The timing chain and tensioner in my 2014 Audi A4 Quattro (VIN: [XXX] ) failed without warning, causing the engine to suddenly stall and become inoperable while in motion. This presented a serious safety hazard. Although my vehicle is slightly outside the settlement mileage and time limit, timing chains are considered a lifetime component and are not a maintenance item, meaning they are not expected to fail and are not listed as requiring inspection or replacement under any Audi maintenance schedule. This failure was sudden, catastrophic, and safety-related. Audi and Volkswagen have already acknowledged this timing chain defect in federal class-action litigation (Opheim et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America), and my VIN is included in the affected vehicle list. Audi’s own dealership technician confirmed that the timing chain is stretched, the tensioner is fully extended, and the intake camshaft timing is off by a tooth—clearly matching the known defect. The vehicle stalled suddenly while arriving at a repair facility, and it would not restart. Had this occurred on a highway, a collision could have easily resulted. This is a known safety defect, affecting engine timing, power loss, and stall risk. The manufacturer denies responsibility despite known defects, safety implications, and VIN eligibility. I am requesting the federal safety agency to investigate Audi’s refusal to address a known and documented safety-related defect involving a critical non-maintenance engine component that is expected to last the life of the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2014 Audi A4: engine stalls while driving
5 of the 32 complaints about the 2014 Audi A4 describe engine stalls while driving.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 16%
- recalls
- 0
Engine stalls while driving by model year
What owners say
The contact owns a 2014 Audi A4. The contact stated while at a stop sign and attempting to proceed, the vehicle stalled and failed to return to normal operation. The contact and her boyfriend shifted into neutral and pushed the vehicle to the side of the road for a while until the vehicle eventually restarted. The Electronic power control (EPC) warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to the residence where the boyfriend used a diagnostic scanner to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the fuel pump sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was scanned a second time and it was determined that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The diagnostic scan tool was used again to diagnose the vehicle and it was determined that the fuel pressure regulator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Driving on a two lane busy road, car started to jerk and shut down. Lost steering capability immediately, car veered toward ditch, stopped. Called 911 immediately because the road was busy and cars could not safely get around my stalled vehicle. I told 911 that I was exiting the vehicle for my safety. I could not restart the vehicle. There were no warning lamps or messages or symptoms alerting me to a problem UNTIL after the occurrence. I had no idea what was happening, and it was frightening. Never had this situation with any of my Audi's and I only have approximately 41,000 miles on it. After about 15 minutes a person stopped and was able to restart my vehicle (911) never got to me and I cautiously drove home. Called the dealer and had it serviced immediately. Diagnostics performed on it. It required a replacement of the fuel pump and fuel rail sensor. It found fuel pump control module to be shorting out. It seems that this type of issue should not be occurring on the vehicle with such low mileage.
The TCM doesn't properly communicate with sensors in the transmission of my Audi A4 such as one of the speed sensors and this issue is inspectable by most certified technicians. The equipment failure can result in the transmission not being able to engage the gears into a "forward" motion causing the vehicle to seemingly stall in traffic. It can also cause it to shift roughly, which could further damage equipment and pose higher safety risks to not only to me, but other drivers on the roads as well, both of which issues I mentioned have occurred to me on multiple occasions. I've recently had this issue diagnosed by an Audi technician. A "transmission malfunction" message also is present on the dashboard as a result of the aforementioned issues.
While driving the vehicle, I get an 'alternator failure - battery might not be charging' warming, few seconds later the car almost completely shut down, the steering wheel becomes super stiff, can't accelerate, I almost hit a car next to me while trying to get out of the road and park in a safe place! Luckily was a 35 MPH zone, in the highway would have been really dangerous! I towed to a shop and yes, is the alternator. The car should give an earlier warning and definitely not shut down while driving!
Service bulletins that may apply
- This bulletin provides information when the engine is not runing smoothly; all gas engines.
- This special notice is to inform dealers to return the parts listed if it meets the criteria provided.
- This bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
- This bulletin provides information on VIN Plates, Safety Certification labels, and the ordering procedures.
- This bulletin provides information regarding UV leak additive for finding oil leaks.
- This bulletin provides informatin when the engine does not run smoothly at idling speeds.
- This bulletin provides information when the MIL is on; DTCs for misfire, air/fuel ratio imbalance, or lean...
- This bulletin provides information when ther is an Engine: start/stop system fault shown and start/stop...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2014 Audi A4 stalling
Is engine stalls while driving a common problem on the 2014 Audi A4?
5 of 32 owner complaints about the 2014 Audi A4 (16%) mention engine stalls while driving. The model year with the most reports is 2004.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2014 Audi A4?
There are 0 recalls and 68 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2014 Audi A4
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