This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Vehicle suddenly lost power while driving due to a defective ignition coil pack. The problem is widespread with this vechicle (Audi A4) and is happening to many owners across the country. The manufacturer, Audi, is aware of the defect and the fact that failures are occurring in a very high percentage of its cars, but has not issued a recall. Instead it is replacing the defective part only after it fails. More importantly, it is not replacing the other defective coil packs in the cars that have not yet failed, thereby leaving them vulnerable to future failures. The cars should be recalled so that all coil packs are repalced. This is a public safety issue.
Ignition coil failure while driving resulting in a shaky vehicle, loss of power and a red hot glowing catalytic converter. Audi is refusing to replace defective coils until each one fails. Audi even refuses to replace the defective coils at the customers expense.
Failed ignition coil pack on 2002 Audi A4. 3.0 engine leaving the car inoperable. From what I understand, this is a worldwide major failure mode with VW/Audi only replacing the failed coil pack, the other coil packs will fail in time. Some owners have had up to 5 coil packs fail at various times leaving them and their families stranded in undesirable conditions and places. Many people don't carry cell phones enhancing the problems. A total recall is mandatory in this case, it's not going to get better!
Electrical system: Ignition - two ignition coils failed and had to be replaced. Was on freeway in fast traffic when coil failed. Car slowed down abruptly and two cars behind had to swerve to avoid collision.
- Woodland Hills, CA, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
Ignition coil pack failure - check engine light came on - car began to shake and lack of power - had to be flatbed trucked into dealer - without car 3 days now. Dealer states Audi only to replace the defective coil " with new improved coil " what about other 3 ignition coil packs on this engine ? waiting for next foot to drop !
Ignition coil failed on highway. Car "shook" violently until stopped in parking lot. Once car was off the road, the coil housing caught fire. The fire ultimately burned itself out, and the car was towed to the local dealership for repair. The dealership notified Audi usa of the defect and recommended vehicle replacement. Audi usa elected to repair car under warranty. Multiple failures have occurred since (see list).
The car's basic problem is a badly designed coil pack (ignition module). There is a redesigned one but the dealer will only replace the one that fails. Leaving three others (in a 4cyl car) to fail at a later date. These failures happen mostly at engine startup, but has also happened to me at the worst possible time also. Like driving in a tunnel where there is no shoulder to pull off to. The engine just cuts off like someone reached over and turned the key...luckily when this happens at speed in a manual trans. Car, I just popped the engine back on.
On October 28, 2002 the 'air bag' light came on. The car was scheduled for the shop on October 31, 2002. The morning of that date as the car was started the engine was running very rough. I proceeded to take the car to the shop. Once I arrived at the shop I informed the service manager of the new problem of the engine running rough. At this time he informed me that one of the ignition coils was faulty. The vehicle has been in the shop since.
After speaking to the dealer who was prompt and helpful, and after investigating on some Audi forums on the internet, it seems these coils are very failure prone. They can fail anywhere at any time, and at low mileage. In my case it wasn't a matter of saftey, but of dependability. This is a $36,000 "near luxury" car that really can't be trusted, and may fail anywhere at any time. The dealer installed a new coil, but it is the same part number and manufacturer. (Bosch) would be nice if a new (revised) part was issued, and all 6 coils were replaced. Thank you.
Today was the second failure of the ignition coils, first occured 7/25/02 w/10500 miles on the car, ignition coils 1 & 4 were replaced. Unknown which coils have failed this time. It's thanksgiving day, won't know until tomorrow how many coils have failed. In August I reported the car running rough and wanted the coils checked, dealer stated that without a check engine light or hard failure there was nothing they could do. Today is the second failure in 5 months and I haven't had the car a full year yet. These failures are a safety hazard, I was fortunate to be close to home and driving at a slow speed when each occurred. During today's failure the car could barely go 10mph to get me home. This appears to be a very well known problem with the Audi 2002 1.8T.
Consumer stated that ignition coil failed while driving, which cause the vehicle to stall on the parkway. Consumer feels the vehicle is dangerous. Manufacturer aware of defective part. Consumer made numerous attempts with dealership however ignition coil packs were not available.
Apparently Audi has experienced many failures of the ignition coil pack. We have two 2002 A4's in the household and both have experienced this failure. Audi will only replace the failed unit.
Ignition system failure on low mileage new vehicle. Concerned about reliability of car and safety should system fail and disable the car in dangerous location.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Roseville, MN, USA