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The lighting on the center console area (the buttons for the radio, climate control, and switches) mysteriously went out. I checked all the fuses, no problem. I talked with the service manager on the phone, and he said "yea, it's probably just a bulb. Bring it in, it shouldn't take that long." I was bringing it in for my 10K service anyway, so I had them fix it at the same time. When I brought the car in, the guy at the counter said "Oh yea, I've heard of that before. It just needs a wire or a couple bulbs." A couple bulbs? When I heard that I began to wonder.

So I pick my car up after work and realize there was more "new car" smell then normal. The cluster looked suprisingly clean. I looked at the invoice and realize there was a whole new cluster put in!

I called later and asked why I needed a whole new cluster. I was told that there is a microprocessor that controls the lighting in that area, so when you turn the lights on, the other lights turn on. I just said whatever and hung up. I find it hard to believe that: 1)it is controlled by a microprocessor rather than a simple relay, and 2) it would warrant a whole new cluster. This is why I think that the mechanic was messing around with the dash trying to fix the problem, and somehow busted the cluster and had to replace it.


Anyway, it works and there was no charge, so I don't really care. Another thing that disturbed me about the whole situation was that the invoice said "R&R Radio" which means remove and replace. My radio was not replaced.

ChrisWB
99 1.8TQM K&N (will have Garrett 1 bar on Sat)

97 A4 1.8QT 29.8K

Day 1: Oil leak, 3 days in shop to replace
defective oil cap.(Got a CD changer)

12K: replaced turn arm when Cruise ontrol
switch flew off past by head.

front driver rug replaced due to holes

23K: A-arms replaced on front end.

27K: rear brakes replaced, during 30K checkup

28K: #3 coil pack repaired

Overall, I truely like the car but I keep wondering what's next?

Minor valve cover gasket weeping, just aesthetically unseemly. Most reliable car I have ever owned, Japanese/US.

The first week of December I have an appt. to bring my '97 1.8TQ for it's last official scheduled service. Since it's the last scheduled service interval through Audi, everything will be thoroughly checked out (so my dealer says.)

I will also have the recall repair performed...I'll post the results of it all.

Steve

Since you're asking for the problems, won't this just give you a negative impression on which to base your decision?

Body shops always use that jargon to account for the labor time necessary to remove and replace items the shouldn't be painted like lights, body trim, grilles, etc.

So don't let that statement bother you.

A trunk not opening at 10K or a master cylinder at 5K. There's a big difference, and with alot a responses I can tempter my expectations and not be surprised. Also if major problems are occuring at < 25K I would have to reconsider my choice. ie clutch, turbo, master cylinder, any problems that would leave you stranded.

Go with Consumer Reports for more accurate results.

So I agree with DaveL; what you're doing is not only unscientific, the results are mostly likely to be skewed. If you want more trustworthy data, find the Consumer Reports issue that lays out the survey results for virtually every car in the American market. At least there you're seeing a very large sampling.

Rick

Noisy power steering pump replaced under warranty at 45,000, also dealer replaced brake pads and rotors at the same time. Present mileage 64,000 with only other problem being an intermittant climate control display. Haven't decided what to do about it since it works fine, you just can't see it sometimes.

<ul><li><a href="http://rescomp.stanford.edu/~stanj/Audi/TrackRecord.html">Unscheduled maintenance record</a></li></ul>

Mechanical types will call anything electronic a microprocessor...or computer.

More than likely there is a potentiometer connected in such a fashion that it is being used to adjust the output voltage of a regulator circuit, thus varying the light level.

Regards,

James R.

The A4 has been amazing for reliability. I would give it a 9.5 on a 10 scale.

10,500 and nothing so far. solid as a rock

Everything was fine until the 2.8 intake screen recall/ 30k service. Engine had a hesitation/stumbling problem. Fault was spark plugs. Stick with NGK.

At 38000, the first gear starts whining. New transmission, under warranty and with an Audi loaner for a month.

Got it back and the check engine light came on. Next will be tie rods, I suppose.

I need a raise so I can trade to an S4. Don't tell my insurance agent. Go ahead, 42000 miles and no accidents or tickets. Not a SINGLE FREAKIN' CLAIM. DON'T EVEN THINK OF RAISING MY PREMIUM.