2002 Audi A4 Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2002 Audi A4 Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 4 Known Issues

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When Issues Typically Appear

B6/B7 Front Suspension Control Arm and Tie-Rod Wear Causing Clunks, Vibration, and Uneven Tire Wear

50K-120K

CVT Multitronic Transmission Failure and PRNDS Flashing on Front-Wheel-Drive A4

60K-140K

Instrument Cluster LCD Pixel Failure and Intermittent Gauge/Warning Display Problems

70K-180K

ABS Control Module Failure Triggering ABS/Brake Warning Lights and Loss of ABS Function

80K-180K

050K100K150K200K mi

On the 2002-2008 Audi A4, front-wheel-drive A4 models equipped with the Multitronic CVT have a long history of owner complaints involving shuddering from a stop, delayed engagement, limp mode, and flashing PRNDS indicators. Failures are commonly tied to the transmission control module, internal clutch pack wear, or CVT chain/pulley problems. The issue is widely discussed in Audi forums and complaint databases because repairs are expensive and many units require replacement or specialist rebuilding.

This issue also affects: Acura TL, Acura TLX, Audi A4 Avant

Common Symptoms

PRNDS lights flashing
shudder on takeoff
delayed drive engagement
transmission limp mode
engine revs without matching acceleration
jerking at low speed

How to Fix

Scan the transmission module for stored faults, verify fluid condition and service history, and road test for launch shudder or ratio flare. Minor cases may respond to fluid service and adaptation, but many documented failures require TCM repair/replacement or full CVT rebuild/replacement. Buyers generally avoid neglected Multitronic cars unless there is proof of recent transmission work.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

TipConfirm whether the car has Multitronic before purchase; many owners specifically recommend avoiding FWD CVT cars unless transmission service/rebuild records are documented.
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TipUse only the correct CVT fluid and adaptation procedure after service; generic ATF can worsen shift behavior.
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Typical repair cost:$1,200 - $6,000

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Community Reported

High Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

On the 2000-2005 Audi A4, early 2000s A4 models are known for Bosch ABS module failures that illuminate the ABS and brake warning lights and may disable anti-lock braking and traction functions. Owners often report intermittent warning lights at first, followed by permanent faults, speedometer irregularities on some cars, or communication errors when scanned. The problem is extensively documented in owner communities and repair services because the electronic module can often be rebuilt rather than replacing the full hydraulic unit.

This issue also affects: Audi TT, Audi A6, Volkswagen New Beetle

Common Symptoms

ABS light on
red brake warning light
traction control light on
intermittent ABS operation
no communication with ABS module
occasional speedometer irregularities

How to Fix

Scan the ABS module for communication and wheel-speed related faults, then verify wiring and wheel sensors before condemning the module. If the module has internal solder or circuit failure, the common fix is removing it for rebuild or replacing it with a properly coded unit. After repair, clear faults and confirm ABS operation with a road test on a safe surface.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

TipMany owners recommend sending the original Bosch module to a reputable rebuilder, which is often cheaper than replacing the entire ABS hydraulic assembly.
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TipUse VCDS or equivalent to confirm whether the issue is a module communication fault versus a wheel-speed sensor problem before buying parts.
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Typical repair cost:$200 - $1,200

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Community Reported

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On the 2002-2008 Audi A4, the multi-link front suspension used on B6/B7 A4 models is well known for premature wear of upper and lower control arm bushings/ball joints and, in many cases, outer tie-rod ends. Owners commonly report front-end clunking over bumps, looseness in steering, shimmy at highway speeds, and abnormal inner-edge tire wear. The issue is widely documented in owner forums and repair databases because multiple arms can wear at once, making the front end feel unstable even when alignment is repeatedly corrected.

Common Symptoms

front-end clunk over bumps
steering looseness
highway vibration or shimmy
uneven front tire wear
wandering alignment
knocking noise during low-speed turns

How to Fix

Diagnosis usually involves checking each front control arm ball joint and bushing for play with the suspension loaded, along with inspecting tie rods and verifying alignment. The durable fix is replacing the worn arms as a matched kit rather than one-by-one, followed by a proper four-wheel alignment. If pinch bolts are seized, additional labor is often required, and sway bar links should be inspected at the same time.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

TipOwners commonly recommend replacing the full front control arm set with upgraded hardware instead of chasing one noisy arm at a time.
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TipHave the pinch bolt area soaked with penetrant in advance; seized pinch bolts are a frequent labor multiplier on these cars.
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Typical repair cost:$700 - $1,800

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Community Reported

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On the 2000-2005 Audi A4, b5 and early B6 A4 models commonly suffer from failing instrument cluster displays, especially the center LCD where outside temperature, warning messages, and trip computer information become unreadable due to missing pixels. Some owners also report intermittent gauge behavior or fading displays that worsen with heat. This is a well-known age-related electronics issue documented across forums and complaint records because it affects visibility of warning information and often requires cluster repair or replacement.

Common Symptoms

missing pixels in center display
faded or unreadable warning screen
display worse when hot
intermittent gauge operation
warning messages cannot be read

How to Fix

Confirm whether the problem is limited to the LCD ribbon/display or whether the cluster has broader internal faults. Specialist rebuilders can often repair the pixel display and restore the cluster without replacing the entire unit, while replacement clusters require immobilizer matching/coding on applicable years. Battery voltage and charging system health should also be checked because low voltage can aggravate display behavior.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

TipOwners often use a cluster rebuild service rather than a used replacement to avoid immobilizer/coding headaches and preserve original mileage data where legally appropriate.
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TipIf removing the cluster yourself, use proper radio/trim tools and disconnect the battery first to reduce the chance of electrical faults.
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Typical repair cost:$250 - $900

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Community Reported

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⚠️NHTSA Recalls6 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2004 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2006-2011 A6 Avant, and 2007-2011 S6 Sedan vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Campaign #18V42700022/06/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet, S4 Cabriolet, A6 Avant, A6 Sedan and S6 Sedan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain 2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, A6 Sedan, S4 Avant and S4 Sedan vehicles, 2007-2008 A4 Cabriolet, RS4 Sedan, S4 Cabriolet and S6 Sedan vehicles, and 2006-2008 A6 Avant and 2008 RS4 Cabriolet vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Campaign #17V03200011/01/2017

AIR BAGS

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Audi A4, A5, and Q5 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.

Campaign #16V37600027/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2011 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Audi A4, and 2005-2008 Audi A6 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Volkswagen is recalling model year 2004 Audi A4 vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Campaign #16V38200001/06/2016

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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.

Campaign #14E00700007/03/2014

+ 1 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Audi A4 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2002-2002 Audi A4 has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Multitronic Transmission Failure and PRNDS Flashing on Front-Wheel-Drive A4, ABS Control Module Failure Triggering ABS/Brake Warning Lights and Loss of ABS Function, B6/B7 Front Suspension Control Arm and Tie-Rod Wear Causing Clunks, Vibration, and Uneven Tire Wear. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Audi A4 reliable?

The 2002-2002 Audi A4 has 4 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: CVT Multitronic Transmission Failure and PRNDS Flashing on Front-Wheel-Drive A4 and ABS Control Module Failure Triggering ABS/Brake Warning Lights and Loss of ABS Function. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Audi A4 problems?

Repair costs for known Audi A4 issues range from $200 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Multitronic Transmission Failure and PRNDS Flashing on Front-Wheel-Drive A4, typically costs $1,200-$6,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2002-2008 Audi A4 CVT Multitronic Transmission Failure and PRNDS Flashing on Front-Wheel-Drive A4?

Front-wheel-drive A4 models equipped with the Multitronic CVT have a long history of owner complaints involving shuddering from a stop, delayed engagement, limp mode, and flashing PRNDS indicators. Failures are commonly tied to the transmission control module, internal clutch pac… Repairs typically run $1,200-$6,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2000-2005 Audi A4 ABS Control Module Failure Triggering ABS/Brake Warning Lights and Loss of ABS Function?

Early 2000s A4 models are known for Bosch ABS module failures that illuminate the ABS and brake warning lights and may disable anti-lock braking and traction functions. Owners often report intermittent warning lights at first, followed by permanent faults, speedometer irregularit… Repairs typically run $200-$1,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2002-2008 Audi A4 B6/B7 Front Suspension Control Arm and Tie-Rod Wear Causing Clunks, Vibration, and Uneven Tire Wear?

The multi-link front suspension used on B6/B7 A4 models is well known for premature wear of upper and lower control arm bushings/ball joints and, in many cases, outer tie-rod ends. Owners commonly report front-end clunking over bumps, looseness in steering, shimmy at highway spee… Repairs typically run $700-$1,800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2000-2005 Audi A4 Instrument Cluster LCD Pixel Failure and Intermittent Gauge/Warning Display Problems?

B5 and early B6 A4 models commonly suffer from failing instrument cluster displays, especially the center LCD where outside temperature, warning messages, and trip computer information become unreadable due to missing pixels. Some owners also report intermittent gauge behavior or… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.

2002 Audi A4 Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 4 Known Issues

When Issues Typically Appear

2002-2008 Audi A4: CVT Multitronic Transmission Failure and PRNDS Flashing on Front-Wheel-Drive A4#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2000-2005 Audi A4: ABS Control Module Failure Triggering ABS/Brake Warning Lights and Loss of ABS Function#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2002-2008 Audi A4: B6/B7 Front Suspension Control Arm and Tie-Rod Wear Causing Clunks, Vibration, and Uneven Tire Wear#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2000-2005 Audi A4: Instrument Cluster LCD Pixel Failure and Intermittent Gauge/Warning Display Problems#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Audi Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Audi A4 problems?

Is the Audi A4 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Audi A4 problems?

What is the 2002-2008 Audi A4 CVT Multitronic Transmission Failure and PRNDS Flashing on Front-Wheel-Drive A4?

What is the 2000-2005 Audi A4 ABS Control Module Failure Triggering ABS/Brake Warning Lights and Loss of ABS Function?

What is the 2002-2008 Audi A4 B6/B7 Front Suspension Control Arm and Tie-Rod Wear Causing Clunks, Vibration, and Uneven Tire Wear?

What is the 2000-2005 Audi A4 Instrument Cluster LCD Pixel Failure and Intermittent Gauge/Warning Display Problems?