Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
The car is a 1999 Audi A4 2.8
Thanks for any help
Remove tele communication sleeve. 'Multiple bulb fixture assembly' then accessable
I had extended warranty, but the fine print stated that the failed part will be replaced with a similar used part of equal or less mileage. My car had 83,400 miles on it, so it wasn't too difficult to find a used engine with less miles.
They were able to get a used 3.0 engine, but I had too many unknowns about it. I didn't know where it came from. It was probably from a wreck, but I don't know how long the engine has been sitting in a salvage yard. I don't know how it was treated in the previous car... and many other unknowns.
On top of this, I've gone through a lot of system failures: 2 failed ignition coils, 3 catalytic converters, 1 headlight washer pump, 1 windshield wiper motor, 2 interior HVAC fan motors, and others. I can summarize the problems I've experienced as having purchased an early build of a new model design (built 08/01).
Fortunately, the A4s of late have been extremely well built and reliable (enough to get Consumer Reports "recommended" marking). When the old A4 was without problems, the driving experience was outstanding (the reason why I bought it in the first place). Now with a newer A4, I'm hoping for a longer run of reliability than before.
Please help!!! its driving me and my wife crazy...we can't even have the car in a full stop, just sitting without having the seatbelt on.
Thanks gang,
R
Thanks again, you saved my ears!!!
R
Can anyone point me to a location where recall notices are posted for this car? If she's had it to the dealer so often, it definately sounds like a lemon to me, but I also understand it has some miles on it....
Appreciate any responses...
Best of luck!
Paul
Sounds like she may have an early build of the 2002 model. There does seem to be a situation where people who bought an early built 2002 model have encountered a lot of problems. It's not that uncommon for autobuilders to experience some problems during the first year of a new model design. 2002 was the first year of the redesign of the A4 (B6).
I had an early built 2002 A4 that also had a lot of problems. It was built in August of 2001. The build date can be found on a sticker placed on the inside door opening (driver's door, I think). Mine had 2 failed ignition coils, 3 failed catalytic converters, a failed headlight washer pump motor, a failed windshield wiper arm motor, and many other items. I had one of the thickest service record files on the B6 A4 at my dealer.
The final straw was a catastrophic engine failure that required an engine replacement. Something happened (possible oil pump failure and sensor failure) that caused a valve to stick, then wear down a cam lobe. The metal fragments from the wearing down of the cam lobe surged through the engine causing lots of nicks and gouges around the camshafts, pistons, and cylinders. I had 83,400 miles on it, but I had extended warranty. What had happened to me was viewed as extremely rare and unusual.
The warranty stated that the replacement engine should be a used engine (not new or rebuilt). Since I had no history on the replacement engine, I worked a deal to trade it in and get a Certified Pre-Owned 2004 A4 1.8T with the Ultrasport package.
I've heard very strong reliability from 2003 and 2004 A4 owners, so it looks like Audi was able to correct the problems that were encountered from the early 2002 builds.
Since her A4 is beyond the OEM warranty (ended at 50K miles), there's nothing that can be done about declaring it a lemon (usually only happens during first year of ownership and low miles - check local state laws for more info).
I understand the frustration she's going through. Hope this helps!
They apparently sent a letter to owners in August 2004 about this problem, but I did not receive it. (The letter also referenced the Owner's Manual, not the Maintenance Booklet.) And I had the car in for service at the dealer last month, and nobody mentioned this potentially fatal problem (although they did mention some other recall issues that came up recently, which of course they didn't have time to fix unless I could leave the car with them for a week before Christmas). If I'd known, I would have done whatever necessary to resolve the problem before destroying the engine, and fought about the cost later. As it is, I'm looking at many thousands of dollars for a rebuilt engine (a new one would cost more than the car is worth).
The dealer told me they've had six or seven "oil sludge victims" come in so far, and I'm the first one for whom Audi has denied the extended warranty coverage.
I'm outraged, frustrated, frightened (by what could have happened on the freeway), and grief-stricken because I really love this car!
Good Luck!
-A4lease
1st of all i had an oil leak, however there was never any oil light or indication of any problem except for the oil puddles everywhere i parked. i took in to the dealer where it took over a week for them to fix. they replaced some gaskets and other things they claimed were causing the problem. they also cleaned hoses and such. my car still had an oil leak when i picked up. i took it back and they finally fixed it. this time i was told it was the cooler filter seal?
that was 2 weeks ago. this week (only 300 miles later), along with the constant smell of burning oil my car emits, my climate control is malfunctioning. my econ light will not turn off. the dealer says this isn't that big of a deal and they scheduled service. i was wondering if either of these things have happened to anyone else. also - has anyone else experienced an esp problem? the day after i bought my car-my esp light would not turn off- i had to service it immediately something do with my all wheel drive or abs or both?
any help would be greatly appreciated - i only have 300 miles left on my warranty and im getting very scared by the way i have an a4 1.8t quattro
This morning my ABS light will not turn off and the ESP light is still on. I turn off the car and the ABS light went away, but the ESP light is still on.
Let me know, what the dealer told you.
Thanks
No to the Audi Garage I brought the car off. It's a feature' it's what it's suppose to do (believe it or not thats a quote).
When I point out whats the point of an Alarm if it's going to lower windows to the person trying to steal/get access to it, they start getting angry.
Any Ideas?
The dealer installed a new driver's door lock, unfortuneately with a new key. Consequently, the ignition key and the door lock are different, hasn't been a problem as long as the "remote" doesn't go dead!
Repair was mostly covered under extended service plan, total repair cost about $700!
This is the truth the dealer I called said it was a feature' that the windows come down when the alarm goes off.
I should be taking it into another dealership/grown up after Audi UK Centre gets back to me. I'll let you know how it goes.
I have a 96 A4 Quattro as well... humming sound rear left started and before I could get it into the shop sounds coming from right rear, different noise alltogether. Both were bad wheel bearings. Spinning the wheel while on the lift doesn't duplicate the wheel speed while on the road.
I have a 96 A4Q that I have had since about 36K miles. I have over 70K now. Have had to do wheel bearings on rear, lower control arms front, thermostat, one bad rear spring, brakes all the way around, power steering pump loosing fluid as we speak, one ABS sensor - all in the span of about 2 1/2 years. This particular car didn't get much use early on, sat around alot. Still what I would consider a considerable amount of maintenance. I love the car though.
But I found a series of discussion about how people should be prepared for a normal turbo engine to fail at high milage, say 80K. I found that discussion in Volvo's forum. But sounds like it a common concern for all turbo engines. Can any give any insight about:
whether it's true that is a common concern for turbo engines? and Why?
Stay on top of the routine maintenance (and use synthetic oil to avoid oil sludge problems - that can kill the engine), and it should perform well for you for many miles.
I've had the same problem with my trunk -- which got stuck shut last week. Ugh.
Thanks
RCM
Anyone has additional info on this problem?
So I would check the garage door opener unit, usually there is a button on there, you press it, then go press the homelink button in your car (after it has learned the remote signal)
Hope that helps
I own a 1994 Toyota celica which I bought brand new in 1994, and a 1999 Jimmy, which I both two years ago and none of those cars ever emit those squeaking noises.
My question to the group is, did any of you guys experience the same problem with your Audis? and do your other cars (if applicable) emit the brake noise that the Audi service manager says is "normal" on every car?
Thanks for the feedback.
R
The A4 does have a noise at startup that sounds like you ran over a soda can. It is normal and it's related to the ABS system pressurizing.
Any other noise such as a squeal when stopping or gently braking is not normal and should be fixed. There is no excuse for noisy brakes.
JR
I got two new cars a couple weeks ago from my local dealer.
The Allroad had 39 lbs F and 41R.
The B7 A4 had 37F/R
I had noted a real floaty, almost disconnected, road feel and got curious.
Both of these were measured on a digital guage and when tires were stone cold - sitting overnight garaged at approx. 40 degrees.
I assume the factory loads them up expecting an average lag time until delivery and some leakage. But this is not something that should go unchecked.
Other than that, all was in order.
Just sounmding off.
The sound is like the pads are worn, but I know that could not be the case as it is a new car. Like you describe it, it is a squeal when I apply the brakes.
The service manager told me that it has to do with the weather conditions (cold). I will wait until spring and if it does not go away, then i will give them a piece of my mind.
R
I would not wait and tell them in a nice way that you don't buy this line of BS.
JR