Timing belt failed at 64000 miles and caused engine damage (replacement of heads). Total repair cost came to $4000. Two weeks before the accident I had a full inspection by Audi and specifically asked Audi service rep if I needed to change the belt. I was told not worry since Audi recommends 90K change interval (and even 105K on the newer models). Car was a few months out of warranty. Audi usa and the local Audi dealer who recommended not to change the belt refused to pay for the repair.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

I own an 1999 Audi A4 1.8T. On November 19, 2005, I took my Audi to tyson's corner Audi dealer in tyson's corner, va. At the time, my car had 79,000 miles and the dealer casually mentioned that I need to have my timing belt replaced at 90,000 miles. The dealer did not inform me of any other problems with my car. Subsequently, I drove my car. Then a few weeks later when I was driving my car at 65 mph on the highway, the timing belt suddenly gave out and the car engine died on the spot. I could have also been killed on the spot. At this time, my car had 80,000 miles, no where near 90,000 miles that the dealer casually mentioned. I am writing to you to inform you of this malfunctioning timing belt problem. The timing belt damaged the engine and the dealer is quoting me $7,700 fixed my car. When I asked about the warranty with the timing belt, the dealer denied any wrong doing, falsely informed me that there is no warranty associated with timing belt, and above all asked me tow my car if I was not going to have it repaired at the dealer. I am fully aware of the class action law suit on 1997-99 Audi A4 for the malfunctioning timing belt. Yet, the dealer denies any wrongdoing and even falsely informed me that there are no warranty associated with timing belt. When I called Audi usa customer service, the customer service representative also failed to mention any warranty but rather informed me that they cannot do much. They called the dealer on my behalf, but Audi usa was not willing to do anything further once the dealer denied any responsibility. My car is still damaged with no engine. Due to the class action suit, I believe that Audi usa not only needs to fix my car at no cost but also place a recall on all 1997-99 Audi A4 to prevent potential lethal car accidents. Hence, I am contacting the national highway traffic association, which oversees all recalls and has been documenting this timing belt issue with Audi.

- Arlington, VA, USA

The contact stated the timing belt broke while driving. As a result, the engine head I broke. The vehicle was towed to the dealership for inspection. The dealer confirmed that the timing belt broke. The vehicle is now awaiting repairs.

- Haverford, PA, USA

Vehicle was making a right hand turn at 15 mph when the owner noticed that the vehicle was making a loud noise. Consumer parked the vehicle and had it towed to a dealer. Results showed that the timing tension rod broke, which caused the engine to fail.

- Hammondsport, NY, USA

The timing chain on my 1999 Audi A-4 1.8 turbo with 76,000 miles broke as I was driving on a busy freeway during rush hour, leaving me a a potentially dangerous situation. Fortunately, my car was not hit by other cars. As a result, however, the engine and transmission as well as the timing chain were all trashed. The manufacturer recommends replacing the timing chain at 90,000 miles, but Audi of North America told me that they noiw recommend replacement at 70,000 or 75,000. They did not recommend it to me or to the dealer where my car has been serviced (following all the manufacturers recommendations) and the local Audi dealer said that since the warranty had expired they would do nothing.

- Brigham City, UT, USA

While driving engine light came on. Vehicle lost power, and became difficult to steer. Vehicle was towed to a gas station, and I T was discovered the timing belt was defective.

- Ringwood, NJ, USA

1999 Audi A4 1.8T quattro, VIN: [xxx] timing belt failed while driving. Maintenance schedule recommends replacement of this belt at the interval of 105,000 miles. This failure occurred at 67,600 miles one month after warranty ran out (per Audi, carfax indicates car still under warranty). This extremely early failure suggests a manufacturer defect exists with this engine. Audi advocate investigating at this time, but has suggested that this manufacturer defect will not be covered by Audi. I disagree, this should be covered as an unacceptable failure, impossible to avoid by consumer, as I would never have guessed to replace at an earlier time, let alone, at 50% of manufacturer"S recommended interval. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Elk Grove, CA, USA

Water pump went out, causing the timing belt to fail. Failing timing belt caused it to jump but luckly it didn't cause any engine interference.

- Greenwood Village, CO, USA

At approximately 68,800 miles the timing belt on my Audi A4 1.8T quattro broke as I was pulling into traffic. This occured approximately 6 weeks after the expiration of the manufacturers extended warranty. The auto has been meticulously maintained since its purchase and has all the pertinent service records. The current repair estimate is $4,000 to $5,000. The current recommended replacement interval for the timing belt by Audi is 90,000 to 105,000 miles. Audi usa currently will not provide any assistance in the repair of this vehicle. I have performed some internet research and aside from the 2 complaints on the NHTSA website I have found numerous similar complaints of aud A4 and VW passat 1.8T timing belts breaking well in advance of the 90,000 miles service interval. This appears to be a manufacturers defect and the VW Audi should be responsible for the repair of this problem I believe. Fortunately for me I was not hit as my car failed pulling into traffic. I believe this defect poses a significant risk should it fail at an inopportune moment.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

The timing belt failed at 48,000 miles causing major engine damage. All sources state this belt does not have to be replaced until 90,000-105,000 miles.

- Houston, TX, USA

My timing belt failed at 69000 miles and caused engine damage (replacement of heads). Total repair cost came to $4000. Seems to be a common failure prior to the recommended 90K change interval. I tried scheduling the changing of the timing belt at 6800 miles but was told to wait by an Audi service department. Currently working with Audi for repayment.

- Billerica, MA, USA

The VW/Audi 1.8T engine has been experiencing an alarming number of premature timing belt failures, causing instantaneous power failure and catastrophic valve train damage. (search audiworld.com for timing belt failure.) failures have occurred as low as 45K miles. Mine went at 90K miles although the service manual makes no mention of scheduled replacement. If this had happened while passing or on the interstate, a serious accident could have occurred. These vehilcles should be recalled or at least Audi should notify the owners of the problem. The timing belts should be replaced to avoid a potential fatal accident. There is also a known timing belt tensioner problem in pre-2000 model year cars that causes failure.

- Rowley, MA, USA