This car is a NIGHTMARE. I own the A4 1.8T Quattro and it has been one problem after another. Unbeknownst to me, my entire engine was replaced in 2003 and due to the oil sludge issue (Audi issued a recall for this problem) I am having several other engine problems. In addition to the engine issues, there have been countless electrical problems and other random but reoccurring malfunctions (I have had to replace over 15 O2 sensors and God only knows how many coil packs).

I purchased the car with 40,000 miles on it in 2005. FIRST RED FLAG: After two months the car began stalling at red lights so I took it into my local Audi dealership. They kept it in their shop for THREE WEEKS because the problems were so extensive that they had to receive approval before agreeing to do the repairs under my warranty. Even after the warranty, it still cost me around $800.

Since the warranty expired I have shelled out over $13,000 repairing this car. On my last trip to the dealership, the tech told me that 2002 was the first year Audi had attempted to do this particular drivetrain/engine combo (Quattro AWD and LONGITUDINALLY MOUNTED 1.8T engine) and it was a failure. I believe he said something about the oil capacity being far too small for a turbo charged engine. Anyways, he ultimately admitted that he would never recommend this car to anyone. NEITHER WOULD I. I will never purchase an Audi again.

By the way, did I mention that they sold me my car "Certified Pre-Owned" only to later find out that the entire engine had been replaced prior to me purchasing the car? They flat out lied about it on the paperwork. I found out the truth when I took my car in for the oil sludge recall and the shop supervisor mentioned that I had already received an engine replacement in 2003. I pointed out that I didn't own the car in 2003 and that information was never disclosed to me or I wouldn't have purchased the car. I showed him my "Certified Pre-Owned" inspection list etc. and we were both APPALLED. Nevertheless, I tried to contact the dealership that I bought the car from--they went out of business and, not surprisingly, are being sued by numerous people for fraudulent practices. Lovely.

Timing belt broke while driving, which in Audis because they have an interference engine causes catastrophic engine damage, 6000 dollars worth. Audi doesn't recommend changing the timing belt until 105,000 miles, I only had 75,000. All 20 valves were crushed, the dealership was currently working on 3 other a4's while mine was in shop for same thing. YOU MUST CALL CORPORATE!!!! I bitched and moaned for a week and a half until Audi agreed to cover all costs! I was provided a 2010 a4 until all repairs were finished. When you call Audi mention the class action lawsuit filed against them. They will pay for it. You must be persistent.

My Audi A4 2002 1.8 Quatro, 73000 miles has had its oil light go on recently. The car would drive for about 15 minutes before its oil lamp would go on. I have added oil, but with no result (the problem would repeat itself). This has happened only a day after Audi service has flushed the engine to clean the coolant. I have taken my Audi to an independent dealership, and they diagnosed it as a failed engine. Furthermore, the oil pressure lamp has gone on two times before Audi certified service "fixed" the problems both times. Now, Audi is claiming that the car most probably will not be able to be fixed under warranty, because of previous major fixes (water pump, oil cooler, and oil changes) have been fixed at independent non-Audi shops. Is this a valid claim? What would you recommend for me to do? Also, when I took my Audi to the Audi dealership for the above said problems, they only said the price, but not the fact that the problems could have been done under warranty; is this a legal issue? The Audi's check engine light has been on for two years, and when I took it to Audi service they said it was just the oxygen sensor and was not worth replacing.