1997 Audi A4 suspension problems

Filed Apr 1, 2009 · Suspension · VA

The lower front control arms in my '97 audi a4 1.8t quattro were replaced by an authorized audi dealer as part of a voluntary recall campaign in 2004 by audi to replace a noted defective part. A class action lawsuit brought against audi by several owners spurred the voluntary recall. My lower control arms need replacing again, based on an inspection by an independent mechanic. When I contacted audi customer service I was told that the 2004 control arm recall had a one-year warranty and after that time I was responsible for the replacement cost, which exceeds $2,000 for the lower front control arms. This is the second time this defective part needs replacing and it is a safety issue. Numerous audi owners have reported repeated lower control arm failure and the federal safety agency is urged to call a mandatory recall for audi to repair this defective part so it does not need to be replaced by owners every few years.

Filed Aug 27, 2005 · Suspension · 74,200 miles · CT

Failing lower control arms.

Filed Jun 13, 2005 · Suspension · 112,000 miles · NH

Audi (97 a4 quattro) has issued a safety recall related to control arms - offering free replacement. They further state that if the control arms have already been replaced, they will reimburse all costs. I have my car maintained faithfully, usually by a dealer, but I did not have the formal 90k mile check done. Since I did not follow their formal process, they are refusing to pay for the repair. (this is not a "maintainable part", so the only fix, if indicated at 90k miles, would have been replacement). Audi's position seems unreasonable, given the "unrepairability factor".

Filed Jan 14, 2005 · Suspension · 23,991 miles · MN

Both of the vehicle's front lower control arms failed. *nm the consumer previously owned a 1882 audi 4000 and a 1985 audi 4000s quattro. *sc

Filed Dec 10, 2004 · Suspension · 30,000 miles · VT

Every 30,000 miles to 40,000 miles the lower control arms failed. When this occurred, the front end made a clanking noise, and the front wheels loosened. Consumer contacted the dealer and the manufacturer, and was offered 50% of total repair cost by the manufacturer.

Filed Sep 17, 2004 · Suspension · 103,000 miles · FL · crash

Control arm failure, front passenger side. Resulted in loss of steering control and veering into a curb, damaging the vehicle ($2000+), insurance would not cover the failed part (esurance). It was extremely fortunate that I was going only 35 MPH, that no one was standing or driving where I hit that curb.

Filed Jul 12, 2004 · Suspension · NJ

Control arms went bad. There's noise when turning and going over bumps.

Filed Apr 30, 2003 · Suspension · 80,000 miles · MI

Front control arm ball joints clunk and squeak, they require replacement due to poor design.

Filed Mar 19, 2003 · Suspension · OR

Upper and lower control arms (all 4) for the front suspension have failed and must be replace again. Squeezing/crunching noise at low speed and over bumps. Have been replaced- less than 15k miles ago by audi dealer and they've worn out already. This is a poor design and audi needs to come through with a solution for its customers. This is a several thousand dollar repair job!

Filed Feb 4, 2003 · Suspension · 40,000 miles · CT

Front control arms are notorious for making clunking noise. You can replace them every 6 months and problem starts all over. This is safety design flaw that audi needs to assist in repairs or recall.