Faults:

April 1, 2005.

Yesterday I was driving and loving my well maintained 1999 Audi A4 1.8 Turbo. Today I am in shock and disappointed in Audi. My A4 has 86,295 miles, and while I was driving it, the timing belt tension rod malfunctioned, and as a result, my vehicle incurred substantial damage at a substantial cost!!! Audi's response is along the lines of "not our problem" - even though they themselves do not recommend a timing belt change until 90K-105k miles.

I have noticed many Audi owners are experiencing this same malfunction. I have contacted the National Highway and Traffic Administration to file a safety complaint (hopefully they will be able to encourage Audi USA to accept responsibility for the safety hazard this defective part causes). I would encourage all of you with the same problem to do the same - the phone number is 1-800-424-9393.

Faults:

Between new and warranty ending only Washer pump (common) and both rear differential axle seals.

59,000 rear brake pads/rotors.

62,000 oil sludge clogged pump pick-up flagging a low pressure light. Audi would not cover repair-$700, now "oil sludge" warranty extension to 8 years unlimited miles on 1.8T and they will not reimburse me. Dealerships could not handle workload for free scheduled maintenance in late 90's, so customers had to wait up to 8/9K miles for oil changes resulting in sludge. Audi says 5000 mile max. Audi told me it's not their problem, so I am suing them.

82,000 Cam seal replaced (common) when timing belt replaced (expensive!).

85,000 Right front wheel bearing and front brakes.

90,000 Right rear wheel bearing.

101,000 Replaced turbo-waste gate stuck open, must replace entire part with new, no rebuilds available (expensive!).

102,000 Right front axle seal, front engine cover gaskets and serpentine belt tensioner replaced.

104,000 Replaced right and left rear differential axles seal again and drive shaft pinion seal.

General Comments:

I wanted one of these since they came out late 1995 and I do love the car, but the repairs and cost of parts are a bit ridiculous.

The repair labor times set by Audi are generous by American standards.

I am a big Audi, but I do not know if I would recommend buying one. If you have the money and want one bad enough to justify the expense you will love driving it.

Faults:

Fuel Tank Sending Unit - replaced. $250.

Oxygen Sensors, both - replaced at 40k miles. $400.

Rear Wheel Bearing- replaced. $150.

Rear wheel hub - replaced. $250.

Front Strut - replaced. $275.

Check Engine Light -Comes on constantly. You better use high test gas, and that better come from an Amoco, Shell, BP, or the such. A Cit-go, X-tra, or marginal gas station will turn on the light, even if you use high test gasoline. Bothersome to say the least. Cost for having the light checked and turned off? $75 each pop.

ABS/Brake Light- ABS and Brake light come on and flash. Audi says the ABS control unit no longer is recognized by the dash, although the ABS seems to work. $1800. Please.

General Comments:

I grew up with Audi's. My mom had many, my brother has had many. I always wanted one; I felt so good when I was finally able to buy one. What a fantastic car to drive, responsive, strong, safe... but it is a nightmare. Repair costs are through the roof, and you will have repair costs. The car has common problems that are very expensive to repair. I have to say good-bye to mine after 18 months of all-trouble driving. Know what you are getting yourself into before purchasing this car.