VehicleVerdict

2002 Audi A4 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 218 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median A4 year — the 2002 model ranks #9 of 30 A4 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 82 reports (38% of the total).

218

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

13

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other A4 years?

A4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted343 complaints1995: 1 complaints1996: 133 complaints1997: 119 complaints1998: 321 complaints1999: 242 complaints2000: 115 complaints2001: 153 complaints2002: 218 complaints2003: 282 complaints2004: 225 complaints2005: 267 complaints2006: 343 complaints2007: 226 complaints2008: 204 complaints2009: 150 complaints2010: 77 complaints2011: 17 complaints2012: 23 complaints2013: 28 complaints2014: 38 complaints2015: 23 complaints2016: 18 complaints2017: 75 complaints2018: 39 complaints2019: 16 complaints2020: 226 complaints2021: 19 complaints2022: 10 complaints2023: 17 complaints2024: 4 complaints
A4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all A4 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Audi A4 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System8238%
Engine3416%
Lighting178%
Transmission167%
Visibility & Wipers115%
Tires & Wheels105%
Airbags84%
Other73%
Fuel System73%
Seats52%
Suspension52%
Speed Control42%
Brakes42%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)31%
Steering21%
Seat Belts21%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2002 Audi A4 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V470000AirbagsJune 23, 2021 · 62,812 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

14E007000EngineMarch 7, 2014 · 50 units

Defect

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 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.

Consequence

A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AFTER DRIVING ABOUT A BLOCK AFTER COLD START, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO HESITATE. PROBLEM GOT WORSE. AFTER DRIVING A TOTAL OF ABOUT 3 BLOCKS, THE ENGINE DIED. THERE WERE WISPS OF SMOKE COMING OUT OF GRILL. UPON OPENING THE HOOD, DISCOVERED A SMALL FIRE ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. DEALER REPORTS THAT THE FIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 6, 2006 · 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 24, 2020 · 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · November 24, 2020 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 AUDI A4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH SHE HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE AND SMOKE CAME FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THEY DEALER ADVISED HER THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL IN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 19, 2012 · fire

“IGNITION COIL FAILED ON HIGHWAY. CAR "SHOOK" VIOLENTLY UNTIL STOPPED IN PARKING LOT. ONCE CAR WAS OFF THE ROAD, THE COIL HOUSING CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE ULTIMATELY BURNED ITSELF OUT, AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE DEALERSHIP NOTIFIED AUDI USA OF THE DEFECT AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 25, 2002 · fire

2002 Audi A4 — common questions

Is the 2002 Audi A4 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 218 complaints put the 2002 model at #9 of 30 A4 years. It is one of the A4 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 A4 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (82 complaints), engine (34 complaints), lighting (17 complaints).

Does the 2002 Audi A4 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Audi A4. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi A4 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the A4 years to avoid are 2006, 1998, 2003, 2005, 1999, 2020, 2007, 2004, 2002, 2008, 2001, 2009. The cleanest record among A4 years belongs to 1995.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.