Our Audi was parked in our driveway as it has been for the last two years. Overnight there was a moderately heavy rain. The following morning after starting the car we attempted to shift into reverse but could not. The car was taken to the dealer who reported that water entered the computer which controls the transmission and shorted it out. Rainwater also entered the master brake cylinder though a vent hole. Parts cost will be in the $4400 range and labor $3-4000. While this is the first time this has happened to us discussions with the tow-truck operator, the car rental Agency next to Audi, the insurance adjuster as well as conversations with friends indicate this "flooding? problem is common to Audi A4/A6 vehicles. The consequences are frightening! we imagine the transmission ceasing to operate and /or the brakes failing while driving on crowded I-95 because of rainwater cascading off the cowling". cars should be able to handle rain water while standing in a driveway.. or any type of moving condition. We have spoken to the dealership as well as Audi headquarters. Audi maintains there is no problem; in fact they assert that we failed to maintain the cowling area free from leaves, debris, etc. The dealer says that their skilled mechanic is allotted two hours to clear the cowling drains; that is not reasonable to expect of the ordinary motorist. It is unbelievable that there is no secondary cowling drainage mechanism to provide for overflowing water. It is unacceptable that the transmission computer is located where water can enter it and also that it is not sealed to prevent water from entering. It is unimaginable that the master brake cylinder has a vent hole located such that water draining off the hood can enter and compromise the braking system, even when the car is standing still. We need your involvement to have Audi recognize the problem and provide an engineering fix to rectify these problems.

- Riverside, CT, USA