- The problem
- Volkswagen is recalling 13,900 my 1996-2003 audi a8 vehicles equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The locking cable may move out of position over time. With the locking cable out of position, the shifter can be moved out of the "park" position even if the ignition key is not in the ignition lock.
- The risk
- This could allow the vehicle to roll, causing a crash without warning.
- The fix
- Dealers will modify the automatic transmission locking cable by installing an adjusting piece that will secure the locking cable in place. The recall began on september 12, 2008. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Audi A8 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 2003 Audi A8 with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (2) and the lights (2). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in August 2008 for the automatic transmission. For comparison, the 2002 has 8 and the 2004 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical A8 year, for its age
#243 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Audi A8 problems
Share of all 8 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Audi A8 recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
8 complaints about the 2003 Audi A8
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Rear drivers coil spring failed, broke in half causing suspension to fail and damage rim/tire. Serious condition if driving at highway speeds. No warning of the failure prior. *Tr
The car has had problems with: cv joints, control arms and needed a new transmission. Now there is a recall on the transmission cable. *Tr
A hard turn and quick acceleration to avoid an accident lead to power failure to the wheels, and the check engine light came on. I brought the car to the dealership and the code read "slipping torque converter" the car had only 79,000 miles at the time of this occurrence. Thankfully no one was injured. Audi repair facility told me the torque converter needs to be replaced, the cost would be $900.00 For the part and $2,000.00 For labor. The repairs have yet to be made due to the extensive price for a faulty part and labor. The part is not covered under warranty. *Tr
My 2003 audi all road has a continual pull to the right. It will not drive straight for more than 5-8 seconds at a time, on most road surfaces. I have taken the car in for repairs four times in 3400 miles. Each time the car was out of alignment and had to be adjusted. The service manager suggests that the car is performing to factory specifications, but it still has a pull to the right. *La
The sidewall ruptured on a goodyear wrangler f1, 225/55r17 tire. *Jb
While driving, the vehicle experienced an explosion and check engine light illuminated and there were loud noises coming from under the vehicle and parts of the vehicle were on the ground. The car then was towed to the dealership, and they claimed the vehicle was involved in some type of impact which caused the explosion to occur, and audi was not responsible for damages. The dealership failed to find the proper reason for explosion. The consumer had to purchase a rental car at her own expense to have a vehicle. *Mr *cb *jb
The blinding bright headlights on some new cars are dangerous. I flash my brights at them thinking that is the problem. If car manufacturers continue to put them on new cars, will they be liable for accidents caused by the blinding light? *Jb
Please add my name to the list of drivers that are adamantly opposed to the new blue/purple headlights many of the new luxury cars are featuring. The light is piercing and a danger to night time traffic. These new lights are even distracting during daylight. I believe that cars equipped with these blue/purple headlights should be recalled and the headlights replaced. They are a definite hazard to other vehicles. *Nlm
Audi A8: every year compared
All A8 years2003 Audi A8 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Audi A8 | 8 | 1 | B | |
| 2003 Audi A4 Cabriolet | 215 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Audi A4 | 215 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Audi A4 Avant | 215 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Audi Allroad | 85 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Audi A6 | 71 | 7 | D | Compare |
| 2003 Audi RS6 | 48 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Audi TT | 18 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Audi S4 | 6 | 1 | D | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Audi A8
Does the 2003 Audi A8 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Audi A8: automatic transmission (August 2008). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Audi A8?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (2), lights (2), steering (1).
How many complaints has the 2003 Audi A8 had?
8 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 16, 2003 and the latest on January 23, 2012. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Audi A8 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 61 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Audi A8 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Audi A8 years have the most complaints?
2013 (50), 2015 (32), 2014 (18). See every Audi A8 year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Audi A8 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data