A vehicle diagnostic scan dated 04/15/2026 at approximately 88,502 miles showed a stored transmission electronics fault: P084100, described as “Transmission fluid pressure sensor/switch A range/performance,” with status listed as passive/sporadic. This indicates a transmission / powertrain control concern involving the transmission fluid pressure sensor, transmission electronics, wiring, control logic, pressure monitoring, or related powertrain components. The vehicle also has prior transmission/powertrain history, including a March 2023 transmission-pan-gasket concern documented in service records, so this later transmission electronics fault is being reported in that broader powertrain context. This is being reported as a safety concern because a transmission fluid pressure sensor or transmission-control fault can affect shifting, drivability, delayed engagement, slipping, harsh shifting, limp mode, reduced power, drivetrain damage, or loss of propulsion while driving. Even if the fault is intermittent, a transmission-control issue may create an unsafe condition if it occurs in traffic or during acceleration, merging, turning, or normal driving. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. The vehicle/component is available for inspection, and the diagnostic scan report, transmission-related records, service records, manufacturer communications, and related communications are available if requested.
Audi A4 slipping problems
10 of the 2,899 owner complaints about the Audi A4 describe transmission slipping, most of them for the 2003 model year.
- owner complaints
- 10
- worst model year
- 2003
- typical mileage
- 50,500
By model year
- 20221
- 20181
- 20061
- 20053
- 20033
- 20001
Often reported together
CVT failure 4Transmission failure 3Whining noise 1Sudden acceleration 1Won't shift 1Start-stop 1Shudder 1Loss of power 1
What owners say
Engine auto start / stop engages before vehicle comes to complete stop and when on a road with an incline the engine shuts off and all forward momentum is lost causing the vehicle to roll backwards. The closest description I can think of is that it feels like the automatic transmission is slipping which should not happen on a car with 2,000 miles on it. I previously drove a 2019 A4 and the older model did not have this issue. Safety issue is that engine shuts off prematurely and when on an incline the car can roll backwards. Component is available for inspection and there is warning light/indication. Has not been taken to dealer yet but plan to next week. Reporting it now due to: 1) how jarring it is 2) it has happened multiple times since taking possession of the car in December 3) I have not experienced this with older Audi’s I have owned or driven as service loaners 4) there is no way to permanently disable auto start/stop offered by Audi USA and requires after market software changes
Transmission control module transmission slips out of drive while driving into like neutral and when I accelerate the car does not move and comes to a full stop and I have to stop and turn the car on and off till it works again
We are the 2nd owner of an audi a4 convertible, purchased in november of 2010 with 25k miles. Within two years, we began to have problems with the CVT transmission and had to have the TCM replaced, which was later reimbursed by audi as a result of a class-action lawsuit. In january of 2014, at 38k miles, audi diagnosed the transmission as defective and needing replacement, transmission slipping when cold, vehicle shuddering. On complaint to audi, they agreed to cover 50% of the costs, which would be approximately $7,000 which resulted in my wife being afraid to drive the vehicle in cold weather. Replace the transmission at half cost. At 47k miles, again cold weather, the problem has worsened, vehicle often won't reverse and transmission locks up unexpectedly. As the vehicle cannot be driven safely, my wife will not drive it until it is safe again. As there is documented evidence of known issues with this transmission (us district court # cv11-00665 bro agrx), audi should be held responsible for 100% of the costs to repair and CVT transmission which results in a vehicle being unsafe to operate.
2005 audi a4 cabriolet with 38k miles, CVT transmission slips badly, won't accelerate, loud whining noise when cold. Audi has acknowledged problems with this transmission and extending warranty for 2004 and earlier vehicles, but not 2005 models, as settlement of class action lawsuit for vehicles with the same CVT transmission. Vehicle problem was diagnosed by audi dealership as needing new transmission and provided a quote for replacement re-manufactured transmission ($6,687.00 and tax). Audi USA agreed in writing to assist with the expense by covering 50% of total cost to repair. Vehicle owner concerned about safety and reliability when driving vehicle in cold weather, especially when in traffic.
Stopped on a hill at a stop light, went to go and car lunged forward and died. Had to immediately apply brakes, car started again. Has happened multiple times. We are second owner, have only had the car for a year and found that the transmission control module for this vehicle was already replaced at 49,000 miles - under warranty to other owner. Now, at 130k miles we are being told it has to be replaced again. It is a danger to drive as they said the transmission could fail or even the gears could slip causing danger to the passengers. This particular model of audi transmission, known as "multitronic" or "CVT" has numerous complaints and failures. We paid 12k for this car used and have a major malfunction within a year.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 audi a4. The contact stated that while waiting at a traffic stop, the transmission slipped out of gear without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the gear box mechatronics unit needed be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 88,000 and the current mileage was 88,200.
Audi-a4-sedan-CVT transmission. Slipping gear while vehicle is moving and beginning drive from stoplight. Safety concern for family. History of a problem and no recall by audi. How can there be no recall.
In mid-february, I purchased a 2003 audi a4 from overland park jeep in overland park, kansas. The car was a one owner, very low mileage (28,000)vehicle at an attractive price. As a one income family with a newborn, this car had the safety and looks we desired. On the day of pickup, the car's top malfunctioned, and it was sent to molle audi in kc, mo for repair. While there, I asked molle to run an inspection on the car to determine if I should keep it. They touted that they sold the car, and had serviced it. Mentioning they were the only audi dealer repair experts in the area, they gave it a clean bill of health. I picked it up after five days, and op jeep paid for the roof repair. I paid for the inspection. On the 34th day of ownership, the transmission slipped. I thought maybe the car was cold. A couple days later, it did it again. I contacted molle, and took the car in for service again. Now, they claim the car needs a new transmission and that it will cost over $7300.00. Op jeep states that since it is past thirty days, they "don't know what I expect them to do about it". Molle says it is just tough luck. It was perfect a couple hundred miles ago? The original warranty on the car was 4 years/50,000 miles. Since the car is 10 months past the time frame (although 22,000 under the mileage), they won't do anything for me, I just need to pay the $7,300.00....which I cannot do? Audi USA has yet to respond, but claimed they follow the advice of the service manager, which didn't indicate they would do anything but fix it for $7,300.00. I need this car for work, it needs to be safe for my family, and our newborn son. It seems incredibly unfair that I have owned a one owner, very low mileage carefully maintained car for just over one month, and just over 200 miles, and be faced with a $7,300. Bill on a vehicle that cost $17,000. Op jeep made claims to the quality and inspection of the car that were not true.
As soon as my car hit 50,000 (the warranty expiration) numerous problems mysteriously appeared: the motor for the rear passenger window failed ($200 to repair), the drive shaft started slipping ($1,500) and the trunk latch failed to close securely ($150).
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Audi A4 slipping
Which Audi A4 years have transmission slipping problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2003 (3 complaints), 2005 (3 complaints) and 2000 (1 complaints).
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Audi A4?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history