2003 Audi RS6: common problems and reliability
48 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about suspension. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2003 RS6?The 2003 Audi RS6 has 48 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are suspension and fuel system.
Safety record for the 2003 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2003 Audi RS6 vehicles (US, public record).
Is 2003 a good year for the RS6?
Across the 4 RS6 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2021) to 48 (2003). With 48 complaints, the 2003 RS6 sits above the model's median of 4.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2003 RS6
fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly
Campaign 11V267000VOLKSWAGEN 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.
electrical system
Campaign 04V133000ON 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is deeply polarized, split between immense emotional appeal and significant reliability concerns.
Owner insights cover all generations of the RS6. See the full RS6 owner picture and every model year.
Other RS6 model years
Compare every RS6 year side by side to see how 2003 ranks against the rest.
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