NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 189 owner complaints for the 2002 Audi A4. Most complaints involve electrical system (76) and engine and engine cooling (29). The EPA rates it 18–23 mpg combined.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2000-2001 Audi TT Coupe, TT Roadster, 2000-2002 A4, and S4 vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver Air Bag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
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 in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each A4 model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 92 |
| 1997 | 99 |
| 1998 | 258 |
| 1999 | 190 |
| 2000 | 96 |
| 2001 | 130 |
| 2002 | 189 |
| 2003 | 215 |
| 2004 | 189 |
| 2005 | 219 |
| 2006 | 298 |
| 2008 | 191 |
| 2009 | 144 |
| 2010 | 64 |
| 2011 | 42 |
| 2012 | 45 |
| 2013 | 111 |
| 2014 | 76 |
| 2015 | 44 |
| 2016 | 26 |
| 2017 | 83 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 158 |
“TAKATA RECALL; FUEL PUMP WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING CAUSING CAR TO STOP AND ALMOST LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. (CA ELECTRIC COMPONENTS DO NOT ALWAYS WORK, WINDOW IS A BIG ONE. WHEELS ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED WITHIN SIX MONTHS AND THE AXEL APPEARS TO CAUSE WHEEL DAMAGE. CONSTANT LEAKS SUCH AS COOLENT.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD CONSTANTLY OVERHEAT WITHOUT PROPER WARNING. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE RADIATOR AND THERMOSTAT, BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITHIN THE ENGINE, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE SPECIFIC CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY THE DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.”
“2002 AUDI A4 WITH 370K BURNED A BIT OF OIL WHICH WAS FINE CLEANED THE ENGINE OUT WITH CLEANERS IT SMOKED A BIT WHICH IS NORMAL.. HEADLIGHTS STARTED FLICKERING 'HIDS' SO I PARKED IT. 3 DAYS LATER I GO TO TAKE THE CAR ON A TEST DRIVE AND THE DRIVERS HEADLIGHT LIT ON FIRE ! NOT SURE IF IT WAS A HEADLIGHT ISSUE OR A WIRING ISSUE.. INSURANCE WILL NOT COVER IT.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A4 Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,450 | 386 |
| A4 Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| A4 Avant quattro Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| A4 quattro Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,800 | 423 |
| A4 Avant quattro Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $4,000 | 444 |
| A4 quattro Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $4,000 | 444 |
| A4 Auto (variable gear ratios), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 19 | $4,200 | 468 |
| A4 Avant quattro Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
| A4 Avant quattro Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
| A4 quattro Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
| A4 quattro Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | $4,400 | 494 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 189 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (76), engine and engine cooling (29), exterior lighting (18). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2002 Audi A4 at 18–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (11 versions rated).