2001 Audi A4: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 Audi A4: 1 recall, 131 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #21V470000 · 2021 · 62,812 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2021.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E049000 · 2006 · 27,176 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006.
Engine & cooling Equipment recall #14E007000 · 2014 · 50 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A failure of the timing belt May cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 9 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (35): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (7), fire / smoke (5), electrical failure (5).
- Engine & cooling (31): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), warning light on (5), fire / smoke (4).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (28): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (7), noise or vibration (4).
- Airbags (11): the most common themes are warning light on (3), fails to deploy (2).
The 2001 Audi A4 has 131 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 31 A4 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 93). Complaints peaked in 2003 (25 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 61,027 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (96 complaints, 2 recalls), 2002 (181 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | Premium |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 Audi A4.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 Audi A4 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2001 Audi A4, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2001 Audi A4 problems?
Owners have filed 131 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (35), engine & cooling (31), brakes (hydraulic) (28).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Audi A4 get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 Audi A4 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.