Audi A4 fuel gauge problems

Filed Dec 5, 2025 · Fuel system · CA

I have been trying to register my vehicle in California for several months, however, in order to do so, I need the car to pass SMOG. Initially I was told that the issue was related to an emissions sensor and that I had to drive the vehicle a few more miles to get the sensor to register properly. This turned out not to be the case. A short time later, the fuel gauge completely stopped working. I took it to an authorized Audi repair shop that told me the issue was related to a the "Fuel Tank Sending Unit". That part was replaced by the repair shop, however, the issue persisted. The authorized repair shop is now telling me that it the entire tank needs to be replaced in order to fix the issue.. I have searched and this seems to be a common issue among Audi vehicles; the sensor stops working and the gauge stops responding. Audi seems to know that this is an issue. Can this possibly be investigated.

Filed Jul 29, 2024 · Fuel system · MI

The fuel level sensor that is built into the gas tank, sensor #2, has failed and I only had 30,354 miles on the car at the time of failure. Audi Birmingham, in Birmingham, MI, confirmed the failure via a diagnostic test.

Filed Dec 14, 2023 · Electrical, Fuel system · FL

Owner of 2019 A4 recently purchased from dealership after lease expired in Feb.2023. Currently with only 36,800 miles, took vehicle to inspect on Nov.24th and nothing but a front light replacement and suggestion of new tires in inspection video. The factory warranty due to expire the following week, Dec. 2nd 2023, and I was inquiring as to cost of extending warranty, but di not purchase, was waiting until after holidays. The following weekend, Tank Malfunction light turns on, from nowhere and displays zero gas on the dashboard. The previous night we filled tank with superior gas from the same gas station we use, nothing odd.. Call dealership next business day, they state the factory warranty expired and cannot cover anything. I call AUDI USA and they suggest that Audi dealership service inspect and they do and after inspecting the car conclude that I need a new fuel tank! A brand new car needs a gas tank! Service advisor states I have a faulty tank and it is because of ibad gas? What is bad gas? I mean really? I put the same gas as always, superior. I received no warning lights. The dealership's inspection from the previous week did not detect anything either. It is a safety concern to drive not knowing how much gas one has. I suspect the gas gauge has an issue. The sensor is in the fuel tank hence the suggestion to replace the whole tank at a cost of $3880! The dealership should assume responsibility for not detecting during inspection. Even though factory warranty expired within a week of incident, they should provide a grace period. AUDI USA must investigate. I AM REGRETTING MY AUDI PURCHASE!!! This sensor is faulty and is dangerous and I am not the only owner who has this problem occur. It is unacceptable that this car not perform as expected and gas tanks usually have a 20 year life span! I believe that 46,000 cars were recalled with gas gauge issues and although this car is not in that recall does not mean it can be defective.

Filed Feb 15, 2023 · Fuel system · OH

On December 29, 2022 as I was driving my engine light came on, the fuel gauge registered empty (I had over a quarter tank of fuel at the time), and my miles till empty display in the upper left of the instrument cluster went blank. I took my Audi to my Audi dealer and their recommended repair was as follows: Fuel Tank: After removing fuel pump and level sensor we found that the secondary fuel level sensor is built into the fuel tank is faulty. Recommend replacing the tank and fuel pump with the tank. Their reason was that if the fuel tank failed it could cause a potentially hazardous situation for the driver and passengers.

Filed Sep 13, 2022 · Fuel system · NV

Gas gauge displaying incorrect level of fuel. Oil level notification improperly displaying level of oil.

Filed May 13, 2021 · Electrical, Fuel system · 1,567 miles · CA

I had just put $35 in gassed the car still said I needed gas and that I had zero miles left of gas I made a trip that was about 45 miles in distance. My car was then parked and turned off for about 3 to 4 hours then it had trouble starting at first but turned on and I proceeded onto the freeway which was across the street from the parking lot I parked inside of. It was about 9:00 pm and thankfully there was not a lot of cars out. The entrance of this freeway consist of one medium sized steep hill which remains traveling upward onto a mountain when my car suddenly shut off my 3 year old daughter and I were in the car and thankfully we were on the last lane due to the fact that we were barely entering the freeway. I parked on the right side skirt I had just replaced that battery earlier that week (no more than 5 day before). I had a small gas can in my trunk and had someone go to the gas station and bring me the gallon of gas which I emptied into my car and it turned on. At times the car does smell like gasoline especially if I just put gas. It doesn't matter how much gas I fill up my tank with it will indicate I have 0 miles of gas in the screen and the fuel gauge will not go below the middle indicator and will never show above 3/4 full. My tpmsa is always indicating a problem when the I have a mechanic see it and he assured me it's in good condition

Filed Dec 2, 2014 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 90,700 miles · CA

Was driving on freeway for a few hours during which car was running fine, and car suddenly lost power just after I got off freeway and approached a mountain road incline. There was no warning light, or prior symptoms to engine failure, it just stopped. With help, I was able to get car out of the middle of the road and to safety. Tried to troubleshoot, used engine error code reader, and no fault codes found. Performed basics checked for potential fuel vapor lock due to altitude; checked oil, coolant and fuel levels- and all levels were ok. Battery was functioning - as radio, lights worked. Car has been consistently serviced and maintenance was current. Car was towed to nearest dealer, diagnosis by dealer fuel pump failure due to clogged fuel filter. My issue is that audi does not indicate service maintenance for fuel filter. There is not any maintenance recommendations or guidance in either the owner's manual or published list of recommended services to replace or check filer. There also were not any warning lights, fault codes or indications to watch for. I feel that it is negligent of the manufacturer to not indicate any service interval to change fuel filter in order to prevent fuel pump failure, and to ensure the safe operating conditions of the vehicle. The car lost power on a winding mountain road and put me at danger without warning. I am curious if this fuel pump incident could be associated with known fuel pump issues, the federal safety agency #pe08027. Key side notes, while I am the second registered owner, this car was purchased by my father who was the original owner, but for insurance and registration purposes the vehicle was transferred over to me, but I have all original records of the vehicle and can verify all maintenance services have been performed.

Filed Jan 16, 2010 · Fuel system · 80,000 miles · CA

Engine was starved of fuel on a busy highway. Apparent fuel pump failure with no warning. Police had to direct traffic until vehicle could be towed. $600 repair to replace audi oem fuel pump. I know others have had the same problem by looking at carfax reports. Pump was prematurely defective. Mechanic confirmed that fuel filter was clean and functioning (not changed). Also, car now shows faulty fuel level readings (maybe unrelated). Incident date 12/21/2009.

Filed May 27, 2009 · Fuel system · 50,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 audi a4. While driving approximately 25 MPH on normal road conditions, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted and resumed normal operation. The fuel gauge displayed inaccurate readings with the fuel tank capacity level, which was less than half. Unexpectedly, the "low fuel level" warning sounded in the vehicle. The failure occurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection and they stated that the failure was attributed to the fuel line. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 50,000 and current mileage was 62,000.

Filed Jul 26, 2007 · Fuel system · 56,000 miles · CA

I have a 2003 audi a4 1.8t engine. I discovered a loud mechanical noise at the rear of my car when driving and now also at idle. I found out from a audi independent shop & from online car forums that the issue on my car is the fuel pump is about to fail. I just found out that there was a recall on this car the federal safety agency campaign id is 06v017000, the manu campaign number is jl. I then discovered from service records on the car that the fuel pump had been replaced on 4/19/06 with 35,434 miles on the car with the jl code. I purchased the car at the end of may 2006 with 35,500 miles on the car. I had to get a repair to the fuel sender unit (shows the fuel level) under warranty on 6/16/06 with 36,706 miles, the dealership never mentioned the service history to me at this point. The car has just reached 57k miles(out of warranty 50k)and now the fuel pump is screaming with mechanical noise.so basically with only approx 22k miles on the "new" fuel pump it is failing again. Today I went to a audi dealership in san jose, ca and told them the issue with the car, and the history of the service. The service consultant was extremely unhelpful and refused that they should fix the car under a recall notice. In his own words he said that a mechanical part could fail the very next day after installation. So much for inspiring confidence in a premium manufacturer. I told him about the safety aspect that if the fuel pump fails on my wife and I when driving on a interstate, he did not care. After this I then rang up audi of americas consumer helpline, I talked to a friendly lady, but she said that noting could be covered under warranty by aoa and I would have to pay out of pocket myself I am extremely unhappy, and very worried about our safety to drive this car. Audi should step up and replace this critical component especially as history proves that there was a official recall on this issue. But they are unwilling to help out. Please help my wife and I out. It would be much appreciated. Thanks.