I was driving on the freeway at 65 mph when my engine suddenly ceased up, the hydraulics stopped functioning and I was surrounded by heavy traffic. I managed to pull the vehicle to the side of the road but it was a very dangerous situation. The timing belt of my Audi Tt 2000 (49K miles) snapped causing the entire engine to fail and requires replacement.

- Carlsbad, CA, USA

1. the events leading up the failure included a 60,000 mile check up and a discussion about checking out the timing belt as part of the service. The authorized Audi dealer replied that Audi does not recommend checking or changing the timing belt until 67,000 miles. 2. at 67,000 miles, the timing belt went out causing the power steering to go out and my car to die. If I had been turning at a busy intersection, I would have been seriously injured or killed. Taking it to the dealer, I have found that there is $5000+ in damages done to the engine because of the failure. 3. I have found many other Audi Tt drivers who have had the same problem, timing belts failing between 30K-70K miles, well before how long Audi says they will last. They refuse to do anything about it or acknowledge that their cars have problems.

- Jonesboro, AR, USA

The timing belt shouldn't need to be changed until 90,000 miles, but it went out at 65,000 miles. This happened while consumer was on the road. Mechanic said it should never failed at 60,000 miles.

- Chatham, NY, USA

Hydraulic tensioner malfunctioned. This caused the timing belt to break.

- Decatur, GA, USA

Vehicle has been in repair shop several times to eleviate a screeching sound from serpentine belt. Other problems have been repaired associated with performance of belt. Dealership states that they are unable to duplicate problem. Engine performance is possibly being inhibited by failure. Consumer stated that the sound was come from engine compartment either at cold start or after car was restarted.

- Weymouth, MA, USA