2002 Audi A4 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
218 owner complaints sit in the federal file for the 2002 Audi A4, alongside 2 recall campaigns and 0 defect investigations. It scores 77/100 on the trouble index — a below-average year for this model. Electrical leads the reports, typically around 11,900 miles.
Below average
Where 2002 sits among all A4 years
What owners report
“Left stranded by ignition coil failure on 2002 audi a4 1.8t - this is the second time stranded by this failure”— owner report to NHTSA, 2002 A4
“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…”— owner report to NHTSA, 2002 A4
Mileage when trouble shows up
Among the 131 reports that include an odometer reading, problems most often appear around 28,500 miles. Half of those reports fall between 8,960 and 80,000 miles — a useful range to weigh against the mileage of the exact car you're looking at.
Recalls (2)
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)…
Fix: 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…
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October…
Fix: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
Technical service bulletins
149 manufacturer communications — service bulletins, the biggest share on engine and electrical — are on file for the 2002 Audi A4. A TSB is factory repair guidance, not a recall — the repair is not automatically free.
Complaint history for this model year
When owners filed their reports — a long tail means problems kept surfacing for years.
Questions buyers ask
Is the 2002 Audi A4 reliable?
The 2002 Audi A4 drew 218 complaints in federal safety records — a below-average year for this model. Its trouble index is 77/100, scored against the model's worst year (1998).
What are the most common 2002 Audi A4 problems?
The top reported problems for the 2002 Audi A4 are electrical (96 complaints), engine (34), and transmission & drivetrain (16).
At what mileage do 2002 Audi A4 problems show up?
Owners most often report 2002 Audi A4 problems around 28,500 miles. Half of all reports that include an odometer reading fall between 8,960 and 80,000 miles.
Does the 2002 Audi A4 have recalls?
2 recall campaigns apply to the 2002 Audi A4. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer.
Every number on this page is a count of records in the federal complaint, recall, and investigation files published by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. Check any specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.