Sludge Problem 2003 Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.8L Petrol manual

[tracey gibson]

Hi there

This is the 1st time I have used the forum. I have an Audi A4 1.8L, 2003 Petrol manual cabriolet. It is currently with an Audi dealership who are fixing the sludge related problems on my engine. So far the bill is up to £2k. We are an Audi Family, my husband has bought in the last 18 months a Q7 and an A5 but I am disappointed with the sludge problem on my Audi.

The dealer advised that he cannot find any information about the sludge related problem (I wanted Audi to make a large contribution to the repair). I have been on an American website where I have found a letter from Audi of America, Inc, which acknowledges the problem and offers Audi owners and extended 8 year warranty to cover all sludge related problems. Audi America obviously recognize this as a problem so why is this not the same in the UK?
I am loathed to spend £2k on a problem which Audi America openly state is a fault. Can anyone in the UK offer me any assistance as to how I can approach this issue with the dealer, particularly when the dealer is not acknowledging that this is an age old problem with this car. I have enclosed the letter from Audi America, which offers the extended warranty and apologizes to Audi owners for the sludge related problems.


AudiAudi af America, Inc.
i AUG 3. 0 2004 1
AUik
3800 Hamlin Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Tel. (248) 754-5000
August 2004
Subject: Warranty Extension for 1997 - 2004 Model Year Audi A4 Sedan, Avant, or Cabriolet
Equipped with 1.8L Turbo Engine
Dear Audi Owner,
We are writing to inform you that Audi is providing a warranty extension covering certain ”oil
sludge” related repairs on 1997 - 2004 model year Audi A4 equipped with 1.8L Turbo engines.
Our records show that you are the owner of one of these vehicles.
What is the Issue?
Some Audi owners have reported engine component problems resulting from a condition
known as “oil sludge.” Engine oil sludge occurs when old, dirty engine oil thickens and cannot
continue to provide adequate engine lubrication. This condition occurs primarily when the
engine is operated at oil change intervals beyond those prescribed in your owner‘s manual, or
when oil with lower quality than Audi recommended standard is used.
A vehicle with engine oil sludge may exhibit a constantly or occasionally illuminated Red
Engine Oil Pressure Warning light.
Please note that other conditions may also cause this symptom and that the presence of this
symptom does not necessarily mean oil sludge exists in your engine.
What Will Audi Do?
After listening to you, our valued customers, Audi is implementing an extended warranty for oil
sludge related repairs for 1997 - 2004 model year Audi A4 equipped with the 1.8L Turbo
engines to 8 years from the vehicle’s original in-service date without a mileage limitation.
This extended warranty is fully transferable to any subsequent owner. This extended warranty
does not affect -and is in addition to - any other applicable warranty covering your vehicle.
Audi will cover necessary engine repairs if oil sludge causes a malfunction in your engine and
you can provide documentation of oil changes according to the maintenance schedule for your
vehicle.
The vehicle‘s original in-service date is defined as the date the vehicle was delivered to either
the original purchaser or the original lessee; or, if the vehicle was first placed in service as a
“demonstrator“ or “company” car, on the date such vehicle was first placed in service.
This warranty extension does not cover normal wear and tear or engine damage due to
improper maintenance.
What We Would Like You To Do
If your engine is running normally Audi strongly recommends that you maintain your vehicle as
prescribed in the enclosed Owner's Manual insert. No other action is required.
If you are not following the recommended oil change intervals and procedures, this extended
warranty may not apply. Please follow the maintenance schedule as prescribed in the enclosed
owner's manual insert.
A list of oils that (as of printing date) conform to the Audi recommended standard is enclosed
If your vehicle has symptoms of engine oil sludge malfunctions as described in this letter,
please contact your authorized Audi dealer and arrange for an appointment so that your vehicle
can be serviced without delay.
Please keep this letter with your Warranty Booklet and deliver it to any new owner, along with
the Owners Manual.
Reimbursement of Expenses
If you have previously paid for a repair as a result of an engine oil sludge related concern that is
described in this letter, and you can provide documentation of maintenance completed by an
authorized Audi dealer or professional licensed repair facility according to the maintenance
schedule for your vehicle, you may be entitled to reimbursement. We would be pleased to
review your reimbursement request. The enclosed form explains how to request
reimbursement.
We regret any inconvenience this matter has caused or may cause in the future. We wish you
many more years of driving pleasure with your vehicle. Thank you for your continued loyalty!
Sincerely,
Marc Trahan
Director of Product Management and Quality
I
I I

[warner]

Hi Tracey
I am taking Audi UK to small claims court as I have suffered complete engine

failure due to sludge.Problem I have now is that the original engine was removed

and sent back to Audi before I could get an independant inspection. I am now

looking for an expert witness who can prove the sludge problem does affect people

in the UK. The dealership claim there has only ever been one reported case in the

UK...I would estimate the problem normally occurs just outside of warranty but need

more people to come forward. Can you assist?

[paulthefox]

in some respects the yanks are years ahead when it comes to warranty problems over here they deny that it exists and try and fob you off with excuses

good luck with your case keep us posted on the outcome


paul