2002 Audi A4 recalls & problems

2 recalls 181 complaints

2recalls
181owner complaints
13crashes reported
6fires reported
6 / 0injuries / deaths

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2002 Audi A4 and 181 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is electrical system (79 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (29). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.

2002 Audi A4 recalls

Air Bags · NHTSA 21V470000 · Jun 23, 2021

Problem: 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.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the air bag may not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.

Fix: Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69CJ.

62,812 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA 14E007000 · Mar 7, 2014

Problem: 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…

Risk: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.

50 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

2002 Audi A4 problems by component

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System 79
050
Engine and Engine Cooling 29
100
Exterior Lighting 17
010
Power Train 16
110
Visibility 11
010
Equipment 9
011
Air Bags 8
503
Tires 7
101
Engine 5
010
Suspension 5
100
Seats 5
010
Fuel System, Gasoline 4
000
Unknown or Other 4
010
Vehicle Speed Control 4
200
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 3
300
Wheels 3
000
Seat Belts 2
101
Steering 2
010
Fuel/Propulsion System 2
000
Parking Brake 1
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages 1
000
Fuel System, Other 1
000

Latest owner complaints

Exterior Lighting · Nov 25, 2020 · 370,000 miles · PA · fire

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.

Engine · Nov 25, 2020 · 370,000 miles · PA · fire

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.

Seat Belts · Aug 26, 2020 · 193,897 miles · VA · crash · 1 injured

I slid off a wet curvy down hill road and slammed into an embankment. Went unconscious and woke with a large laceration to back of head. Saw that the passenger airbags exploded but none for driver's side. Seatbelt on driver's side tighten so tight could strangled me if I was wearing it. Have video of malfunctioning seatbelt and airbag

Air Bags · Aug 26, 2020 · 193,897 miles · VA · crash · 1 injured

I slid off a wet curvy down hill road and slammed into an embankment. Went unconscious and woke with a large laceration to back of head. Saw that the passenger airbags exploded but none for driver's side. Seatbelt on driver's side tighten so tight could strangled me if I was wearing it. Have video of malfunctioning seatbelt and airbag

Unknown or Other · Feb 7, 2019 · 144,678 miles · NY

When it rains water gets in the car on the driver side now my window dont come down are up

Engine · Dec 7, 2018 · 150,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 audi a4. The contact heard a ticking noise coming from the timing belt. Audi brooklyn (665 65TH st, brooklyn, ny 11220, (833) 448-2449) was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 150,000. The VIN was unknown.

Electrical System · Apr 17, 2018 · 106,000 miles · AZ

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.

Wheels · Apr 17, 2018 · 106,000 miles · AZ

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 17, 2018 · 106,000 miles · AZ

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.

Engine · Mar 23, 2018 · 89,000 miles · GA

While driving on a city street, the wheel steering suddenly blocked and it was not possible to steer the vehicle to the left nor to the right. Managed to stop the vehicle on the street shoulder. Diagnostic at the body shop: power steering belt broken and even missing. Need replacement.

Engine · Mar 23, 2018 · 90,000 miles · GA

While driving on the city street, the engine overheated and smoke came out. Stopped vehicle on the side road to see what's happening. Drove after engine has cooled off to the next body shop. Diagnostic: engine cooling is leaking, water pump is defect. Timing belt will be affected if not replaced as well.

Suspension · Jan 20, 2015 · 134,000 miles · WA · crash

I bought a car from a used car dealer in renton wa. After about a year went by I noticed that I haven't received the title. Called the dealer and they told me I have to contact dmv. Talked to a person in the renton office and twice to the covington office. They told me I have to pay a 39 dollar charge to get a title. Decided to maybe trade the car in and found out the frame…

Other Audi A4 years

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Audi A4 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 2002 Audi A4, the most recent one (21V470000) for air bags. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Audi A4?

Based on 181 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are electrical system (79), engine and engine cooling (29), exterior lighting (17).

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2002 Audi A4?

Owners reported 13 crashes, 6 fires, 6 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.