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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 2003 > Audi > A4

2003 AUDI A4 1.8 CABRIOLET
Convertible
Front wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 2003 AUDI A4 1.8 CABRIOLET. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used AUDI.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

This information will help you select a vehicle model that meets your expectations for safety and security.

CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Not Tested  
Passenger Not Tested  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Not Tested  
Rear Seat Not Tested  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Not Tested  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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Frontal Offset Crash Test Rating:   4 star legend
Overall Evaluation   G
Structure/Safety Cage   G
Injury Measures  
Head/Neck   G
Chest   G
Leg/foot, left   G
Leg/foot, right   G
Restraints/dummy kinematics   G
Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight. <p>The Audi A4 was redesigned for the 2002 model year. Audi A4s manufactured after February 2002 include structural changes to improve occupant protection in frontal crashes. (Note: Information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on or near the driver door.)</p> <p>The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has evaluated the crashworthiness of a 2002 A4 with the structural changes in a 40 mph frontal offset crash test into a deformable barrier.</p> <p>The frontal offset crash test ratings also apply to the station wagon version of the A4, known as the A4 Avant, beginning with 2002 models manufactured after February 2002.</p> Dummy movement was well controlled. During rebound, the dummy's head hit the roof rail and B-pillar. Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity. Head acceleration from the roof rail hit was low, and it was negligible from the B-pillar contact. 2002 Audi A4 1.8T quattro 4-door 3569 front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags 104 179 70 1.8 L turbocharged 4-cylinder 19 28

Crash Tested Vehicle: Details | Vehicle Specifications

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) uses frontal offset and side impact crash tests to estimate the crashworthiness of a vehicle. These results are good indicators of how a frontal and side impact can structurally impact a 2003 AUDI A4 1.8 CABRIOLET . The crashworthiness data for this 2003 AUDI A4 1.8 CABRIOLET was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these crash test results.



Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 2003 AUDI A4 1.8 CABRIOLET bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 59 Substantially better than average
Collision Index 129 Worse than average
Theft Index 48 Better than average


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. The injury, collision, and theft indicators for this 2003 AUDI A4 1.8 CABRIOLET are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



Safety Recalls
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NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 2003 AUDI A4 1.8 CABRIOLET by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 2003 AUDI A4 1.8 CABRIOLET still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 9,965
NHTSA campaign number: 05V096000
Defective part or component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Description: On certain passenger vehicles, there is a possibility of xenon headlamp coating degradation over time. The luminous transmittance of the headlamp may decrease over a period of time. This condition could affect a drivers field of view, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the left and right xenon headlamp reflectors. The recall is expected to begin during April 2005. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 74,000
NHTSA campaign number: 06V017000
Defective part or component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Description: On certain vehicles produced from September 2002 - March 2003, equipped with 1.8L turbo, 2.8L V6, or 3.0L engines, a change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of fuel supply to the engine causing it to stall. If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash. Dealers will install new fuel pumps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about March 31, 2006. Owners may contact VW at 1-800-222-8987 or Audi at 1-800-822-2834.


This 2003 AUDI A4 1.8 CABRIOLET safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality Rating 4 of 5
  Mechanical Quality Rating 4.5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 2.5 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 4.5 of 5
Overall Appeal Rating 4.5 of 5
  Performance Rating 4.5 of 5
  Comfort Rating 4 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel Rating 5 of 5
  Style Rating 4.5 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability Rating 3 of 5
  Mechanical Dependability Rating 3.5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Dependability Rating 2 of 5
  Body and Interior Dependability Rating 3.5 of 5

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine An occasional problem on this vehicle, 1.8 L engines only, is low oil pressure. This is caused by oil sludge and deposits from turbocharger heat and subsequent coking and blockage of the oil pump pickup. An occasional problem on this vehicle, 3.0 L engines only, is oil leakage from the seals and gaskets of the camshaft adjusters. The cost to repair the low oil pressure condition is estimated at $40.00 for parts and $390 for labor. The cost to repair the oil leakage from the Camshaft Adjuster Gasket is estimated at $28.00 for parts and $338.00 for labor for one side. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. Significant Problems
Transmission & Driveline Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Steering & Suspension Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Brakes Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Heating & Air Conditioning Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Starting & Charging Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Accessories An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Comfort Control Module. The cost to repair the Comfort Control Module is estimated at $290.00 for parts and $65.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat-rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. Moderate Problems
Identifix Legend


This 2003 AUDI A4 reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Intellichoice Cost of Ownership & Value Rating Intellichoice
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Cost of Ownership (2003 - 2007):
Category:    A4 1.8T 4 Dr Sedan:    A4 1.8T Cabriolet 2 Dr Convertible:
Depreciation $10,848 $15,847
Financing $3,475 $4,698
Insurance $7,110 $8,700
State Fees $460 $564
Fuel $4,232 $4,154
Maintenance $1,304 $1,363
Repairs $1,233 $1,452
Total 5-Year Ownership Cost $28,662 $36,778

Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle. Intellichoice is one of the leading providers of automotive information in the U.S.

Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 4 years or 50,000 miles  
Drivetrain 4 years or 50,000 miles  
Emissions 2 years or 24,000 miles  
Corrosion 12 years with Unlimited mileage  
Transferable Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered.  
Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance is covered for 4 years or unlimited miles.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data from source  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Free manufacturer regular scheduled maintenance. Roadside assistance for 4 year/Unlimited  

This 2003 AUDI A4 1.8 CABRIOLET warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

A benchmark for sport sedans (and sport wagons and sport cabrios).
By Jeffrey P. Vettraino, NewCarTestDrive.com

Audi A4 combines high quality, thoughtful design, and invigorating performance at a compelling price. A4 is one of the most respected cars in a class that includes some of the best cars in the world.

A4 delivers good performance in a practical package. It offers amenities and safety features found in large luxury sedans at a much lower price of entry. And it offers the option of all-wheel drive.

There are at least 14 sedans in this category and sales are strong. Yet the competition is brutal, and today's hot ticket can quickly become tomorrow's has-been. It's no fluke that the A4 has remained near the top in sales since its introduction seven years ago, and this latest-generation A4 is a much better car than its predecessor.

The A4 3.0 sedans are outstanding small luxury sport sedans. Avant wagons are a great choice for families of two or three and a dog, offering big cargo capacity and sport sedan handling. A4 1.8T delivers the luxury and performance of a true European sports sedan at a price that puts it in reach of many new-car buyers. Anyone shopping this class should take a long look at Audi.

Overview:

Audi aims for its A4 to be the benchmark for sports sedans. The A4 might well be THE benchmark if it wasn't for the existence of the BMW 3 Series. In spite of the big shadow cast by rear-wheel-drive BMW, the Audi A4 is a fantastic sports sedan and certainly a leader among front-drive sedans. The A4 is unquestionably a standard against which sport sedans can be measured, and that fits the definition of a benchmark.

A4 delivers crisp handling, a firm ride, and a well-controlled suspension that make for a precise, high-quality driving experience. A4 feels like it's on rails around fast sweepers, especially when equipped with the Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The 3.0 V6 engine is wonderfully smooth and quite strong, while the turbocharged 1.8T delivers spry performance when paired with the manual gearbox. A host of active safety features help keep drivers on the road. A4's beautifully finished interior exudes quality and ergonomic excellence.

A4 was completely redesigned for 2002 and introduced with a new 3.0-liter V6. A new model, the 2003 A4 Cabriolet, brings top-down motoring to the line, and Avant (wagon) models have joined the new generation. Minor interior upgrades are available for 2003.

Read the complete 2003 Audi A4 review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.



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