The 2003 Audi A6 is a wagon that came with a choice of 2.7L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl and 4.2L 8-cyl engines. At 23 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Midsize Cars, Midsize Station Wagons |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.7L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 4.2L 8-cyl (turbocharged versions available) |
| Transmissions | Automatic (variable gear ratios), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (S5) |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 15–18 city / 23–25 highway / 18–21 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,900–$4,550 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 423–494 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 6 configurations: A6, A6 quattro, A6 Avant quattro |
| Age | 23 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls covering the 2003 Audi A6. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
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…
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could lead to a vehicle fire.
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…
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could lead to a vehicle fire.
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.
Risk: If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash.
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with halogen low beam headlights, certain connector pins in the headlight switch connector come into contact with each other causing a short circuit. Note: vehicles with xenon low beam headlights are not affected because the circuit in these vehicles contains a fuse, which precludes excessive…
Risk: This condition could lead to overheating or fire.
On certain vehicles produced from september 2002 - march 2003, 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.
Risk: If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash.
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.
Risk: A fire could originate in the left dashboard area.
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 3-spoke sport steering wheels, it is possible that the igniter for the driver's side air bag may not have been properly assembled.
Risk: An improperly positioned igniter will not activate the air bag in the event of a crash.
Owners have filed 66 complaints about the 2003 Audi A6 with NHTSA. 1 report involved a crash and 5 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 1 injury.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Manufacturers have filed 138 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2003 Audi A6. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries.
This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
This informational bulletin explains how to order replacement VIN plates, Safety Certification Labels, etc.
This information bulletin contains instructions for technicans on how to ensure their TAC call goes smoothly.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 2003 Audi A6.
Fuel tank leak
Volkswagen (vw) is recalling certain vw passat 4motion and Audi A6 quattro and allroad quattro all-wheel drive passenger cars.vw vehicles subject to recall were manufactured from november 22, 2000 through may 31, 2005 and Audi vehicles subject to recall were manufactured from june 2, 2001 to june 1, 2005.the NHTSA reca
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 2003 A6s that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2003 Audi A6; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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