1 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Audi A6 have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Nov 7, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2003 Audi A6?
Fuel System: 21 of 66 NHTSA complaints (32%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Audi A6 get?
EPA rates it 18–21 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Audi A6?
EPA estimates $3,700–$4,300 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (6)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $3,700 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 2.7L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 16 mpg | 23 mpg (low) | 19 mpg | $4,050 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 2.7L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 16 mpg | 23 mpg (low) | 19 mpg | $4,050 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 16 mpg | 24 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,050 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S5) | 8 | 4.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 15 mpg (low) | 23 mpg (low) | 18 mpg (low) | $4,300 (high) | 494 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Station Wagons | 16 mpg | 24 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,050 | 468 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 21 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 14 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (7)
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- 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.
- Consequence
- A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
- 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
- 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- IF FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS INTERRUPTED, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND THUS PRESENT A POTENTIAL RISK OF CRASH.
- 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).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING OR FIRE.
- 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- IF FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS INTERRUPTED, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND THUS PRESENT A POTENTIAL RISK OF CRASH.
- 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- A FIRE COULD ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT DASHBOARD AREA.
- 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- AN IMPROPERLY POSITIONED IGNITER WILL NOT ACTIVATE THE AIR BAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAGS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 18, 2002. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.