- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could lead to a vehicle fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will reinforce the nipple on the rollover valve to prevent leakage or repair the cracking at the nipple. The recall is expected to begin during june 2011. Owners may contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Audi S6 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2003 Audi S6 with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (2). It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in May 2011 for the tank assembly. For comparison, the 2002 has 0 and the 2004 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical S6 year, for its age
#342 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Audi S6 problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Audi S6 recalls 2
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
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, if a driver's knees push against the knee bolster (crash element) located under the dashboard, it can contact the headlight switch wiring harness, and an electrical short could occur.
- The risk
- A fire could originate in the left dashboard area.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a protective covering on the knee bolster (crash element). In addition, the wiring harness as well as the felt protector on the left side of the dashboard carrier will be checked, and replaced if necessary. The recall began on july 26, 2004. Owners should contact audi at 1-800-822-2834.
What owners say
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2 complaints about the 2003 Audi S6
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
The contact owns a 2003 Audi S6. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle in the driveway, gasoline was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was then repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V267000 (Fuel System, Other); however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed with fuel tank failure. The contact was informed that the part was discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.
Pursuant to outstanding recall repair: Fuel tank leaks substantially when filled over 1/2 tank. Zimbrick Audi of Madison, WI confirms symptom, and confirms that fuel tank needs to be replaced pursuant to faulty rollover valve nipple. Audi of America is not currently offering a resolution as they claim replacement fuel tank is no longer available. The car has been unavailable to me for over a week. There is no resolution in sight.
Audi S6: every year compared
All S6 years2003 Audi S6 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Audi S6 | 2 | 2 | D | |
| 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 A8 | 8 | 1 | B | 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 S6
Does the 2003 Audi S6 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Audi S6: tank assembly (May 2011); electrical system (March 2004). 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 S6?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (2).
How many complaints has the 2003 Audi S6 had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 1, 2021 and the latest on August 4, 2026. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Audi S6 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 39 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Audi S6 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 S6 years have the most complaints?
1995 (20), 2003 (2), 1996 (1). See every Audi S6 year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Audi S6 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