How many faults have you had?

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Jack D

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I thought I would start a thread with all your A3 faults, i'll start with mine!

Car is a 56 plate tdi sportback.

New Gear box
Shuddering when accelerating
Windows go down on their own!


The shuddering one is the most annoying as Audi can't trace the fault. If there computer doesn't throw up a fault code then they can't do anything about it.

I can't believe a 20k car can be this bad. From reading other posts it seems i'm not alone in faults!
 
In order of seriousness.
Umpteen rattles.
Fuel filler flap jammed shut.
Oil consumption high
Amazingly, when you write it down like that it doesn't look that bad.
In reality, these faults have been repetitive and have resulted in quite a few trips back to the dealer.
On the positive side, it's never actually left me stranded at the side of the road.
 
I've had 3 x A3 up to date with no mechanical faults although I have just had my drivers seat base replaced under warranty as I thought it looked too worn/collapsed for a car one yr old only having covered 5,000 - and before anyone asks no I'm not a 'lard-****'.

I'm happy with the Audi build quality but as with any mass produced item it's inevitable and very annoying if your car is affected.
 
Jack D said:
I thought I would start a thread with all your A3 faults, i'll start with mine!

Car is a 56 plate tdi sportback.

New Gear box
Shuddering when accelerating
Windows go down on their own!


The shuddering one is the most annoying as Audi can't trace the fault. If there computer doesn't throw up a fault code then they can't do anything about it.

I can't believe a 20k car can be this bad. From reading other posts it seems i'm not alone in faults!
Click to expand...

05 SB Quattro 2.0T, none of any note at all, one doorlock!:icon_thumright:
 
consilio you may have just jinxed yourself

better go touch some wood:lmfao:
 
Faulty passenger airbag sensor when new (so much for the Pdi).
The DIS system was not fully switched on and thus certain functions were not working (again so much for the Pdi).

No other issues and only uses 1litre of oil every 10k. Up to know its been the most trouble free car I've owned.
 
None so far - 10 months old and 13k miles.

My 5 previous A3s have also been very reliable with, if any, only very minor faults.
 
Nothing other than steering groans when turning the wheel when parking
has been mentioned on here before I'll mention it to dealer when car goes in for service.
 
I've had a few,

New control module for DSG gearbox at 8k miles (didn't fix problem)
so New DSG gearbox at 9k miles
Faulty engine speed sensor at 23k miles
Peeling paint on front bumper at 23k miles

None have actually let me down at the side of the road.
I'd rather have not had the problems but it wouldn't put me off buying another Audi. The way Lincoln Audi took control and sorted the problem was exemplary. I can't fault their aftersales service. They always provided a loan car while mine was being repaired and even gave me a free service for the inconvenience.
 
March 07 A3 SB 2.0T Quattro sport, currently covered 8200 miles

Warranty work So far
-Poor moulded wheel (replaced before car collected)
-3 wheel centres (due to corrosion, and that’s before the winter salt)
-Rear ash tray lid snapped off
-Steering Rack at 2K miles
-Another Steering Rack at 7.5K miles

On going problems

-Steering Rack making the noise again 8200 miles (The next time it's loud enough for complaint will see the car rejected, four major steering components replacements before the screen wash needs topping up is unacceptable)

-MP3 player locks up intermittently and refuses to eject disk, with “CD Error Service” on display (had to argue with dealers that CDR new supported format as per manual)

-Paint damage occurs within a few hours from bird lime if not washed off, so far my car has been made two trip to the painter for polishing, and is now inspected for poo three times a day. I also have to carry a cleaning stuff at all times in the boot, it’s that bad.

Problems Fixed by me

-Windows Rattles caused by the Rubbers. Lubricated with Carbaflo (BMW solution) for near permanent fix.

Faults I am ignoring

-Faint rattle from the seat belt clamp, driver side (where the wire goes into the clamp), when is happens you can reposition the belt.

-Rattle from seat belt height adjuster, driver side.



Hope this helps

Chris.
 
Ive had a few faults with mine.

1 - A new drivers leather seat cover at 3.5k(well two actually as the first one they fitted had a huge scratch), back 5 times to the dealers after that to get the seat squeak fixed due to cover not being fitted right.

2 - Centre console rattle fixed once, it came almost straight away but i didnt mention it again as trim isnt officially covered after 6 months(so i was told).

3 - Passenger seat cover had worn leather i noticed at 13k miles, although this isnt a fault as it acceptable wear and tear so im told by Audi UK(got a letter saying that).

4 - Rear washer jet stopped working which is a common fault, the pipe comes off.

5 - Mould on the rear drivers side back door window seal, which was cleaned off and started to come back within a week.

The thing is I dont mind when something goes wrong with a car although I didn't expect as many problems. What I do expect though when paying so much for a vehicle is that it gets fixed. The fact that they didnt want to know about the leather problems with my vehicle(i think it was a poor batch as the new drivers seat cover covered a further 10k with no signs of wear) has since made me abandon the Audi brand who I have always been a massive fan of. My A3 part exed today and I now own a BMW and so far Im pleased i have left the fold and wont be coming back until Audi(if ever) sort both the quality of vehicle out and their customer services.
 
Faults so far...

Can't find lock for lockable glove box.

Can't find interior button for petrol cap release. ;)
 
Faults so far...

Can't find lock for lockable glove box.

Can't find interior button for petrol cap release. ;)
Click to expand...

If you do find them, let us know!
 
Unless you want to protect the glove box contents from your passengers locks often work against you. The scallies just lever them open with a screwdriver, thus wrecking the interior as well as the window.
 
Faults:-

- Rattle from seat belt height adjuster, driver side.
- Interior door handle creaks when my legs against it, (I'm tall)
- Finish Coming off dashboard tri angles

N/s front wheel needs repainting as its been kerbed, and it was like it before i bought it (Salesman said he would sort it.)
Wheel nut caps missing (Salesman said he would sort it.)
 
On my last 1.6FSI A3:
- Drivers door hinge came loose couldn't close door very well
- Armrest broke
- Cig lighter broke

On current 170TDI A3:
- DPF/EML recovered to dealers for repair

Also on both A3's the auto windows up/down thing doesn't everytime but not had it looked at by dealers yet.
 
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

My wonderful 05 plate sportback has been totally reliable!

One or two small things, notably

2 steering racks (one creaking, one inconsistant power steering support)
one bonnet respray (After the feckwits scratched it after fitting the last steerting rack, though not strictly a fault)
two filler caps(Both stuck)
two parcel shelves (Both rattle, and still do)
new drivers seat base (Creaking)
rear wash wipe failure
new throttle body when engine warning light came on (Apparently, though I was dubious)
Headlamp auto levelling (Not really auto levelling, in fact, not doing much)
12 wheel bearings


I do have to say its the worst, most shockingly built car I've ever had (and i've now had 8 new cars)

The dealer support has been a whole new lesson in how to win friends and influence people, only once have I actually had something addressed first time, the rest as been an abject lesson in sheer stupidity,

numerous calls to Audi HQ confirms that they too are a complete bunch of feckwits, more interested in making sure Sky Channel 884 contains some B list celebrity who really should get back to the jungle.

DSG has been fine though :)
rant over,
 
My 05 A3 SE has given me a few niggles whilst i have owned it :sadlike: :sadlike: :sadlike: :sadlike: :sadlike:

1 O2 sensor failed (2 visits to dealer)
2 Central locking failed on one key (new key supplied)
3 Wind noise at speed from N/S folding mirror.
4 Engine speed sensor failed
5 Coolant temp sensor failed
6 Oil leak from sump joint
7 Occasionally only one mirror will fold when i am reversing from the garage Ive nearly knocked it off a few times.

Despite this i am awaiting delivery of a 1.4T SE in March because the A3 is just brilliant to drive :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes:
 
Only one, three days before my warranty expired: the auto-levelling controller for the Xenon lights went ary, leaving the nearside headlight pointing downward. Was fixed in 30 minutes at the Tonbridge Audi after being reset and hasn't reoccurred. Otherwise faultless; still impressed with the build and reliability.
 
Get comfy.......
Had the car from new, 1/9/04:
6 months & 21k miles : subwoofer REPLACED
10months & 26k miles : annoying "hunting" on engine FaultNotFound
13months & 30k miles : no cold air from climate control (aircon compressor & drier REPLACED)
14months & 32k miles : annoying "squeak" when starting car - StarterMotor REPLACED
15months & 33k miles : subwoofer REPLACED again
15months & 33.5k miles : airbag warning light randomly appearing - Crash Sensor replaced (not sure which one)
18months & 40k miles : (xenon) headlight pointing at road 1mtr in front of car - not ideal for night-driving! - dealership "fixed"....
18.5 months & 40.5k miles : (xenon) auto level function not working (again) - whole headlight unit REPLACED
21months & 46k miles - engine hunting at idle again - FaultNotFound
21.5months & 46k miles - high-level brake light unit failed - REPLACED
22months & 48k miles - glovebox lid REPLACED
26months & 58k miles - bonnet wont close -properly latch - bonnet catch mech REPLACED
30months & 64k miles - mysterious coolant leak (slight) - FaultNotFound
30months & 66k miles - alarm triggering eroneously - faulty boot catch eventually diagnosed - REPLACED
34months * 76k miles - car SHAKING violently when starting from cold, but not everytime. Car into dealers 3 times, including an overnight - FaultNotFound...seems to have been resolved by the major work which was to be needed later.....
35months & 78k miles - slight oil-leak - intercooler pipe oil seals REPLACED
37months & 83k miles - coolant warning lights again. Pourous Cyl head diagnosed. Cyl Head REPLACED. Also, EGR valve faulty, REPLACED.
38months & 83.5k miles - random power-loss/"limp"-mode - throttle-body diagnosed & REPLACED
38months & 84.5k miles - random power-loss/"limp"-mode - turbo pressure-valve solenoid actuator (wastegate??) REPLACED
38months & 86k miles - random power-loss/"limp"-mode - turbo REPLACED
40months & 86.5k miles - airbag warning light randomly actuating - faulty passenger crash sensor REPLACED.

And dozens of squeaks, rattles, vibrating bits of trim.
Never been actually "stranded" due to any of this, but for a "premium brand" - or so Audi would like you to think, it's simply not acceptable. It's a pity brand dealers are simply franchises - effectively highest bidder for that patch - if the car companies had to run their own outlets, I'm sure there'd be a much different picture as far as customer service & professionalism is concerned, but then the already ridiculous service prices would probably seem laughably small by comparison.
 
consilio said:
Blimey Davidb67, you really should take more care of your cars! :icon_thumright:
Click to expand...
If only you knew!! had a VW Passat 1.9 tdi before the A3, also from new: 140k miles in 4 years, only fault was a sheared pulley on air-con compressor, at 6 months, replaced under warranty. That was it!!!
 
Blimey David that car must have been made on a Friday afternoon 2 minutes before they knock off for the day.

Mind does sound like you've had every std fault going on your list.

My 05 2.0TDi is in next week to investigate coolant loss and a slight oil leak from the turbo.

Paul
 
Gti Jazz Blue said:
Blimey David that car must have been made on a Friday afternoon 2 minutes before they knock off for the day.

Mind does sound like you've had every std fault going on your list.

My 05 2.0TDi is in next week to investigate coolant loss and a slight oil leak from the turbo.

Paul
Click to expand...

Too right!! I think Fritz was practicing heavily & warming up for the Oktoberfest!!
 
David

18months & 40k miles : (xenon) headlight pointing at road 1mtr in front of car - not ideal for night-driving! - dealership "fixed"....
18.5 months & 40.5k miles : (xenon) auto level function not working (again) - whole headlight unit REPLACED


Interesting, my dealer couldnt find the issue on mine, how did you get yours to sort?

oh and my dealer admitted another wheel bearing is FUBAR'd,

I'm so amazingly hacked off with this car, its the first time I've returned to a car after a business trip and hoped someone had taken it from Parkone at Heathrow, sadly it was still there waiting.

I can't decide if its the p155 poor build quality or the stunningly ineffective dealers that's ruined this experience for me - how's your dealer dealt with your catalogue of disasters?
 
Hi Bacardi,
well the headlight unit first time round must have responded to a "surge of electric" once the dealer hooked it up to their diagnostics, hence the apparent fix. but just a few months later - actually i don't think it was as long as the full 6 months i'd originally stated, it went t1ts-up again. A return visit to the dealer resulted in the whole headlight unit being replaced under warranty as the fault was internal electronics in the h/l assembly that they couldn't fix. Which is no surprise, all it ever seems to be these days is unbolt one unit and replace with a new one. It doesn't seem possible to "fix" anything.

Interesting second question you raise: for sure, the actual product falls well short of the "brand promise" that Audi have consistently delivered for years. One buys what many consider to be a very expensive version of a Golf or Seat Leon, with higher (quality) expectations. The reality in my case has been well under-target.
However, my experience with dealers has been nothing short of appalling. And the sad fact is we do have about 40 or 50 Audis on the company car fleet, so you'd expect far better (although perhaps around 40 of that number are spread around the country and thus not visiting the same dealer(s)... I have a "choice" of 3 dealers here in the North East, although they're all part of the same company. i've used the 2 Newcastle ones and neither fare any better in performance. FNF is a phrase i've become very used to (fault-not-found), but some basic attention to detail and common customer service attitude would go a very long way.
I do accept that I seem to have suffered far more than my fair share of problems with my A3, which to be honest i think I would have been OK with had the dealership experience been exemplorary.
Due to change this year, and it's actually a shame i love the look of the A3 and the way it drives, otherwise it would be a far easier decision....
 
Thanks for the comments, my experience of Audi dealers is also very poor and has definately impacted my impression of the Audi brand. any car dealer who can collect the wrong car from an office complex for a routine service needs a very serious word with!

My experience also extends to Audi HQ who, when I complained about the litany of mistakes their delaers had made showed marginal tounge in cheek interest but with absolutely no real will to actually find out where the problems were and resolve.

I've found one dealer out of the 4 I have tried who actually take things more seriously, however they can only manage a 50% sucess rate at resolving problems first time round, something BMW, Toyota, Subaru and Honda topped quite easily -

mind you I guess the more faults you have with a car, the worse their odds of first time resolution are :)
 
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