AUDI Complaints

Experienced alternator / generator failure while driving. Various vehicle systems starting shutting down and warning symbols were displayed. Vehicle stopped running on the highway and needed to be towed to the local Audi dealership. The sequence / progression of failure occurred over several miles with complete vehicle shutdown and stop in the middle of a busy highway intersection. Dealer confirmed it was an alternator / generator failure and it needed to be replaced. Seems to be a common occurrence with the A6 model. Dealer informed me it could be a couple of weeks to a couple of months for a repair as this item is on back order with Audi. Audi should issue an immediate recall or warning of this failure.

These vehicles are equipped with an automatic start/stop feature to save gas. This feature automatically turns off the engine when stopped at lights, traffic, etc. the problem is that once you apply the accelerator, it can take up to ~5 seconds for the vehicle to start moving and depending on how hard you depress the pedal, the vehicle can start very abruptly accelerating (almost to the point of whiplash). The most dangerous use of this system is when trying to turn left against oncoming traffic. If there is heavy traffic and a smaller gap in traffic, the delay in acceleration could lead to a collision. In fact I would be surprised if this hasn’t caused many accidents especially with less experienced drivers behind the wheel.

Complete loss of electrical power while driving due to faulty alternator at only 35K miles. This resulted in total loss of steering, suspension failure, and any other electrical systems in the car. Making the car almost impossible to control specially for a new driver. Apparently the issue is widespread with any Audi car or SUV equipped with a V6 3 liter engine. The repair requires the replacement of the alternator and the 12v (an in some cases 48v) battery. The issue happens suddenly with no prior warning and completely disables the vehicle while driving. To the best of my knowledge Audi replaces the alternator with the same faulty design, which may lead to the issue to appear again at a later time.

Red start/stop malfunction light, then Electical System yellow light malfunction, then Red light Electical System safely stop vehicle all with 2-3 min while driving in normal city conditions

I brought in my car to Audi of Peabody for routine service at approximately 62,000 miles. I was told both rear coil springs were broken. The car, purchased new in July 2017 has been routinely serviced at the dealership. There were no warnings on the vehicle. The dealer said this is a common failure for the Q7 and not covered by warranty or recalls. Checking user message boards of other owners with Audi Q7, apparently this is very common and seems potentially to be a faulty component. I have owned many vehicles for extended periods of time (more than 7 years each) and this is the first car that I'm told is a common failure. Sudden suspension failure appears to be a safety hazard.

Vehicle reported an electrical failure and to stop vehicle. Vehicle towed to dealership. Service reported Alternator failure and a 6-8 week repair time as part is on back order.

2017 A4 B9 premium plus model, AWD, 2.0T. I have had an Audi dealership service my car for all major service intervals outside of oil change, not only at recommended intervals but even early. 3 years ago I had my 40K mile service done at 35K miles. Spark plugs were replaced by Audi Hawthorne in Westchester county, NY. One week ago, at 49K miles (well before the 6 years or 60K miles Audi says their spark plugs will last) my engine seized while driving and was misfiring. This caused an engine shut down WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION on the highway. I was able to restart and make it off the highway where the car seized again. I had to then be towed 30 miles back home. Took it to my locally well known body shop that I have used for years for them to say: 1. My spark plugs were loose and installed incorrectly and 2. The electrode at the top of the plug had broken off TWO SEPERATE SPARK PLUGS and fallen into the engine, causing scoring to the engine and #4 piston as well as blow-by during combustion. They said this had to be caused by a manufacturing defect PLUS incorrect install. they fixed what they could and recommended I take it to Audi. Audi is now saying I need a whole new engine because of damage to piston 4, and not saying they will cover the replacement cost of $21,500. 

Comfort Control Module (J393) is malfunctioning due to water getting into the wiring components and surrounding areas. The rear lighting stops working all together; No taillights, no brake lights, no turn signals, no license plate lights, and no lights when backing up. The problem has been reproduced by an authorized dealer. The component was removed by the dealer and noted of water inside the module and corrosion on the pins/ internals because of the water. The warning lamps occurred at the same time the lights stopped working. There was never any "prior to" warning. The warnings disappear randomly, no set time until they cleared. I am assuming once the module dries out over time is when the warnings start to clear but that is just speculation. UNKNOWN cause of the incident, but water is getting into the inside of the car somehow.

Start/ Stop system malfunction shown on dash board. Took vehicle to Lynbrook Audi New York on 9/20/23. Water penetration causing multiple damage to electrical systems. Audi states water possibly entering through faulty skylight drain hose ? Quote service charge of 12,028.00 not including tax , declined service for a second opinion. Invoice # 207805. Paid 271.57 for diagnostic inspection. Vehicle was service at this location on 3/9/22 RO # 188998 Tag w107 Complete Complimentary Inspection on 3/9/22. Vehicle Certified ( pre-owned ) at this location on 12/20/2020 ( paid over 1,000.00)

Control modules located next to the gateway module that was recently recalled are getting wet and shorting out. Tail lights, brake lights, turning signals, license plate lights, and reverse lights all stop working. Once the area is dry, the lighting works only sometimes. I am not ever sure if the lights work or not while I'm driving and am concerned about getting rear-ended because of the lights being out and me not knowing.