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2002 Audi A4 problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Audi A4 is electrical system, typically around 9,500 miles. It has 3.2 times the complaints of a typical A4 model year.

Year to avoid3.2x the typical complaints
Year score
30/100
Owner complaints
181
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
149
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
18-23mpg

The worst 2002 Audi A4 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Audi A4

Headlights 18Check engine light 14Loss of power 14Stalling 13Engine failure 11Wipers 8Hesitation 7Fire or smoke 6Misfire 6Transmission failure 5

Recalls 1

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported June 23, 2021 · 62,812 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 21V470000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2002 Audi A4

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Audi A4 149

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 149 bulletins for the 2002 Audi A4

2002 Audi A4 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.8L 4‑cylFWD18-2026-2921-23
1.8L 4‑cyl4WD17-182620-21
3.0L 6‑cylFWD172519
3.0L 6‑cyl4WD15-162318

What 2002 Audi A4 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 25, 2020 · Engine, Lights · 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.

Filed Aug 26, 2020 · Airbags, Seat belts · 193,897 miles · VA · crash · 1 injury

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

Filed 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

Filed Dec 7, 2018 · Engine · 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.

Filed Apr 17, 2018 · Electrical, Fuel system · 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.

Filed Mar 23, 2018 · Engine · 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.

Filed Mar 23, 2018 · Engine · 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.

Filed Jan 20, 2015 · Suspension · 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 was bent. I already spent 1200 dollars for parts missing on the car. Now another part is ad at another 1500 dollars to make the air work. Apparently the car had been crashed and picked back together just to off it. Complained a out parts missing and they agreed to give me 400 dollars for the first problem. Never did see the money. I would like to have a total refund of the difference from what they gave me for the car after the 25000 dollars they gave me for the truck load I traded in.

Filed Jan 13, 2015 · Tires · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 audi a4 equipped with bridgestone potenza tires, size: 225/45r17. While parked, it was noticed that the front passenger side tire had tread separation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the tire was replaced. The contact also stated that the front driver side tire was replaced previously for the same failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The tire and vehicle failure mileage was not available. The dot number and VIN were not available.

Filed Sep 29, 2014 · Fuel system · CA

Incident happened on the day shown above I was running errands car was working well through out the day it was when I went to pick my husband up from work I stopped at an intersection when traffic light turned green I stepped on the gas pedal and that's when it started chugging and choking and did not want to go more than 30mph and suddenly it just shut down we were able to pull over to the side of the road when we tried turning on the car again it felt heavy and sluggish failed to start. Left car over night locked and alarm on we always pump 91 chevron gasoline and keep up with 5k oil changes hired a indy mechanic and instantly notice the fuel pump was not activating please help.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2002 Audi A4 before you buy

Compare the 2002 Audi A4

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2002 Audi A4

Is the 2002 Audi A4 reliable?

Owners have filed 181 complaints about the 2002 Audi A4, 3.2 times a typical A4 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2002 Audi A4 year score?

The 2002 Audi A4 scores 30 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Audi A4: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Audi A4?

Electrical system, with 76 complaints, typically around 9,500 miles. Next is engine (33).

How many recalls does the 2002 Audi A4 have?

1 recall, covering air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Audi A4 get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Audi A4 range from 18 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 18-20 city and 26-29 highway.

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