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Audi A4 transmission failure problems

24 of the 2,899 owner complaints about the Audi A4 describe complete transmission failure, most of them for the 2003 model year.

owner complaints
24
worst model year
2003
typical repair cost reported
$6,687
typical mileage
38,288
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

By model year

  • 2017
    1
  • 2010
    1
  • 2009
    2
  • 2007
    1
  • 2006
    1
  • 2005
    2
  • 2004
    1
  • 2003
    6
  • 2002
    5
  • 2000
    1
  • 1998
    1
  • 1996
    2

What owners say

Filed Dec 23, 2024 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA · fire

I own a 2009 audi a4. On the Month of october 2024 my transmission failed. I towed my car to a mechanic who then replaced my transmission i picked up my car on December 11 2024 at 7 am from audi of fresno. I have had no prior issues and like always i expect a dealership to inspect a new vehicle that comes in ,as i have never been able to get work done with out them always doing their own diagnostic. Any ways . On the morning of [XXX] at [XXX] i went to pic up breakfast from carls jr with my boyfriend . As i placed my order and drove up to the window without a single warning my car engulfed in flames from the front driver side . I turned my car off jumped out called. The fire department and watched as my car continued to build flames until the fire department finally showed up. Had i taken the freeway that day instead of the streets i wouldnt have noticed the fire until it was to late. . Im in shock and also just [XXX] that something like thus happened. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 2, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 257,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 audi a4. The contact stated that the AC began to blow hot air. The dashboard was removed to replace the sensor used for releasing cold air. Then while driving approximately 65 MPH, the transmission warning system activated and informed the contact that they would have to use the paddles to steer the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer (audi fort lauderdale - sales department 1200 n federal hwy, fort lauderdale, fl 33304; (954) 545-4650) who removed the console to replace the transmission. The third issue was that the vehicle had failed to start. The certified mechanic towed the vehicle due to connector function to start the vehicle. The vehicle was returned the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the communication between key and starter had failed and the device that provided this function was replaced. The fourth issue was that while driving approximately 60 MPH when the transmission suddenly failed. The contact restarted the vehicle and took the vehicle to the dealer by steering the vehicle using the paddles as suggested before. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case regarding the matter. The contact was then referred back to the dealer. The matter had not been resolved. The failures ad reoccurred. The contact stated that all failures had occurred in a total of a 1,100 miles time frame. The approximate failure mileage was 25, 700.

Filed Mar 11, 2018 · Airbags, Transmission · 235,000 miles · NJ

Takata recall, have contacted dealer to remedy safety issue and understand there is no current solution or anything being done about a major recall to the supplement restraint systems fitted in my vehicle. Manufacturer has no future date for safety concern being resolved. I feel unsafe driving this vehicle. Transmission failure at high mileage due to torque converter seal failure and voltage spike to solenoid 3 causing transmission temperatures to rise and result in premature failure of zf 6hp19a transmission. Have contacted manufacturer and zahnradfabrik friedrichshafen ag to report premature failure of transmission, have not heard back. Vehicle was in motion when failure occurred causing sudden speed drop on a major highway, no injuries reported but accident prone.

Filed Feb 1, 2017 · Transmission · 38,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed Feb 6, 2015 · Transmission · 38,288 miles · PA

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.

Filed Jun 25, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · CA

I had a new transmission put in the audi and after a year the transmission reverse mode failed. I took it to the shop which repaired the car and found that there had been a recall on the part which was needed for the car. When I took it to the audi dealership they refused to honor the recall and I had to pay for the new part an additional $2700. I was told that I was not the owner of the car and they had no information on file about me however I had repeatedly been in personally to ask about the car and any recalls after replacing the transmission. Also they had my email address. I was then told I was six months too late and I had to pay for the repair. I tried to call audi customer service and the headquarters and only got the run around. If there was a recall for this part the audi dealership and audi headquarters should have honored this and replaced the part.

Filed Feb 17, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 100 miles · OH

This audi was a lemon from the start and botched repairs at the dealer have only made it worse. One the 2nd day we owned the car the oil light came on and we had to return it to the dealer for more oil. Over the next 2 years the car burned an excessive amount of oil starting at 1 qrt every 2500 miles and deteriorating to 1 qrt every 800 miles. All along the dealer told us this was "normal". In may 2011, dealer told us that audi had initiated a testing program and if the car failed they would do something. In june 2011, the car failed test and the dealer kept the car for 3+ weeks conducting major engine surgery. 6000 miles later we took the car in for routine maintenance and they said they wanted to do routine warranty work. In the course of this work, they destroyed the timing chain and pistons of the car. 1 week later the transmission failed. In talking to audi technicians at other dealers (off the record) they say that the oil problem is a design problem and that the fixes are simply bandaids. Appears that the 2012 model has been redesigned to fix the engine flaw. The net effect is that the car has visited the audi dealer on at least a monthly basis since we bought it and has spend more than 8 weeks in major "warranty related" engine repairs. To top it off, audi has complimented this "worst in class" product experience with a "worst in class" customer service experience as audi america 1-800 people have been consistently either robotic or rude in talking with us about this issue. Most recently, they made a lame offer to reimburse us for towing expenses and extend the warranty on this dubious car for another 12 months. Amazingly, they refuse to pu t the offer in writing until after acceptance. Presumably so that they can avoid legal issues. Please help. I am sure I'm not the only one suffering this.

Filed Oct 4, 2011 · Engine, Transmission · 36,120 miles · CA

Purchased the vehicle from mckenna audi in norwalk with 25,302 miles and oem warranty. The first issue was an unusual vibration from the engine at 29,761 mi. Audi of mission viejo claimed there was nothing wrong. At 36,120 mi, the transmission failed and was replaced. At 41,940mi, ignition coils were replaced after complaining of vibration/shuttering/hesitation. At 46,163mi, complained of shuttering/hesitation. Hose seals & timing belt roller were replaced. At 46,934mi, complained of same issues, audi of mv claimed there was nothing wrong. At 48,552mi, complained of burning smell coming from engine, rough idle and vibration. Cam plug and injector were replaced. At 52,811mi, the entire engine was rocking back and forth (have video). Circle audi of long beach replaced crank case & breather valve. Engine vibration/hesitation/shuttering continued after this repair. At 55,600mi, the vehicle suddenly without warning attempted to change into a lower gear (or park) while driving at 70 MPH on freeway. This major mechanical failure could have LED to injury or death. Vehicle was inoperable and towed to rusnak audi of westlake village, ca. The transmission was replaced for a second time, after less than 20,000mi. At 56,000mi, the car is now vibrating, shuttering, hesitating again (only 1,000mi on "new" transmission). It is displaying all of the same issues that LED up to the major mechanical failure on the freeway. Audi of mission viejo claims it is due to a leaking/cracked motor mount and improper transmission calibration. As you can see, the same issues have been occurring since time of purchase, and despite minor repairs, the transmission always fails. I believe the vehicle is irreparably flawed and unsafe. Audi of mv has also been neglected. Audi of america (corporate) has been contacted. My request for a buyback due to the dangerous nature of this vehicle has been denied.

Filed Aug 3, 2010 · Body, Transmission · 109,000 miles · RI

It would seem that I have two of the issues I've seen here with my 2003 audi a4 convertible. I have owned it since 2008 and have already replaced the transmission module twice. As described by others, it wouldn't engage reverse, or go into standard mode... Blinking dash lights, etc... The other common issue is my rear window. It is holding on by less that two inches of glue. The rest just hangs on by the headliner. This has resulted in gallons of water entering my car during rain storms. Not to mention the vibrations while driving with the top up.

Filed Mar 24, 2010 · Transmission · IL

I have an 2002 audi a-4 with a constant variable transmission. I have had hesitation problems on and off since 2002. Several repairs have been made and the dealer has never addressed the transmission hesitation. Since I don't drive the car very often, the transmission is finally skipping. The dealer indicates the car most likely is the beginning to show signs of the need for a new transmission. I generally keep my cars over 10 years and service them like a baby. This is disheartening, since the repairs would be more than the car is worth. My daughter had similar problems with her vs passat and after pouring money into it, problems continued. I am very disapointed and will not buy again.

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Audi A4 transmission failure

Which Audi A4 years have complete transmission failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2003 (6 complaints), 2002 (5 complaints) and 1996 (2 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix complete transmission failure on the Audi A4?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $6,687 (median of 8 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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