***** RTR ***** (REPORT THE RATTLE)

David83S3

David83S3

In my opinion .....
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Calling all Audi folks .......

Many of us have now got the "Engine Rattle" fault on our A3/S3's ....you know ......the one that Audi confirms is there ....but wont actually do anything about it?!?! :notworking: :audibash:

We need to make some noise on the subject so the big wigs at Audi listen and take some action.

1. Take it to your garage and have the fault diagnosed (99% chance they will fob you off with "Its a characteristic of the car") or something similar.

2. Write a complaint email to Audi. To make this even easier....simply copy and paste the email below (Changing it to your personal details) and send it to:

AudiFinanceCustomerServices@vwfs.co.uk

Dear Sir/Madame


I recently found a fault on my car whereby something metal in the engine compartment rattles when accelerating between 1800-2200rpm. I took my Audi into my local Audi garage to have this checked and they have confirmed that yes there is a metal rattling noise coming from the engine…specifically the waste gate rod, but there is no fix for this issue.


I am extremely unhappy to get this response. I would expect this from other brands that do not have the premium price tag that Audi do. I expect top quality built cars and excellent after care.


I know other people that own the exact same car as me and they do not have the engine rattle so this cannot be a characteristic of the car else all builds would have it.


I would like to know what Audi intend to do about this issue.



My Car: Audi S3 Hatchback

Reg: KU15 ***



Kind Regards


David Northen


Maybe once they have a large stack of emails all complaining of the same fault ....it might give them the "Nudge" :eiertritt:.......they need to ...... DEAL WITH THE ISSUE!!!!! :whistle2:


:sos::sos::sos::sos::sos::sos::sos::sos::sos::sos::sos::sos::sos::sos::sos::sos::sos::sos::sos::sos::sos::sos::sos:
 
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I would list the VIN number on any complaint rather than or in addition to the registration number.
 
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Well written David. Straight for the jugular.

Perhaps I am one of the fortunate customers not to experience this rattle or I have an uneducated ear when it comes to rattles.

Would it be possible for you to upload a vid of said fault in order for me to categorically rule out the fault or use your email?

Regards

Lou
 
or how about this guy?...

Head Of Audi UK
 
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He is MD of Audi UK and also the Brand Director
 
He seems like the chap who's inbox needs to be filled with our complaints!
 
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Dear Andre

I recently had a decision to make…..I was due a new car and needed to decide on what my options were. After much thought I decided that I would purchase an Audi as I have always wanted one and with finances becoming available to move into this premium brand…… I signed on the dotted line.
My car of choice was the Audi S3 Hatchback in Pearl Misano Red …… An extremely beautiful looking car with an interior finish that most other cars could only dream of.

I collected the car on March 1st and have been enjoying the car ever since …….well……apart from the “Engine rattle” that my car is now suffering from. I am not sure whether you are aware of the fault with this particular engine/car ….but let me explain. It is a noise which becomes apparent when around 1800-2200rpm. It sounds like a metal on metal noise coming from the engine. As you can imagine ….. to hear this worrying sound coming from my new premium Audi …I was rather alarmed! So I booked the car into my local Audi garage for it to be checked.

The Audi Technician checked for the rattling on my car and confirmed that it was in fact there and that it was the turbo waste gate rod causing the noise. I was then told that there was no fix and there was nothing more they could do………
……..I must say I was a bit shocked to find myself being told that “Yes there is a cheap sounding metal rattling noise coming from your cars engine …..but we intend to do nothing about it”….

I feel I should state that I absolutely love my new car and Audi really do go that extra mile ….which is why I was happy paying the extra money for it …..BUT …..I am not happy that my engine has rattling noises coming from it and apparently I have no choice but to put up with it.

I have done some research on this fault and have discovered that the VW group have in fact fixed the exact same fault on the Golf engine by using a small clip to stop the waste gate rod from rattling ……….So……why is not possible for the VW group to also implement this small clip to fix the same issue on the Audi engine??

Audi is a premium brand ….with a premium price tag ….I expect premium build quality and excellent after care to go with it.

I look forward to your reply

Kind Regards
David Northen
 
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Why are people having such a hard time from audi about the rattle? I bought it in originally and they put a waste gate holder. It became worse and when it came to my service they replaced the turbo and put a fix and it's been over 6 months and no problems.
 
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Schizophonic said:
Why are people having such a hard time from audi about the rattle? I bought it in originally and they put a waste gate holder. It became worse and when it came to my service they replaced the turbo and put a fix and it's been over 6 months and no problems.
Click to expand...
What car was that on ? It's such a simple fix ....which is why it's even more frustrating
 
Louay said:
Well written David. Straight for the jugular.

Perhaps I am one of the fortunate customers not to experience this rattle or I have an uneducated ear when it comes to rattles.

Would it be possible for you to upload a vid of said fault in order for me to categorically rule out the fault or use your email?

Regards

Lou
Click to expand...
Any chance of a sound vid @David83S3 ?
 
I will try on my travels today ......not sure if i will be able to pick it up. Will try tho :)
 
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Ive had a response and a phone call ......from the executive team. Due an offical email response within the next 48hrs
 
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So what have they said so far??? Or was it just an acknowledgment of the issue?
 
dolo said:
Why AudiFinanceCustomerServices@vwfs.co.uk
not everyone has the car on Finance?
Click to expand...

I asked the same question when my S3 had extensive surgery under warranty and was advised that all service plans / warranty claims have to be approved by Audi Finance, they don't just do the "Finance" aspects (my car isn't financed either).

Part of the surgery was replacing the turbo due to rattling sliders (whatever they are). Much quieter now, but early days.
 
I've also had a phone call from Audi Customer Services. The person has escalated the matter to a service manager (I think), who should contact me either today or tomorrow.
 
I had an email stating that his PA has now passed it onto a member of the exec team. I then had a phone call (Which I missed) from the exec team saying they will be in touch in the next 48hrs with a response. ...That's about it so far ......just waiting for the response.
 
Well I was in Audi today about my complaint, they are checking it once again, the technician has my car for the night. The response during the conversation was essentially wait until we've checked your car over, but if we can't do anything please contact AudiUK and complain as if enough people do it, it will put pressure on Audi Germany to create a fix.
 
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Update***

Had a letter from Audi finance saying that they will follow up my complaint with Audi UK customer services, but they are the wrong people to deal with technical complaints.

Still waiting for the exec team response. Will call the today and ask for an update.
 
Response from Audi ........

Dear Mr Northen

Thank you for your most recent communication regarding your Audi S3.

I am pleased that the many positive aspects of this fantastic model led you to choose this car as your next purchase, however, I
was equally concerned to read the feedback provided in your recent communication.

The purchase of every car from within our network should be a most enjoyable time, so I am sorry that this has not been your
experience on this occasion. It was with concern that I noted your comments that you find certain aspects of the design of your
Audi S3 annoying.

I have investigated your concerns, viewing both the technical report from Northampton Audi as well as feedback from the Audi
Technical Support Team. I can confirm that the findings of Northampton Audi are correct as advised and that the concern you
raised, is in fact not a fault but an operational noise.

Considerable testing and research is completed during the design of any Audi vehicle and it is always helpful to receive
feedback, as customer acceptance is crucial to the success of our products. We have therefore passed your views back to the
Design Team.
As a valued customer, your opinions are very important to us and the time that you have taken to put them in writing is greatly
appreciated. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to respond.

Kind regards


Emmanuel Poku
Customer Relations Manager
Audi UK Executive Office
 
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My response back to Audi .......

Dear Emmanuel
Thank you for your response to my complaint. I must however strongly disagree with your conclusion and state that I am not happy with this as a solution to my issue with the fault on your product.

You are stating that the noise is an “operational noise” of the car? Would you not agree that all examples of this engine should therefore make the same noise. I know this not to be true and have colleagues that have the same engine, but no rattling noise. I also have many other colleagues that all suffer from the same noise and have all complained to their local Audi dealership.

The root cause of the noise is the waste gate rod rattling against the fixtures that hold it in place in the engine compartment. I do not for one second believe that Audi would design a mechanism that creates such a rattle from its engines. Audi are famous for their solid built cars….not lose parts that make rattling noises.

The most frustrating part of this is that I know that VW group are aware of the problem and have fixed it in the past using a small and I expect very cheap metal clip (Picture attached). This clip is simply attached to the rod to stop it from rattling. (Picture attached)

The part number for this clip is: 06J145220A
The technical bulletin is below:


Rattling Noises from Engine Compartment Area or Exhaust System

21 10 01 August 25, 2010 2024061

Customers may complain of a rattling noise from engine or exhaust area while accelerating from 1800-3000 RPM.
In order to complete proper diagnosis and ensure that the noise is coming from the turbocharger, use the following procedure:
1. Ensure that there is no physical internal or external damage to the turbocharger. If damage is observed, continue diagnosis and repair as necessary. If no damage is observed, proceed to step 2.
2. Test drive the vehicle to duplicate and familiarize yourself with the noise. Noise can typically be duplicated by driving up a moderate incline, beginning at 35 mph in 4th gear (manual or automatic transmission) and accelerating through the RPM range of 1800-3000 RPM under moderate to heavy throttle. Obey all local traffic laws.
3. Once you have confirmed and familiarized yourself with the noise, attach a 2 ounce wheel weight to the waste gate actuator rod and take the vehicle for another test drive. If after attaching the weight to the actuator rod the noise is quieter or has changed in pitch, DO NOT replace the turbo charger. Remove the weight, create a VTA ticket in Elsa Web and contact the Volkswagen Technical Helpline at 800-555-5555 FREE. If after attaching the weight to the actuator rod the noise has not changed, remove the weight and continue diagnosis and repair as necessary.


So I would kindly ask again what Audi intend to do to fix the fault on my car? Surely all I need is a 40 pence clip fixed to my car ….? Considering the car I am driving is worth £35000 I would expect this to be perfectly achievable.
My first Audi experience is becoming very frustrating and I am now starting to doubt my hopes that the Audi experience would be a cut above the rest.


Kind Regards
David Northen
 
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Nice response David....

Have you considered pointing Audi towards this forum so they can read how many cars have this issue?
 
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David83S3 said:
My response back to Audi .......

Dear Emmanuel
Thank you for your response to my complaint. I must however strongly disagree with your conclusion and state that I am not happy with this as a solution to my issue with the fault on your product.

You are stating that the noise is an “operational noise” of the car? Would you not agree that all examples of this engine should therefore make the same noise. I know this not to be true and have colleagues that have the same engine, but no rattling noise. I also have many other colleagues that all suffer from the same noise and have all complained to their local Audi dealership.

The root cause of the noise is the waste gate rod rattling against the fixtures that hold it in place in the engine compartment. I do not for one second believe that Audi would design a mechanism that creates such a rattle from its engines. Audi are famous for their solid built cars….not lose parts that make rattling noises.

The most frustrating part of this is that I know that VW group are aware of the problem and have fixed it in the past using a small and I expect very cheap metal clip (Picture attached). This clip is simply attached to the rod to stop it from rattling. (Picture attached)

The part number for this clip is: 06J145220A
The technical bulletin is below:


Rattling Noises from Engine Compartment Area or Exhaust System

21 10 01 August 25, 2010 2024061

Customers may complain of a rattling noise from engine or exhaust area while accelerating from 1800-3000 RPM.
In order to complete proper diagnosis and ensure that the noise is coming from the turbocharger, use the following procedure:
1. Ensure that there is no physical internal or external damage to the turbocharger. If damage is observed, continue diagnosis and repair as necessary. If no damage is observed, proceed to step 2.
2. Test drive the vehicle to duplicate and familiarize yourself with the noise. Noise can typically be duplicated by driving up a moderate incline, beginning at 35 mph in 4th gear (manual or automatic transmission) and accelerating through the RPM range of 1800-3000 RPM under moderate to heavy throttle. Obey all local traffic laws.
3. Once you have confirmed and familiarized yourself with the noise, attach a 2 ounce wheel weight to the waste gate actuator rod and take the vehicle for another test drive. If after attaching the weight to the actuator rod the noise is quieter or has changed in pitch, DO NOT replace the turbo charger. Remove the weight, create a VTA ticket in Elsa Web and contact the Volkswagen Technical Helpline at 800-555-5555 FREE. If after attaching the weight to the actuator rod the noise has not changed, remove the weight and continue diagnosis and repair as necessary.


So I would kindly ask again what Audi intend to do to fix the fault on my car? Surely all I need is a 40 pence clip fixed to my car ….? Considering the car I am driving is worth £35000 I would expect this to be perfectly achievable.
My first Audi experience is becoming very frustrating and I am now starting to doubt my hopes that the Audi experience would be a cut above the rest.


Kind Regards
David Northen
Click to expand...
Incredibly put across David. Just a point that I'd like make. I have a sound evident in my S3 SB upon acceleration, albeit very faint rattle and recognisable only really with the window open.

How am I to distinguish whether or not the problem that you are unfortunately experiencing is also apparent in mine?
 
I wonder if they might apply this 'fix' to MY016 cars ? I can't see what the problem is with fixing this if its only 40p clip - come on Audi !
 
Kugaman1 said:
Nice response David....

Have you considered pointing Audi towards this forum so they can read how many cars have this issue?
Click to expand...


I am staging the response to give him a chance to react.....the next step is references and maybe the threat of going to the media.

I want to make sure I have responses ready for all of the initial blah blah replies that I expect I will get more I am sure (Example A above)
 
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Louay said:
Incredibly put across David. Just a point that I'd like make. I have a sound evident in my S3 SB upon acceleration, albeit very faint rattle and recognisable only really with the window open.

How am I to distinguish whether or not the problem that you are unfortunately experiencing is also apparent in mine?
Click to expand...


I fond that I can hear it more with the window up, but have seen videos of it where people have recorded it with the window down.

The noise is best described as "Rustling leafs blowing across the ground" ...its very metallic and seems to be worse when the engine is cold. I don't think I will be able to capture it on my phone, but will try on the way home this evening.
 
That'd be great Dave. A recording with the window up and then down would be fantastic.
 
sbarker said:
I wonder if they might apply this 'fix' to MY016 cars ? I can't see what the problem is with fixing this if its only 40p clip - come on Audi !
Click to expand...
However no-one, including audi it seems, don't actually know for sure what's causing the noise, thus what will fix it. I am sure that if it was just a clip then that would have been incorperated into the engine build.
 
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