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Audi A4 Avant engine failure problems

10 of the 60 owner complaints about the Audi A4 Avant describe engine failure, most of them for the 2011 model year.

owner complaints
10
worst model year
2011
typical mileage
80,000
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

By model year

What owners say

Filed Dec 22, 2021 · Engine · SC

The contact owns a 2011 Audi A4. The contact stated she needed to add 1 quart of oil frequently to the vehicle. The contact stated that the oil warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and had the oil consumption test completed twice but was not able to diagnose the failure. The contact stated she continued to add 1 quart of oil frequently, but the failure started to progress. The contact stated that the oil pressure warning light was illuminated and the turn-off engine warning message was displayed. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and had an unknown sensor replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact also stated that while making a left turn, the engine seized. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to her destination. The contact attempted to call the manufacturer but was unable to reach a Representative. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jun 27, 2019 · Engine · 60,000 miles · CA

It appears that due to a manufacturing/engineering defect, the timing chain on certain audi and volkswagen models fails after a certain number of miles. This timing chain failure has been determined to cause substantial damage to the vehicle's engine, in many cases requiring a complete engine replacement. Regrettably, this is what recently happened with my 2011 audi a4. In fact, there was a fairly high-profile class action filed against volkswagen (civil action no. 16-2765 (jll)(jad) that was recently settled. (see https://timingchainlitigation.com/home/faq#faq6). Unfortunately, the settlement is extremely flawed and leaves vehicle owners inadequately compensated if their vehicles are above a certain number of miles or if the owners missed the deadline for filing claims. The timing chain issue constitutes a significant and dangerous manufacturing/engineering flaw that should warrant a recall of all affected vehicles. The engine failure that can occur as a result of the timing chain issue can easily lead to auto accidents and possible fatalities. I urge the dept. Of transportation to take this matter very seriously and investigate. A full recall and compensation to affected vehicle owners should be ordered.

Filed May 6, 2019 · Engine · 92,000 miles · CA

My vehicle was burning oil faster than normal. I have since had my car in the shop several times before oil changes were due to top off oil do to several lights coming on: "min oil", "oil pressure too low". I have had several oil consumption tests each year as well as parts replaced: pressure regulating valve, crankshaft damper and seal. Had a 40 point inspection in 2014 at 44k miles and in 2015 requested a multi inspection at 55k miles. I had several oil consumption tests around theses dates: 3/714, 5/7/15, 11/12/15. After they changed out parts I had to change 4 fuel injectors in 2016. To fast forward I had all oil changes on time and had to add oil several times in-between services. On jan 11, 2019 I had another oil change, they replaced my oil sensors and breaks. 4 months later my "low oil light" kept popping up when I would turn. After checking the old 4 times it kept reading 3/4 full of oil. After I felt the car running strange I pulled over to buy oil and at this point I checked and it was bone dry. I put a quart in and at this point the car wont start. I had it towed to the nearest audi dealership who told me I need a new engine and a new timing sensor. They said the amount of damage the timing belt had done caused the engine to need total replacement. Yet never spoke about why the oil sensors kept giving the wrong reading. Since I have owned my car from aug 2013 it has burned more oil than I want to believe which makes this car bad for the environment and the air quality.

Filed Oct 8, 2018 · Engine · 133,000 miles · MA

2012 audi a4 has had ongoing oil consumption isuues. Audi dealer performed consumption test done around 74k (3qts per 1000miles - basically have had to add 1 qt every 300 miles. Was told no recourse - was outside of class action lawsuit of 2009-2011 of similar issues. Now at 133k mile, engine seized without warning - epc light came on - car was serviced less than 25k miles and had all 4 fuel injectors, 4 spark plugs and 2 ignition coils replaced and de-carb procedure done. I'm at a loss that audi refuses to accept responsibility for faulty engine.

Filed Sep 22, 2018 · Engine · LA

We were just informed of a class action lawsuit involving timing chain and tensioner failure. This failure could cause catastrophic engine failure while driving and cause the vehicle to stop possibly at highway speeds causing an accident and harm to vehicle occupants. The lawsuit could result in an extended pro-rated warranty but no recall or repairs made to any vehicle prior to engine failure. Audi is aware of this problem and has issued a technical service bulletin to the dealer network but will not offer any repairs outside of the current warranty. We believe all affected vehicles should be recalled and repaired prior to a catastrophic engine failure resulting in loss of life.

Filed Sep 27, 2017 · Engine · 103,000 miles · CA

This past sunday, my audi self-accelerated in busy traffic. Only because I drive a manual was I able to prevent an accident. I had the car towed from sacramento ca to audi oakland. They diagnosed it saying the piston blew threw the engine, depressurizing the engine. They claim the don't know why and have failed to contact me since. I had to contact audi USA which hasn't been responsive. This was a catastrophic engine failure while I was driving three boys. Nonetheless, audi oakland--and I had to call them!--just told me its my problem and I need to pay $16k for a new engine. They told me this is an odd occurrence and since there's no warranty, its not their problem.

Filed Apr 24, 2017 · Engine · 80,000 miles · NC

I turned car off, went into a store came back, started car and it sounded horrible, as if totally falling apart. Turned it off, tried again and would not start at all. Dealer said engine was shot, seized up has to be replaced. They have been maintaining it since the day I bought it. Oil changes all up to date. 30,000 mile outside of warranty. Dealer has no understand of what could have happened. Could this have happened when I was driving? No idea. Has anyone heard of this happening to their audi a4 2012?

Filed Oct 11, 2016 · Engine · 76,100 miles · MO

Timing belt tensioner failing at under 70k miles but audi suggests that no need to perform any timing belt related work before 120k miles. This causes catastrophic failure on the engine and entire engine needs to be rebuilt or replaced. There are several lawsuits and complaints in several states. I wanted to officially start this complain and I'm in missouri. These tensioners and chains should have been replaced under the original warranty or an extended warranty program since volkswagen knew these components were defective and would cause premature and often unannounced expensive engine failure. This is evidenced by the subsequent revisions to the tensioner and chain performed in late 2011 in an effort to correct the original defects.

Filed Mar 4, 2014 · Engine · 25,055 miles · CA

I have a 2011 audi a4 2.0t that continues to consume oil which lead to a major engine malfunction @ 25k; 26k & now @36k the engine seized on the highway nearly causing an accident on the highway as of 10/31/13 I have over a years worth of investigation notes about audi's procedures to dealing with customers. Using myself as test subject to endure the misdirection and lies to perpetuate this cover-up there are over 1000 complaints documented for this oil consumption issue which can lead to your engine seizing up at high speeds. Http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/audi-a4/t532rvb94d9dr4ei0/p7 audi of america refuses to handle this dangers defect in their audi 2.0t engine because of the obvious cost associated with another recall for the audi a4 model 2009-2012. Combined with the already court mandated recall of 2002-2006 audi 1.8t engines. I have nearly been in three accidents from my car violently shaking to audi most recently rushing to replace my complete engine at 36,000 miles to avoid a 15 day clause in california to classify a vehicle as a lemon this car has been in the shop for more 46+ days due to the same issue as described in the service bulletin link below. I find it quite appalling that the federal safety agency has yet to force a recall for the american consumer. At 25,055 miles, on november 26, 2012, the audi a4 began experiencing severe engine problems that caused the vehicle to violently shake coupled with a flashing check engine light and epc light. This left the vehicle in a debilitated state. After 4 days at the dealer, the dealer was unable to conclude the exact cause of the violent shaking but instead made what seemed like makeshift repairs to the cylinders, injection, and intake manifold. The saga continues for 1000 other consumers: http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f20ff85 & http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/audi-a4/t532rvb94d9dr4ei0/p7 please review & help

Filed Nov 14, 2013 · Engine · 25,055 miles · CA

I have a 2011 audi a4 2.0t that continues to consume oil which lead to a major engine malfunction @ 25k; 26k & now @36k the engine seized on the highway nearly causing an accident on the highway as of 10/31/13 I have over a years worth of investigation notes about audi's procedures to dealing with customers. Using myself as test subject to endure the misdirection and lies to perpetuate this cover-up there are over 1000 complaints documented for this oil consumption issue which can lead to your engine seizing up at high speeds. Http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/audi-a4/t532rvb94d9dr4ei0/p7 audi of america refuses to handle this dangers defect in their audi 2.0t engine because of the obvious cost associated with another recall for the audi a4 model 2009-2012. Combined with the already court mandated recall of 2002-2006 audi 1.8t engines. I have nearly been in three accidents from my car violently shaking to audi most recently rushing to replace my complete engine at 36,000 miles to avoid a 15day clause in california to classify a vehicle as a lemon this car has been in the shop for more 46+ days due to the same issue as described in the service bulletin link below. I find it quite appauling that the federal safety agency has yet to force a recall for the american consumer. At 25,055 miles, on november 26, 2012, the audi a4 began experiencing severe engine problems that caused the vehicle to violently shake coupled with a flashing check engine light and epc light. This left the vehicle in a debilitated state. After 4 days at the dealer, the dealer was unable to conclude the exact cause of the violent shaking but instead made what seemed like makeshift repairs to the cylinders, injection, and intake manifold. The saga continues for 1000 other consumers: http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f20ff85 & http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/audi-a4/t532rvb94d9dr4ei0/p7 please review & help.

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Audi A4 Avant engine failure

Which Audi A4 Avant years have engine failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2011 (7 complaints) and 2012 (3 complaints).

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