2003 Audi S6: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
2 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
176,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2003 model year. Data snapshot: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Fuel System, Other is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 2 complaints (50.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel system concerns | 2 | 100.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Fuel System, Other | 1 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
Fuel System, Other: 1; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 1
150,000 and above miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 1 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2021: 1; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Fuel System, Other leads the component reports. Fuel system concerns appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11431407 · 2021-09-01 (September 1, 2021)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11431407 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11754771 · 2026-08-04 (August 4, 2026)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. 176,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11754771 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
2 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
04V133000 · Electrical System
Reported: 2004-03-18 (March 18, 2004)
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.
Consequence: A FIRE COULD ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT DASHBOARD AREA.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗11V267000 · Fuel System, Other:Storage:Tank Assembly
Reported: 2011-05-03 (May 3, 2011)
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.
Consequence: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗