2003 Audi A8 problems
The Audi A8 is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Audi since 1994. Succeeding the Audi V8, and now in its fourth generation, the A8 has been offered with both front- or permanent all-wheel drive—and in short- and long-wheelbase variants. The first two generations employed the Volkswagen Group D platform, with the current generation deriving from the MLB platform. After the original model's 1994 release, Audi released the second generation in late 2002, the third in late 2009, and the fourth and current iteration in 2017. Noted as the first mass-market car with an aluminium chassis, all A8 models have used this construction method co-developed with Alcoa and marketed as the Audi Space Frame.
A mechanically upgraded, high-performance version of the A8 debuted in 1996 as the Audi S8. Produced exclusively at Audi's Neckarsulm plant, the S8 is fitted standard with Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system. The S8 was only offered with a short-wheelbase for the first three generations, being joined by a long-wheelbase variant for the fourth generation.
D2 (Typ 4D; 1994–2002)
Development
In 1982, Ferdinand Piëch signed an agreement with Aluminum Company of America. The objective was to design and develop a car that would be substantially lighter than any other vehicles in its class (to compensate for the fact that standard all-wheel drive was around 100 kg (220 lb) heavier than competitors' rear-wheel drive). In the late 1980s, it was decided that the target vehicle would be a successor to the V8 (Typ 4C) flagship introduced in 1988. By 1990, a final design by Chris Bird and Dirk van Braeckel was chosen and frozen for series production in mid-1991. In September 1993, the Audi Space Frame (ASF) Concept was unveiled at the 1993 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) as a D2 Typ 4D prototype in polished aluminum. Pilot production began in December 1993 and development ended in early 1994, at a total cost of $700 million (£418.1 million).
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Common 2003 Audi A8 problems
The Audi A8, a luxury sedan produced by the German automaker, has been praised for its sleek design and advanced technology. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its common problems. This article will focus on the 2003 Audi A8 and its most frequently reported issues based on owner complaints.
Faulty Control Module: The Audi A8's air suspension is managed by an electronic control module, a small computer that interprets signals from the car's sensors to regulate air pressure in the suspension system.
Leaky Air Springs: The A8's air springs, which are made of flexible materials like plastic or rubber, can wear out prematurely due to their role in bearing the car's weight over time.
Punctures or Tears in the Air Lines: The A8's air suspension system relies on pneumatic air lines made of flexible plastic or rubber tubing to transport pressurized air from the compressor to the air springs.
These common problems with the 2003 Audi A8 can significantly impact the vehicle's performance and ride quality. Regular inspections and prompt addressing of issues are crucial to maintaining the A8's luxury experience.
Is buying a used Audi A8 a good idea?
Audi A8: The Audi A8 is one of the most dependable full-size luxury sedans on the used car market. It also impresses with its powerful engine, outstanding fuel economy, and upscale interior.
Is the Audi A8 a reliable car?
According to whatcar.com, the Audi A8 has a decent reputation for reliability. Some years are terrible, but most come out about average. According to audicomplaints.com, the Audi A8 ranks 7th out of 19 Audi models. It's far from the worst, but it's not even close to the best.
How long do Audi A8 engines last?
Audis can go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained.
What are the common issues with Audi A8 d3?
Audi A8 Common Problems and Solutions
- Water in Footwell. Problem: ...
- Timing Chain Rattle. Problem: ...
- Electronic handbrake problems. Problem: ...
- Air temperature sensor failure. Problem: ...
- MMI (Multi Media Interface) problems. Problem: ...
- Door micro switch failure. Problem: ...
- Loss of Power Steering. Problem: ...
- Bumpy Driving. Problem:
Is an Audi A8 a reliable car?
According to whatcar.com, the Audi A8 has a decent reputation for reliability. Some years are terrible, but most come out about average. According to audicomplaints.com, the Audi A8 ranks 7th out of 19 Audi models. It's far from the worst, but it's not even close to the best.
Is buying a used Audi A8 a good idea?
Audi A8: The Audi A8 is one of the most dependable full-size luxury sedans on the used car market. It also impresses with its powerful engine, outstanding fuel economy, and upscale interior.
How long do Audi A8 engines last?
How Many Miles Does an Audi Last? Audis can go up to 200,000 miles or 20 years without major repairs when they're properly maintained.
Is Audi A8 expensive to maintain?
Maintenance and repair costs for an Audi A8 will amount to $2,843 after 5 years.
2003 Audi A8 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Audi A8 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Suspension problems
- Steering problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Audi A8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2003 Audi A8 complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Audi A8.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-01-23
- VIN: WAUML44D53N
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: REAR DRIVERS COIL SPRING FAILED, BROKE IN HALF CAUSING SUSPENSION TO FAIL AND DAMAGE RIM/TIRE. SERIOUS CONDITION IF DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. NO WARNING OF THE FAILURE PRIOR. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-10-10
- VIN: WAUML44D83N
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH: CV JOINTS, CONTROL ARMS AND NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. NOW THERE IS A RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION CABLE. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-11-05
- VIN: WAULT64B63N
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: A HARD TURN AND QUICK ACCELERATION TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT LEAD TO POWER FAILURE TO THE WHEELS, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE CODE READ "SLIPPING TORQUE CONVERTER" THE CAR HAD ONLY 79,000 MILES AT THE TIME OF THIS OCCURRENCE. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS INJURED. AUDI REPAIR FACILITY TOLD ME THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, THE COST WOULD BE $900.00 FOR THE PART AND $2,000.00 FOR LABOR. THE REPAIRS HAVE YET TO BE MADE DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE PRICE FOR A FAULTY PART AND LABOR. THE PART IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-13
- VIN: WA1YD64B13N
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: MY 2003 AUDI ALL ROAD HAS A CONTINUAL PULL TO THE RIGHT. IT WILL NOT DRIVE STRAIGHT FOR MORE THAN 5-8 SECONDS AT A TIME, ON MOST ROAD SURFACES. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN FOR REPAIRS FOUR TIMES IN 3400 MILES. EACH TIME THE CAR WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND HAD TO BE ADJUSTED. THE SERVICE MANAGER SUGGESTS THAT THE CAR IS PERFORMING TO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS, BUT IT STILL HAS A PULL TO THE RIGHT. *LA
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-01
- VIN: WA1YD64B93N
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE SIDEWALL RUPTURED ON A GOODYEAR WRANGLER F1, 225/55R17 TIRE. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-05
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN EXPLOSION AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THERE WERE LOUD NOISES COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE AND PARTS OF THE VEHICLE WERE ON THE GROUND. THE CAR THEN WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY CLAIMED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN SOME TYPE OF IMPACT WHICH CAUSED THE EXPLOSION TO OCCUR, AND AUDI WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES. THE DEALERSHIP FAILED TO FIND THE PROPER REASON FOR EXPLOSION. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE A RENTAL CAR AT HER OWN EXPENSE TO HAVE A VEHICLE. *MR *CB *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-17
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE BLINDING BRIGHT HEADLIGHTS ON SOME NEW CARS ARE DANGEROUS. I FLASH MY BRIGHTS AT THEM THINKING THAT IS THE PROBLEM. IF CAR MANUFACTURERS CONTINUE TO PUT THEM ON NEW CARS, WILL THEY BE LIABLE FOR ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY THE BLINDING LIGHT? *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-14
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: PLEASE ADD MY NAME TO THE LIST OF DRIVERS THAT ARE ADAMANTLY OPPOSED TO THE NEW BLUE/PURPLE HEADLIGHTS MANY OF THE NEW LUXURY CARS ARE FEATURING. THE LIGHT IS PIERCING AND A DANGER TO NIGHT TIME TRAFFIC. THESE NEW LIGHTS ARE EVEN DISTRACTING DURING DAYLIGHT. I BELIEVE THAT CARS EQUIPPED WITH THESE BLUE/PURPLE HEADLIGHTS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND THE HEADLIGHTS REPLACED. THEY ARE A DEFINITE HAZARD TO OTHER VEHICLES. *NLM
2003 Audi A8 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2003 Audi A8.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 13,900 MY 1996-2003 AUDI A8 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE LOCKING CABLE MAY MOVE OUT OF POSITION OVER TIME. WITH THE LOCKING CABLE OUT OF POSITION, THE SHIFTER CAN BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION EVEN IF THE IGNITION KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION LOCK.
- Consequence: THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL, CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LOCKING CABLE BY INSTALLING AN ADJUSTING PIECE THAT WILL SECURE THE LOCKING CABLE IN PLACE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Negative 2003 Audi A8 car reviews
Positive 2003 Audi A8 car reviews
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Driving this car is a lot of fun and it definitely turns heads. However, it is important to note that Audis, including this model, may require some expensive repairs. It is common for these cars to develop oil leaks after about three or four years, which can be costly to fix due to high labor rates. Despite this, if you have some experience with car repairs, this car can be a great bargain.
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I took this car for a test drive and I just had to have it. The 310 HP V8 is absolutely awesome - it's powerful, smooth and very quiet. I can cruise at 90-100 mph and I can barely hear the engine running.
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You're going to love the ride on this car! The body is well-proportioned and offers a smooth and comfortable ride. The steering is precise and the corners are a breeze. Plus, the engine has great low-end torque and plenty of power. And let's not forget about the excellent brakes!
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Absolutely the best luxury car on the market. If you know, you own an A8. I have owned a 740i and this car excels in every way the BMW could not.
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I've driven Mercedes, Lexus, BMW's, Cadillac's, and although some of them had more gadgets, more power or were more quiet, none of them felt as solid and rigid as the 2001 Audi A8. Personally, I find the rarity of this vehicle to be a big plus, and that is complemented by a solid ride, above-average comfort, and very acceptable performance for such a heavy car, not to mention the Quattro, which shines in every aspect. While its fuel economy is not great, it's important to note that most cars in this category give no more than 15 mpg. This car may not be a rocket or turn on a dime, but whatever performance number it reaches, it does so in a very smooth and effortless way. Additionally, it comes with a warranty until 2007 or 100,000 miles. Thank you for considering the 2001 Audi A8!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Audi A8 problems:
Maintance and Common Problems - AudiForums.com
Sep 5, 2008 ... 3. Unfortunately both the 3.7 and 4.2L D2 A8 have transmission problems. Most commonly with the reverse gear which will prevent you from backing ...
2005 Audi A8 L Reliability : r/Audi
Jul 4, 2022 ... 2005 Audi A8 L Reliability. So I'm looking to purchase an A8L that has just under 100,000 miles on it. I am as much concerned about ...
Reliability of a 1997 Audi A8 4.2 Quattro | Audi-Sport.net
Oct 24, 2003 ... Registered User. Joined: Sep 11, 2003. Messages: 78. Reaction score: 0. Points: 6.
2004 A8L common problems??
Mar 29, 2019 ... 2004 A8L common problems?? Thread: 2004 A8L ... 2003 RS 6 - AMD ECU/TCU tune, Wagner ... Audi's, Porsche's, Mercedes, fast shipping and cheap.
Audi a8 d4 common problems - AudiWorld Forums
Aug 23, 2021 ... A8 / S8 (D4 Platform) Discussion - Audi a8 d4 common problems - Hello I'm new to this forums, I am willing to get an 2015-2016 Audi a8 3.0 ...
Other years of Audi A8
Are you having problems with your 2003 Audi A8?
Cyril Beahan 2024-09-06
Since leasing this vehicle on 2/1/03, it has unfortunately been in the shop three times for various problems. On the very first day, the tire pressure warning light came on (which was ultimately resolved by replacing the tire pressure sensors). I also experienced a faulty fuel gauge, which led to running out of gas while the gauge read 1/3 full (the fuel gauge sender was ultimately replaced). After picking up the car from the shop the second time, the check engine light came on the very next day. The car would not hold an idle and died unless I kept my foot on the gas (the instrument cluster was replaced). Lastly, the navigation system shorted out (which was resolved by replacing the navigation CD assembly).
Javonte Koss 2024-04-13
The car has had multiple issues, including rattling and electronic failures. Despite attempts to fix the problems, they persist. Audi has not provided any assistance in resolving these issues, even after speaking with high-level customer service personnel. Overall, I would not recommend purchasing this car.
Walter Simonis 2024-02-24
Your vehicle has been a constant source of satisfaction from both a design and function point of view. The Quattro is simply amazing, especially when you live on top of a mountain in NE. Your car gets many looks and is both classy and understated, yet luxurious, especially with the rear and side shades up. The formula shifting and 310 HP make it a powerful and luxurious vehicle. It's a shame that Audi can't engineer a car that's as reliable as it is enjoyable.
Larue Franecki 2024-02-20
To be in the big league price category, you deserve a reliable and well-riding automobile. Unfortunately, my A8L did not meet my expectations. The brakes had to be replaced four times in just 50,000 miles, and the navigation system had to be replaced as well. The tire pressure monitor never worked properly, so I had to disconnect it. Additionally, the timing chain had to be replaced at 51,000 miles. The noise level was quite high, and I used to think a window was open. Even now, I still have the same impression. The suspension was also not up to par, as my son's Civic takes bumps and curves better. However, I hope that my experience can help improve the quality of future models.