Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Audi A4 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The coolant light came on after I replaced coil packs and I stopped to look wasn't leaking anywhere. Drove to work and it caught on fire due to overheating I guess not really sure. I was driving a car on fire down a highway and didn't even know it. I stopped to take a left turn into work and smoke stared billowing out and around the entire car. Other drivers couldn't see me or nothing I could have been in an accident. The fire department checked the car out sort of and it's in a mechanics shop now. Trying to figure it out. Oil light was on and that's it. AN then the coolant light would kick on and off. Nothing else after I changed the coil packs. And it was well after I did that.
The contact owns a 2003 Audi A4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a fuel odor was detected. The contact parked the vehicle and noticed there was fuel leaking on the rear driver's side. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the fuel pump flange and hoses needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would cover the part replacement. The failure mileage was 143,839.
Forgot to install c clip on temp sensor on radiator hose which popped out causing major engine damage and blown head gasket which was denied for many months. In oct. 08 they forgot to tighten bracket which caused wires to smoke and fire.aug 08-trimmed serpentine belt rather than replaced and car stopped running in middle of interstate. Sept 09 replaced oil pan but forgot to put plug back oct 08 oil residue on damper they threw out and did not replace. They forgot to put bolts back on sub frame and miracle I was not killed. This caused axle problems. When they replaced bolts they did not have bushings in stock and they released car without these bushings which is a safety violation. When bushings came in they refused to work on our vehicle and we had to go to different mechanic. They told us we needed timing belt when the headgasket was blown. …
I own a 2003 Audi A4 1.8 . I was driving my car and pulled into a parking space while adjusting my car to the space, the engine cut off and when I turned the key to restart the engine nothing happened. I had the car towed to the dealer only to be told it was the fuel pump. When I was told this I immediately went online to research what could cause this only to discover that there was a recall on the fuel pump. I called the number given for the recall only to be told that my car was not one on the recall list. I then went on line to consumer affairs to see if there was any complaints about this problem only to find that there were several with fuel pump complaints and was given the same reason. The car could have cut off in traffic or while I was driving if I did not pull into a parking space, creating a safety hazard or causing an accident. …
Reference: NHTSA campaign id number: 07V375000 & 06V017000 I have an Audi A4 and it experienced a "pull back/stalling" issue about a year ago when my wife and daughter were on a trip to visit a college in arkansas. This happened on a busy road that is heavily traveled by commercial trucks. The car was towed from oklahoma to plano texas to an Audi dealership. They put the car through a diagnosis and nothing was found. This problem recurred this week on April 1, 2009. Instead of taking it to Audi, I took it to a local service repair shop. The mechanics/technicians there stated the issue was the fuel pump called out the recalls mentioned above. When I researched these recalls the vehicles covered were only those manufactured through April of 3003. …
I purchased a brand new 03 Audi a4t quattro in June of 03. The dealer is great and thank god they value their customers because my car has given them alot practice on everything. I think Germany sent us a dud! Since buying the car I have needed various items replaced: a new computer, (replaced by the dealer), a new fuel system was needed because my car stalled in the left lane of a highway while driving in the middle of nowhere (later recalled by Audi but after I needed to be towed and have the cpmponent fixed along with other items supposedly attached to the sytem), and most recently 2 separate problems that have not yet been fixed but have occurred within 1100 miles of each other. …
On 9/21/2009, my car was diagnosed with a fuel pump failure causing a constant moaning noise by the keys Audi dealership service in van nuys. I was told that the fuel pump is increasingly failing to distribute the fuel into the engine and will eventually stop fully functioning. In search of more information on the diagnosis, I have found a recall report on certain vehicles matching my car model, year, and engine type with similar problems that could present a risk of crash. However, Audi denied that my car is qualified for the replacement of the fuel pump free of charge. I am, on the other hand , suspicious of negligence on the part of Audi in full compliance for a recovery of such a vital defect that cause a stoppage a blood flow, in essence, in to a highly regarded Audi engine which falsely relied upon by the unfortunate loyal Audi customers like me. …
2003 Audi A4. 1.8 l turbo. While in traffic fuel pump failed and car stalled. Audi has issued previously a recall for fuel pumps in 2003 a4s. However, I was told production date on my car is outside of date range of recall. Date range should be expanded. Recall information is provided below. Recall date: aug 28, 2007 model affected: 2003 Audi A4 summary: 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 [phone] or Audi at [phone]. …
I own a 2003 Audi A4 1.8t quattro. My car has suffered a fuel pump failure twice, both documented. The first time at approximately 20K miles, the second time at approx. 70K miles with which I paid to repair. I noticed that my car make and model has two current outstanding recalls related to this same problem (NHTSA campaign id number : 06V017000 and 07V375000). When I called Audi service to inquire about a reimbursement for repair costs, I was told that my VIN# was not included in the recall and therefore, a reimbursement was not possible. Fuel pump failures are not typical. Two failures in the same car within 50K miles of each other are even less likely and I feel are indicative of a manufacturing defect, especially when two recalls already exist for the same part in the same car. …
In March 2009, I heard some loud noises from the area over the fuel tank. I took it to my mechanic and they could not identify as it was intermittent. They finally determined that it was the fuel filter and it would need replaced but not urgently. A couple of days later, the car stalled and would not restart. Luckily it stalled as I turned into the grocery store parking lot. I had it towed and it was determined that the fuel pump had failed. My mechanic was surprised as it was unusual that it would fail as the car had on 47K miles. The pump and filter were replaced. I was not made aware that there was a recall and it appears that my particular vehicle was not part of the recall, but I am suspicious as I recently read about the recall through the NHTSA through my progressive insurance. …
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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.
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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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.
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.
Fuel System complaints in other A4 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2003 Audi A4?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2003 Audi A4, 24% of the model year's 210 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › fuel pump (29 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Audi A4 fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 07V-375 (fuel pump, Aug 28, 2007); NHTSA recall 06V-017 (fuel pump, Jan 23, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Audi A4 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.