2003 Audi RS6: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 43 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is suspension (72% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2011
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2003 Audi RS6. The contact stated that after adding fuel to the vehicle, he noticed that fuel had leaked, and there was a puddle of fuel on the ground on the rear driver's side of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred routinely when adding fuel in the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V267000 (Fuel System, Other) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Nov 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 audi rs6. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking and was difficult to maneuver without warning. The failure occurred on the daily basis. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the front and back shocks absorber, the tubing and the valve needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 audi rs6. The contact stated that while driving over a bump at approximately 20 mph, the vehicle bounced violently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who informed the contact that the hydraulic system was leaking. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under a voluntary recall issued by the manufacturer pertaining to the suspension system. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“Check engine light came on. Investigation revealed that the torque converter was malfunctioning. This resulted in needing to replace the torque converter. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2011
“Fuel tank leak- the plastic roll over valve of the fuel tank cracks and leaks fuel. I am now on my 4th gas tank since I have owned the car new in jan/04. The gas tank was replaced as recommended on each incident. The repair is a significant repair job due to the location of the fuel tank. My first repair was at 47k miles, second repair at 87k miles, and most recent at 132k miles. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2010
“After filing the gas tank there is gas leaking on the driver's side in front of the rear tire. Mechanic suspects the fuel tank rollover valve. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2009
“I would smell fuel whenever filled tank above 3/4th's. Had personal mechanic check it out, determined it was the roll over valve on the fuel tank. Called audi of america, which stated vehicle was still covered under cpo warranty. Brought to audi dealer who replaced the fuel tank and related parts. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 2009
“Drc unit (shock/suspension unit) in vehicle is problematic and will have to be replaced. I understand that this is a very common occurrence in this type of vehicle that audi has not attended to. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2008
“Audi rs6 dynamic response control (suspension/struts/hydraulics) failure after 80 miles. Failure first time in 28k mile car. Based on national survey, audi is running a 50% or greater failure rate in this critical component in this expensive car and is not paying for replacements nor redesigning. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2008
“The dynamic ride control (drc) failed in my car, and I understand it frequently fails in this type of car. It has jumpy handling and sidestepping over bumps on the interstate. Rounding curves at speed over expansion joints is plain dangerous when the drc fails. The car bounces, wheels lose contact and car sidesteps. Obviously the fact that it repeatedly fails in these cars is the issue. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2008
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
Check your exact RS6 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Audi RS6 reliable?
NHTSA has 43 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Audi RS6. The most complained-about area is suspension (72% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Audi RS6 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 44,500 miles or less.
Does the 2003 Audi RS6 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.