2004 Audi A4 1.8L turbo - the car suffers from a problem that begins with a flashing of the gear selector range (prnds). This occurs consistently, every time the vehicle is operated. When prnds is flashing the vehicle possesses a serious safety concern that has occurred (3) times since the onset of this condition. While the gear selector range was flashing I pulled over to re-fuel at a local gas station. After purchasing gas I returned to the car, started it up, and the flashing prnds condition persisted. When I engaged reverse to exit the gas pump area the car very suddenly lunged backwards with such tremendous force that the vehicle break system could not contain the jolting force of the backwards movement. If anyone had been standing behind me......they would have been very seriously injured or killed. I have made efforts to contact the vehicle manufacturer (Audi of America) and they fail to acknowledge this very serious safety issue. This is simply unacceptable.... especially in light of the fact that the company has full knowledge of this defective and threatening vehicle condition. There are many other Audi A4 owners that have reported this problem, and it is well documented on Audi forums on the internet. The heart of my concern: Instead of volunteering to repair this serious safety hazard, Audi of America has advised that I need to have the transmission control module replaced at a personal cost to me of approximately $3,000, which I find appalling. The car continues to exhibit this driving condition, and lunging reverse condition can be replicated. I would like the opportunity to call this to the attention of the NHTSA for review before someone is seriously hurt or killed. I would very much appreciate the opportunity to elevate my concern asap.

- Summerville, SC, USA

At around 55,000 miles, warranty over at 50,000, my friend (he owns a foreign auto repair shop in seattle) noticed that my transmission was a little jumpy. It might have been doing this earlier but I did not notice it because my wife was driving the car and they never know anything is wrong with the car until it falls part. My nearest authorized dealership was 45 minutes away and I need the vehicle for deliveries and pickups in my business so I waited until it got worse. At approx 65,000 miles I took it to a local dealer ($99) who stated that my transmission was going to fail to the tune of $ 6500. I called Audi, they said that they could not do anything until I see an authorized dealer. That cost me $ 115 to tell me the same thing and they were going to charge me $ 8500. I asked why it is failing so early, he could not give me an answer. It's "one" of those things! asked if there was anything I could have done to prevent it and he said "no". my buddy said drive it till it drops, it has 74,000 miles now, it's grinding real bad now and I do not have the $ 6000 to fix it, need some relief especially since others are having the same problem. I have owned over 20 cars in my life and I have never had a transmission problem. This is my first and last german made automobile. I need help!

- Yorktown, VA, USA

2004 Audi A4 cvt transmission lurching, rough shifting, and eventual failure of transmission predicted by mechanic, requiring significant costly repairs (thousands of dollars). First owner of the vehicle, which was well maintained. I am told this is a "common complaint/problem" with Audi's. internet search yields many similar complaints on cvt transmissions. Called Audi customer service and they are mute on cvt transmissions as an issue! defective cvt transmissions should be recalled and repaired by Audi, not by consumers. Present mechanic contacted other mechanics and, I am told that this is a known issue amongst mechanics? why no recall.

- Rancho Santa Fe, CA, USA

: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle operated at a reduced speed and the engine stalled without warning. Additionally, upon initial acceleration the automatic transmission was sluggish while shifting gears. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the automatic transmission clutch body and fluid needed to be replaced. Afterwards, the problem persisted. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 12/15/2006 -

- Rancho Mirage, CA, USA

My car intermittently does not move when the vehicle is put in drive. This has only happened so far when the engine is cold. It happened to me yesterday as I was trying to pull out into an intersection and the car behind me almost hit me because it looked like I should be moving. I have a cvt transmission.

- Sterling, VA, USA

Vehicle is having a problem with the transmission. Owner has leased this vehicle in June 2004. When the vehicle is in reverse, it will not move then suddenly the engine will accelerate and a click and pop sound will be heard and then the vehicle will surge backward. Owner had taken the vehicle to the dealership and they could not duplicate the problem. Instead the transmission was replaced because it was said at that time that they were aware of the problem but could not repair it. Provide further details.

- Miami Beach, FL, USA