2001 Audi A6 Tire Recall: Overloaded Axle 03V143000
Audi has issued a recall for certain 2001 A6 models equipped with 2.7L engines due to a non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110. The 'vehicle normal load' exceeds the allowable weight for the installed tires, necessitating a free replacement of all five tires.

Why This Matters
This 2001 Audi A6 recall is critical for safety. Vehicles equipped with 2.7L engines and specific tires fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, which governs tire selection and rims. The calculated 'vehicle normal load' exceeds the allowable weight capacity of the 225/45R 17 91Y tires by 19kg. An overloaded tire can lead to premature wear, tire failure, and an increased risk of a crash.
What's Being Recalled
This recall, identified by NHTSA ID 03V143000 and VW Recall No. LV, involves certain 2001 Audi A6 passenger vehicles. Specifically, the issue affects models equipped with 2.7L engines that were originally fitted with 225/45R 17 91Y tires. The problem stems from the vehicle's design, where the normal operating load places excessive stress on these tires.
How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected
Owners of a 2001 Audi A6 with a 2.7L engine should verify if their vehicle is included in this 2001 Audi A6 recall. You can typically check your vehicle's recall status by entering your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website or by contacting Audi directly. This recall specifically targets the 2001 model year.
Manufacturer's Remedy
Audi dealers will replace all five tires on affected vehicles free of charge. Owner notification for this 2001 Audi A6 recall began on September 19, 2003. This repair ensures that the vehicle complies with safety standards and that the tires are adequately rated for the vehicle's normal load.
Important Warnings and Owner Actions
If you own an affected 2001 Audi A6 and have not received the free remedy within a reasonable time after the notification date, you should contact Audi. You can reach Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834. For additional concerns or to report issues, customers can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Source: NHTSA ID 03V143000
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the primary issue with the 2001 Audi A6 in this recall?
- The primary issue is that the 'vehicle normal load' on certain 2001 Audi A6 models with 2.7L engines exceeds the allowable weight for the installed 225/45R 17 91Y tires by 19kg, failing to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110.
- Which specific tires are affected by the 2001 Audi A6 recall?
- The recall specifically affects vehicles equipped with 225/45R 17 91Y tires.
- What is the remedy for the 2001 Audi A6 tire recall?
- Audi dealers will replace all five tires on affected 2001 Audi A6 vehicles free of charge to resolve the issue.
- When did owner notification begin for this recall?
- Owner notification for this recall (NHTSA ID 03V143000) began on September 19, 2003.
- Who should I contact if I have questions about the 2001 Audi A6 recall?
- You can contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
What Audi A6 owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 33 model years.
- 1,665
- Owner complaints
- 55
- Recalls
- 5,316
- Service bulletins
- 64
- Crashes reported
- 71
- Fires reported
- 65
- Injuries reported
The 2001 model year
113 complaints, the 5th most of 33 model years on file. Owners reported 11 crashes, 7 fires and 10 injuries for this year, which also has 7 recalls on file.
Tires, the system this article covers, accounts for 53 of 1,665 complaints (3%), including 11 for 2001.
Complaints by model year
| 1998 | 130 | |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 217 | |
| 2000 | 148 | |
| 2001 | 113 | |
| 2002 | 88 | |
| 2003 | 66 | |
| 2005 | 91 | |
| 2006 | 67 | |
| 2008 | 71 | |
| 2019 | 114 |
Most-reported systems
- Electrical System — 396
- Air Bags — 316
- Service Brakes — 161
- Fuel System — 150
- Engine — 130
Latest recalls for the 2001 model year
- 11V267000 — Fuel System, Other (May 2011)
- 08V157000 — Fuel System, Gasoline (Apr 2008)
- 06V198000 — Electrical System (Jun 2006)
Recent owner reports about tires
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 audi a6. The contact received a safety recall notice for nhtsa campaign id number 03v143000 (tires). He called nhtsa to file a complaint regarding the potential for a failure. There had been no failure to date.
Read owner complaints →Consumer repaired the tires due to recall. The manufacturer stated they won't reimburse for the replacement tire because the damage occurred prior to 12/16/2002. The manufacturer also said that it was the date given by nhtsa.
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.
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