2002 Audi A4 Problems

Above Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2002 Audi A4. Part of Generation 2 (B6) — 2002–2005.

20012003
Complaints
218
Crashes
15
Fires
13
Injuries
6
Fatalities
Recalls
1

Worst 2002 Audi A4 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#150 complaints

Electrical System:Ignition

Avg mileage:12,177 mi
Fires:2
#217 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:34,122 mi
Fires:2
#315 complaints

Headlight/Taillight Failures

Avg mileage:127,130 mi
Fires:1
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2002 Audi A4.

Electrical System:Ignition
50
complaints
Crashes
Fires
2
Avg Miles
12,177
Electrical Faults
17
complaints
Crashes
Fires
2
Avg Miles
34,122
Headlight/Taillight Failures
15
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
127,130
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
13
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
38,880
Automatic Transmission
11
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
71,286
Engine & Cooling
9
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
24,990
Engine Problems
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
170,200
Air Bags:Frontal
4
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Wiring
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
4
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Airbags
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Other Equipment
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Equipment:Electrical:Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Gasoline Fuel System
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Seats:Front Assembly:Power Adjust
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Suspension:Front:Springs:Coil Springs
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Ignition:Module
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Other Fuel Types:Turbo/Supercharger
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Power Train:Clutch Assembly
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
2
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Tires:Tread/Belt
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Audi A4. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2002 Audi A4

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~62,812 vehicles.

21V470000Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
~62,812 affected

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.

Other Audi A4 Years

2002 Audi A4 — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2002 Audi A4 reliable?
Verdict: Above Average Complaints. The 2002 Audi A4 has 218 NHTSA complaints, 15 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Electrical System:Ignition with 50 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2002 Audi A4?
Top reported problems: Electrical System:Ignition (50 complaints, avg 12,177 mi); Electrical Faults (17 complaints, avg 34,122 mi); Headlight/Taillight Failures (15 complaints, avg 127,130 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Audi A4?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 45,511 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2002 Audi A4?
NHTSA complaints for the 2002 Audi A4 include 15 crash-related reports, 13 fire reports, 6 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2002 Audi A4 have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 62,812 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2002 Audi A4?
Slightly worse than average. Most owners are fine; problem clusters are concentrated around specific components. Check the issues table below and match against the specific car's mileage.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Audi A4 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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