'01 A4 2.8: (1) digital display is blurry and cannot fully understand everything the computer is displaying, (2) internal oil seals have become defective causing a foul burnt-oil smell within and outside the vehicle, (3) transmission downshifts very hard and rough, (4) very poor design by the engineers to place a cupholder directly over the stereo and heater instrumentation which have caused my buttons to stick. Have taken the vehicle to various dealerships and shops and technicians have stated that the seals are obviously a design flaw and so is the display panel with has some software or lcd problems associated with it.

- Houston, TX, USA

In searching for complaints filed for 2001 Audi A4's I noticed a number related to very poor braking in wet weather. I experienced the same problem with my 2001 A4. Audi does have a solution for this problem. The rotor backing plates must be replaced with a different design. When I brought it into the dealer for routine service and mentioned the problem no one in the dealership was familiar with the problem. A factory rep. Was visiting the dealership at the time and was familiar with the problem. He ordered new backing plates which, I am told, can only be ordered by a factory rep. It took 3 months for the parts to reach the dealership. I haven't had the problem since the new backing plates were installed.

- New Fairfield, CT, USA