3 Star Reviews for 2003 Audi A4

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.55/5 Average
390 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The big news is the arrival of the A4 Cabriolet, a fetching drop-top version of the A4 sedan. Initially, the company will offer only one drivetrain choice -- front-wheel drive with the 3.0-liter V6 engine and continuously variable transmission. Expect to see a 1.8T version midway through the model year and a 3.0 quattro Cab by October 2003. No word yet on the possibility of a manual transmission. As if this weren't enough, Audi plans to release a coupe version of the A4 in early 2003. The rest of the A4 lineup benefits from equipment upgrades. Leather is now optional on all 1.8T models, as are 12-way power front seats. All 3.0s will come swathed in leather, with more deluxe leather optional. Previous stand-alone options for the 3.0, including xenons and satellite steering wheel controls, have been swept up into the Premium Package. A new cold weather package includes seat heaters and a ski sack, and 17-inch all-season tires are a stand-alone extra.

Pros:
  • Available all-wheel drive, classy interiors laden with amenities, stable handling.
Cons:
  • Price goes up quickly with options, engines a little short on low-end torque.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 390.00
  • Never went one day without problems - 2003 Audi A4
    By -

    Bought my 2003 A4 with 95k miles on it. It had already had the timing belt replaced. The dipstick tube cracked and broke off when I attempted to check the oil. The coolant flange on the back of the engine poured coolant constantly, and the turbo leaked oil. Even after replacing the coil packs, fuel filter, and spark plugs the engine still had a rough idle. Ended up replacing every plastic check valve under the hood to no avail. Found that the crankcase vent tube cracked and broke off causing a vacuum leak. Went to get in the car one morning after rain, and the floor was 2 inches deep in water. Took forever to fix that issue. Too many issues to list. These things are LEMONS.

  • Oil leak Problem - 2003 Audi A4
    By -

    As much fun to drive this car as, as much as the oil leakage does hurt your budget, so far I did spend close to 6000$ on this car in repairs, and yet the issue of oil leak was not fixed. and I was last called by the dealer to tell me, it needs an engine rebuild and this will cost me another 3000-4000 $ and they are not sure if it will solve the massive loss of oil ( more than a quarter of oil every 900 miles )

  • Money Burner - 2003 Audi A4
    By -

    If you are getting a warranty than its a nice car, but without a warranty you may be getting into something you can not afford in the long run. My car has the infamous sludge build up and my engine is now seized. Either pay 6,000 to replace it or get into an upside down loan for another 5 years.With that being said minus the sludge and the bad engine I did have some good time in this car.

  • Beware! Buy an Audi at your own risk! - 2003 Audi A4
    By -

    As I drove off the lot, the Xenon headlight leveling sensor warning light went on. I had to leave it overnight the first night I owned it! This was a problem that had to be fixed three times in the first year I owned it. My remote trunk release works only sporadically and Ive had to fix it three times so far...this number would be higher if I hadnt given up on fixing this problem. Ive had problems with the power window switches, power mirrors, and the memory power seats. At 3 years, the rubberized trim around the cabin began to flake off. Though no major engine disasters (so far), Ive had many other problems requiring time in the shop!

  • I wish I never bought this car! - 2003 Audi A4
    By -

    I bought my A4 in November of 2006 with 33K miles and now have 64K on it. I live in New England and wanted a 4 wheel drive sedan. In the three years I have owned the car Ive replaced the windshield wiper motor twice ($500 each) and the windshield washer pump once! Ive also had to replace the the rack and pinion steering, all 6 ignition cylinders, timing belt and water pump (Audi recommendation = $1200), brakes. Im at the point Im afraid to drive the car on any long trips and use it as little as possible. Ill be trading it in soon for a Honda Civic (going to take a hit on the trade in value and what I owe) but I just cant afford to keep the Audi.

  • Too bad they dont make it in yellow... - 2003 Audi A4
    By -

    ...becase this car is LEMON Since I purchased this car it has been towed three seperate times to the dealer for repairs. The first two times were due to faulty ignition coils. The nail in the coffin was the last time it was towed due to a spun rod bearing due to low oil pressure caused by what I was told is a not uncommon issue with the 1.8T. In addition the car has been brought half a dozen times due to other minor defects.

  • Lemonade on Wheel - 2003 Audi A4
    By -

    First of all, this is the worst car Ive ever owned. Second of all, the worst car I ever owned...now you got my point. At 57k miles replaced the CVT transmission ($8K), CV boot 4x, headlight every 3-6months, it goes on. Never will ever buy or own an Audi again, worst than Yugo and Id rather drive a Pacer.

  • Nice car, but too many problems - 2003 Audi A4
    By -

    This car is great when it is working. Unfortunately, its spent too much time in the shop. Its had engine failure (engine stalled in the middle of the street), air conditioning failure, the stereo kept going mono for the first three years, all brakepads had to be replaced, back windscreen cracked, drivers power window motor failure, alarm siren failed, indicator light failed, engine oil stick broke, sunroof didnt open/close properly- the list goes on, all within the first 5 years. I cant recommend Audi to anyone.

  • Questionable Reliability - 2003 Audi A4
    By -

    Poor acceleration for a 3.0 V6. Fuel economy is abysmal for the level of performance. Electrical problems and fuel pump failures continue to plague this vehicle. Remote transmitters quit after 20K miles. Once the warranty expires be prepared to sink thousands into the vehicle. Look elsewhere for an entry level luxury sedan.

  • A4 Review - 2003 Audi A4
    By -

    A4 is an unreliable auto. My vehicle was towed in 2 times in the first 6 months for blown coils. Headlights needed to be changed 6 times in the first year. Car is currently out of service for a blown oil pump, turbo and two cylinders. Audi would not provide a rental car and did not attempt in any way to assist. There was to be a recall on A4s for their oil pump, but was cancelled.

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