NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 71 owner complaints for the 2003 Audi A6. Most complaints involve fuel system, gasoline (16) and electrical system (14). The EPA rates it 18–21 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each A6 model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 54 |
| 1997 | 21 |
| 1998 | 130 |
| 1999 | 217 |
| 2000 | 148 |
| 2001 | 113 |
| 2002 | 103 |
| 2003 | 71 |
| 2004 | 35 |
| 2006 | 67 |
| 2007 | 53 |
| 2008 | 71 |
| 2009 | 21 |
| 2010 | 17 |
| 2011 | 21 |
| 2012 | 60 |
| 2013 | 52 |
| 2014 | 41 |
| 2015 | 22 |
| 2016 | 51 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2026 | 9 |
“AT TIMES WHEN DRIVING THE CAR THE ACCELERATION BECOMES SLOW AND IT STALLS WITH A JERK LIKE IT'S GOING TO JUST STOP ALSO, WHEN THE CAR IS PUT IN REVERSE GEAR IT WILL NOT MOVE. I AM STUCK. THE PRND FLASHING ON THE DASHBOARD. I BECOME AFRAID BECAUSE THIS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS.”
“FAILED CT EMISSIONS TEST. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. CONFIRMED CODE TO BE P0741. INFORMED BY AUTHORIZED TECHNICIAN THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER REQUIRES REPLACEMENT. *TR”
“TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SHUDDER AND SOMETIMES THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT GOES TO NEUTRAL WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED, ENGINE REVS AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO STOP. PRND DISPLAY ON DASHBOARD IS BLINKING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. FAULT CODE SHOWS FAILURE ON TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. *TR”
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A6 Auto (variable gear ratios), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,600 | 423 |
| A6 Avant quattro Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,950 | 468 |
| A6 quattro Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,950 | 468 |
| A6 quattro Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,950 | 468 |
| A6 quattro Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,950 | 468 |
| A6 quattro Auto (S5), 8 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | $4,200 | 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 |
7 safety recalls as of Nov 12, 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 71 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel system, gasoline (16), electrical system (14), power train (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2003 Audi A6 at 18–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).