2002 Audi A4: check engine light

Filed Mar 19, 2014 · Engine · 152,000 miles · RI

I am writing regarding a sad story about my 2002 audi a4 quattro 3.0 sedan . While I realize that the car is not new, and with 152,000 miles on the road; I am still disappointed with the series of events that has happened to me, not once, but twice now! About a week ago, as I turned the engine on, I heard a loud knocking like something had been hit and fallen apart in the engine. At the same time, the check engine light came on (flashing). I took it to my trusted mechanic. At this point, I am thinking that the issue was with a coil ? But not really since they have been replaced and not that long ago, might I add! While the car was being inspected, the mechanic heard a noise coming from camshaft adjusters. Once they opened the case, they found screws lose that had literally fallen off and broken. The camshaft adjustment housing was also damaged, amongst other parts (I have pictures). How can this be possible? After all, the bolts are encased, and it is not like anyone messed with them. The sad part is that the same had happened on the other side a year ago.

Filed Jan 24, 2012 · Transmission · CA

Car jerks then shuts off especially when coming to a stop or after changing gears. It also jerks when on an inclined street, the car starts to roll back, jerks after acceleration, then cuts off completely. After it shuts off, it takes a while for it to turn back on and only to find the check engine and epc light on. It's come to the point where I'm too afraid to drive my own vehicle.

Filed Jan 31, 2011 · Electrical · 138,000 miles · CA · fire

On december 3rd, 2010, I was driving south on I-405s heading from long beach, ca to san diego, ca. I was driving approximately 45 MPH when my check engine light came on and I lost all acceleration in my car. I still had electrical power (ie, indicators still worked, my manual transmission worked and interior dome lights worked). I pulled straight over to the side of the highway at which point I noticed that the hood of my car appeared to be melting and that smoke was rising out of the engine. I jumped out of the car and ran to the side of the road to call 911. Two gracious strangers attempted with two separate fire extinguishers to put out the fire but were unable to. The entire engine compartment was entirely consumed by flames within 2-3 minutes. By the time the fire department and emts arrived, the entire car was aflame and was no longer salvageable. It only took about 5 minutes for the entire car to go up in flames. All that remained once the fire was put out was the rear-hatchback door. Everything else in the car was completely and totally melted and burned. The state trooper who was at the scene of the incident said that the car was so badly burnt it would be extremely hard to determine what caused the fire. I have pictures of the car after the fire and would be happy to share them if needed. The fire was so fast, hot and quick that it was only 30 minutes from when my check engine light came on and I had to pull over, to the end of the entire ordeal.

Filed Apr 27, 2010 · Wheels · 88,500 miles · MA

On 3-25- I bought a 2002 audi a4 quattro from a local used car dealer. At the time of purchase the "check engine" light was on and the car could not pass inspection.the seller assured me that the car would pass inspection after he changed the catalytic converter. He held onto the car and a week later I got it back and the inspection sticker was affixed. Shortly thereafter while driving the car 20 MPH down the street of dracut, ma the rear driver's-side rear wheel fell off. The dracut police responded and documented the incident. They called a tow truck and the car was returned to the seller. He suggested that his mechanic had failed to tighten the lug nuts after doing brake work on the rear brakes... The wheel was re-attached by the seller (or his mechanic). A few days later the "check engine" light came back on since the after-market converter failed and the car could not pass inspection. On another occasion the engine splashguard fell off the car outside the door of the seller. I left the car there. The splashguard was re-attached by the seller or his mechanic (with plastic ties, since he claimed he did not have the parts ... Even though he had my car for over 24 hrs!). What if I had been driving the car when this occurred? In both cases I could have been killed or injured, and other people could have been killed or injured as well. I question if these are "isolated" incidents, and if this is an ongoing pattern of deceptive and unfair practices which are placing the citizenry health and safety at risk? I subsequently returned the vehicle to the seller and demanded a refund under the ma lemon law warranty. I was refunded my purchase price. The seller has refused to reimburse me my "incidental costs" as required by this law. I have sent the seller a demand letter and will pursue the matter in court if he does not reimburse the money I lost - a sum o $1738.37.

Filed Nov 27, 2006 · Engine · 79,000 miles · MD

My audi a4 1.8 turbo engine may have sludging problem - 80k miles. Car engine oil light illuminating after driving long distances - about 1.5 hours on the road going approx 60-70 MPH. But oil levels are actually fine. Oil light does not illuminate when driving in local commuting area. Audi will only cover the fix if consumers have receipts for oil changes performed within the 10k recommended mileage. I have to pay $2750 estimated to fix the problem - some engine sludging and oil pressure low. Audi will not cover. Note that owner's manual recommends oil changes every 10k and does not indicate that these 10k oil changes must be done at those intervals. Many of these engines manufactured by vw are failing. If the oil absolutely must be changed within 10k or 12k miles or engine sludging/failure will occur - proper notice should be given in owner's manual to indicate that they oil changes absolutely must be performed at 10k miles or engine failure will occur and a high red alert message should be displayed in the dash when system's check is performed by driver. This is a defective engine which poses a safety hazard on the road and should be recalled !!! I actually took my vehicle into the dealership at 16,674 miles because check engine light was illuminating on the dash, dealership indicated ignition coils were bad and replaced.

Filed Jun 16, 2005 · Engine · 47,800 miles · FL

My 2002 audi a4 1.8t was malfunctioning the day I took delivery and has had a surprisingly high number of defects since then. Today, the car is inoperable and audi is refusing to assist me. On 5/15/05 my engine suddenly began vibrating harshly and losing power while driving on the interstate. The check engine light came on, and my dash display was flashing a red warning. After towing my car to my dealer, reeves import motorcars of tampa, fl, I was informed that the problem I encountered is a known defect in audi / vw 1.8 turbo engines. Apparently a defect in the 1.8t regarding sludge that clogs the oil system and causes a loss of oil pressure. To rectify this problem, the engine must be flushed and the oil pump, oil pickup, all oil lines and turbo tubes must be replaced. I had never been made aware of this fix, which costs roughly $2,000. Audi denied warranty on my claim, my entire engine needs to be replaced and I am now faced with a service bill of $10,500!!!! My dealer informed me that audi had declared my service history and therefore denied me warranty. (they stated that while all service intervals had been observed, sometimes I was slightly over). Additionally, my rental car since may 16th (usually provided by the dealer for warranty work) is now my own responsibility. In summary: 1. This is a known defect, fully documented by the manufacturer. 2. The factory is now refusing to accept responsibility for an expensive yet totally avoidable engine failure. 3. This failure was sudden. It was not an issue of excessive wear and tear, or a condition that gradually worsened due to neglect. Therefore, the periods between service intervals should be irrelevant. 4. I have sent letters to audi north america's vp in charge of customer relations, mr. Johann de nysschen, without response. Buying an audi was the worst decision I have ever made.

Filed Dec 7, 2003 · Electrical, Fuel system · 300 miles · WV

Stereo-failure and replacement on at least (4) occasions winshield fluid dispenser/wiper malfunction service engine light malfunction-at least (5) occasions solenoid valve bad clutch switch bad blower in air conditioning/heater unit bad pireli tires-broken belts in all four (at 25,000 miles)- these are the tires placed on the vehicle by audi coils bad gas gauge mis read

Filed Sep 2, 2003 · Electrical, Engine · 14,000 miles · MA

The ignition coil made the vehicle ride rough. While driving, the vehicle lost power and cut off. The dealer stated they would only replace 1 out of 6 coils. *ts the service technician had driven the vehicle five miles and the a second coil failed. Audi replaced all six coils then the remaining five were "j" coils. The engine warning light had come on. The vehicle had been serviced repeatedly by father's & sons, but they had not completed the repair. All of the oxygen sensors and the catalytic converter had been replaced. (some twice) the other emission parts were replaced. The service dealer did not give the consumer the paper work because audi did not pay the full cost for repairs. The vehicle was still under warranty. *scc

Filed Feb 4, 2003 · Suspension · 4,000 miles · NY

The engine light illuminated and engine died. Took to dealer, and dealer stated that a coil spring had failed. Please provide any further information. Ph

Filed Jan 6, 2003 · Engine · 5,500 miles · IL

While driving the vehicle the engine light would intermittently illuminate and heavy vibration forced consumer to pull off the road, due to a faulty engine coil. The dealer changed the faulty coil. One month later, the replaced coil failed. Dealer refused responsibility. *jg. Ph

Filed Dec 21, 2002 · Electrical · 9,264 miles · CA

Car engine was misfiring while check engine light flashed. There was a severe lack of power. Dealer diagnosed problem to be faulty ignition coil pack.

Filed Dec 18, 2002 · Electrical · 11,500 miles · WA

Ignition coil pack failure - check engine light came on - car began to shake and lack of power - had to be flatbed trucked into dealer - without car 3 days now . Dealer states audi only to replace the defective coil " with new improved coil " what about other 3 ignition coil packs on this engine ? Waiting for next foot to drop !