Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2003 Audi RS6, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Suspension31
- Fuel system, gasoline5
- Power train3
- Fuel system, other1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Electrical system1
- Tires1
- Electronic stability control1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
In the United Kingdom
170 cars built in 2003 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 282 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 100 of these cars first registered in 2003 took their annual MOT test. 79% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2003 the figure was 57%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2003 |
|---|---|---|
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 9.0% | 7.4% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 8.0% | 21.6% |
| Brakes | 7.0% | 13.9% |
| Suspension | 4.0% | 16.4% |
| Tyres | 4.0% | 6.3% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 3.0% | 9.4% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In New Zealand
45 2003 cars are on the New Zealand register; 9% arrived as used imports, 87% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Recalls
VOLKSWAGEN 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.
ON 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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Audi told its dealers about the 2003 Audi RS6: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10251027 | Tightening wheel bolts |
| 10250950 | Tightening wheel bolts |
| 10249085 | Google Maps Street View (NVLW)) |
| 10249054 | Due to new Minnesota state regulations regarding biofuels, biodiesel blends of B5 or less may not be available in the State of Minnesota. |
| 10243930 | This bulletin provides information on the additional reporting requirements for safety related inquiries. |
| 10243790 | Audi Elsa Newsletter |
| 10243787 | Audi Elsa Newsletter |
| 10243780 | Audi Elsa Newsletter |
| 10243756 | Audi Elsa Newsletter |
| 10231144 | Technical bulletins and updates |
| 10231130 | Idenifying and mixing factory fill engine coolants |
| 10231127 | ElsaPro Software update and technical bulletins |
| 10228314 | The use of contaminated gasoline or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or more conditions. |
| 10228302 | High quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet. |
| 10228297 | This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management (SVM) software update for any TSB or Update. |
| 10226530 | ATF pan leaks |
| 10226529 | Vehicle lacks power or will not move after stop due to simultaneous depressing of the brake and accelerator pedals |
| 10224993 | The use of contaminated gasoline or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or more conditions. |
| 10224981 | High quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet. |
| 10221966 | The use of contaminated gasoline or gasoline with a low content of deposit control additives may result in one or more conditions. |
| 10221954 | High quality media files (video and sound) are now integrated into technical service bulletins on a case-by-case basis. Media files can now be viewed on any smartphone or tablet. |
| 10221949 | This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management (SVM) software update for any TSB or Update. |
| 10216682 | Engine oils that meet Audi Oil Quality Standards. |
| 10216662 | Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. |
| 10216656 | Discontinuation and mixing of Audi-approved engine coolants. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)