Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK | |||||
| TSB-45-08-04 | 11/19/2008 | 10028008 | Audi: abs activates during light brake application . control noises are heard from the abs unit at low speed without brake application. *pe | 02/26/2009 | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - CONTROL UNIT/MODULE | |||||
| TSB-45-08-04 | 11/19/2008 | 10028008 | Audi: abs activates during light brake application . control noises are heard from the abs unit at low speed without brake application. *pe | 02/26/2009 | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR | |||||
| TSB-45-08-04 | 11/19/2008 | 10028008 | Audi: abs activates during light brake application . control noises are heard from the abs unit at low speed without brake application. *pe | 02/26/2009 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | ||||||
| PE02008 | VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC | 01/23/2002 | 07/12/2002 | BRAKE AND CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET | ||
| Allege bracket that attaches the brake and clutch pedals to the instrument panel fractures while driving | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK - ABS WARNING LIGHT | |||
| 08/08/2003 | 56000 | 2 | 12/17/2000 |
| Abs is broken without any reason.t's only 2 years old but 67000 miles. audi a4 1.8t 2001 model.*ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK - CONTROL UNIT/MODULE | |||
| 12/28/2004 | 69000 | 1 | 11/21/2001 |
| Failure of abs controller in 2001 audi a4 1.8t. was told by dealer that engine heat melts soldering in unit. $1,300 estimated repair ($1,000 for part alone). intermittent failure light and beep when driving, abs not active when light is blinking. i've read on audi websites that this is a common failure that audi of america refuses to take steps to rectify either monetarily or through redesign of the controller to prevent future failures.*ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC | |||
| 12/10/2009 | 81400 | 1 | |
| Failure of abs brake control unit in an audi 2001 a4 while driving on the freeway with snow. it occurred in salt lake city, utah. abs brake light came on and the abs brakes weren't working driving on snow and needed to be replaced. $710.00 was the cost of the repair for a faulty unit and a very common problem that audi knows about it. good thing that i was going really slow and i was exiting the slippery freeway at the time and i didn't slide. thank you! *tr | |||
| 08/18/2009 | 11000 | 1 | |
| Abs electrical module that has failed and is apparently a huge problem, it affects the braking system. *tr | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||
| 02/15/2012 | 112000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 audi a4. the contact stated that the abs warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel and the brake warning light was flashing. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics where the mechanic advised the contact that the ecu module would have to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 112,000. kmj | |||
| 02/15/2012 | 112000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 audi a4. while parked the contact noticed the abs light illuminated on the instrument panel and the brake warning light was flashing. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic. the mechanic stated the ecu module would have to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 112,000. ds | |||
| 09/07/2011 | 100000 | ||
| Abs module failure | |||
| 03/06/2010 | 90000 | 1 | |
| Abs control module failed. modules are defective and audi should recall them. online research shows thousands of audi/vw car owners have experienced this same problem. cost to replace module is $1500-2000 dollars. vw has issued recall of this abs module, but audi has not (even though same exact part). nhtsa needs to put pressure on audi to recall this component, they are defective, unsafe, and could lead to accidents. *tr | |||
| 09/13/2009 | 75000 | 1 | |
| 1. one day suddenly my audi 2001 a4 starts to show abs and brake light to be failing. 2. the failure when diagnosed seems to be a problem with audi's abs control unit, and that needs to be repaired. 3. i have not repaired it yet, because dealers quoted a huge price of more than 1500$ to fix the abs control unit. *tr | |||
| 12/10/2005 | 43000 | 1 | |
| While driving in suburban traffic, i noticed the brake pedal fully dress when i attempted to slow from about 30 mph. upon subsequent stops, there was a metal on metal sound. upon inspection, the right front outer pad had completely detached from backing plate. the car was inspected by audi only 3k miles earlier and there was no indication of brake pad wear. neither the dealer nor audi would acknowledge or accept responsibility. *tr | |||
| 07/01/2003 | 35000 | 1 | 08/10/2000 |
| The brake squeals 90% of the time being applied, it happened since a few months ago. brought to a local dealer a few times for the problem and reported with cannot replicate the problem and noise is normal for some brakes, while the problem is actually getting worse and now the brake is making the squealing noise even after releasing the brake and last for one or two seconds - it happened especially after the foot brake was applied for more than 15 seconds and then been released (e.g. after waiting at a red light).*ak | |||
| 06/28/2002 | 20000 | 1 | 07/03/2001 |
| In searching for complaints filed for 2001 audi a4's i noticed a number related to very poor braking in wet weather. i experienced the same problem with my 2001 a4. audi does have a solution for this problem. the rotor backing plates must be replaced with a different design. when i brought it into the dealer for routine service and mentioned the problem no one in the dealership was familiar with the problem. a factory rep. was visiting the dealership at the time and was familiar with the problem. he ordered new backing plates which, i am told, can only be ordered by a factory rep. it took 3 months for the parts to reach the dealership. i haven't had the problem since the new backing plates were installed.*ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK | |||
| 01/10/2010 | 90000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2001 audi a4. he stated that the antilock breaks sensor illuminates constantly. he had the garage replaced the break sensor twice. the first replacement was done on january 10, 2010 and the second break sensor replacement was february 16, 2010 and the failure was not corrected. the failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage was 102,034. he has not contacted the dealer or manufacturer. | |||
| 09/03/2003 | 1 | ||
| Intermittent and ongoing problem when applying brakes. pedal would go to the floor. had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. dealer notified. *ak | |||
| 04/19/2001 | 3 | ||
| Customer states that in wet weather conditions while braking the vehicle experiences a brake loss. mechanic modified the brakes and found the rotors to be glazed, dealer also installed water shields as per recall, however brake loss still occurs, consumer also states that the abs does not work well. *jg | |||
| 02/01/2001 | |||
| In wet conditions, the braking ability of this car is reduced. when first applying the brakes, there is a delay before full braking power is available. the theory is that water is being splashed onto the rotors and must be cleared before the pads can achieve full contact. *ak | |||
| 12/28/2001 | 1 | 08/01/2000 | |
| Brakes failed while going downhill on a wet but clean road. 58 degrees outside. pedal felt firm and normal but brakes didn't slow car. 2 seconds of direct pressure yielded nothing. i then lifted my foot and repplied the brake with incredible force. 1 second passed with no response and suddenly the brakes grabbed and stopped the car. scary. *ak | |||
| 08/18/2001 | 700 | 08/01/2000 | |
| After sitting for a couple of hours the brakes do not kick in right away if you immediately start the car and back up. you need to push the brake pedal hard and to the floor before the car will stop. like there is an air bubble in the hydraulics. many who have driven the car have nearly backed into other cars in parking lots. fortunately there havent been pedestrians behind the car when this happened. 2 days after i bought the car i contacted prestige about the problem they said there was no sol the car still has this problem every day. you cant tell if the car is going to stop or whether it is going to roll into something. once the car runs for a bit the problem is gone. on 3/15/01 i brought the car in & explained the brake problem. the svc agent said this was not normal & they would fix it. the problem was not fixed. on 8/2/01 i brought the car to prestige again. this time i insisted they fix the problem as there had been too many close calls. on 8/3/01 prestige said again it was a known problem & there was no fix. i insisted they keep the car longer to recreate the problem.. on 8/2/01 i called audi client relations & reported the problem. audi said they would fix the problem. she assigned case #10530656. on 8/7/01 the svc manager from prestige called & said they had recreated the problem & needed to get audi involved to get the problem fixed. on friday, 8/10/01, prestige said they were still working with audi to get the problem fixed. on tuesday 8/14/01, prestige left me the following voice mail i just had a short discussion with my supervisor (dennis). he is in contact with audi & we are trying to figure out what we might be able to dowhat were trying to do is see if audi will make any adaptations to that or if there are any other options availablehopefully we should have it resolved it by friday. on 8/17/01 prestige called & said there is no fix. i need to let the car warm up for 20 seconds before i drive it in order for the brakes to work properly. | |||
| 08/08/2001 | 1 | 09/03/2000 | |
| While traveling at approxmimately 20 mph attempted to stop vehicle and brakes failed to slow vehicle down. consumer's vehicle struck another vehicle, causing no injuries. dealership has not examined vehicle. *ak *jb | |||
| 06/01/2000 | |||
| Braking system does not initially apply any meaningful stopping power when driving in wet conditions. this results in a 1-2 second delay in actual slowing when applying brakes in the wet. this situation has occurred with both stock and aftermarket wheels and brake pads and light as well as heavy wet conditions, and at all speeds. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - CONTROL UNIT/MODULE | |||
| 01/07/2005 | 1 | ||
| Audi has faulty automatic braking system controller units. their 1998 - 2002 units have a very high incidence of failure in the electronics component. they have done a recall for the exact same part for the vw jetta, but not for the audi's. they require $1,700 to repair it, so many people leave it as is, which is unsafe. *nm | |||
| 05/04/2005 | 30000 | 08/26/2000 | |
| I'd like to file a complant for a faulty vehicle component on my 2001 audi a4 (mileage: 30,000 miles). the abs and brake warning lights are coming on simultaneously. i've been reading a lot of similar complaints on the internet (that's how i found this site). dealer says there's a fault code in the abs control module...and wants $1500 (!) to repair it. the abs unit should not be failing as frequently as it seems to be in this car. for a $1500 component to malfunction when it's rarely actuated is beyond comprehension. the tsb should force audi to perform a recall and/or compensate customers for this outrageous problem. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | |||
| 04/19/2001 | 3 | ||
| Customer states that in wet weather conditions while braking the vehicle experiences a brake loss. mechanic modified the brakes and found the rotors to be glazed, dealer also installed water shields as per recall, however brake loss still occurs, consumer also states that the abs does not work well. *jg | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC | |||
| 06/27/2003 | 42000 | 3 | 03/01/2003 |
| Intermitent complete brake failure. has happened 3 times the week of 6/27/03. dealer can not replicate problem and is making me take car out of service area. the dealer admits they would not drive the car with this problem and i don't know what to do next. *nlm | |||
| 02/07/2003 | 15 | 20 | 07/05/2001 |
| Especially during highway driving the braking system does not initially apply any meaningful stopping power when driving in wet conditions. this results in a 1-2 second delay in actual slowing when applying brakes in the wet. | |||
| 04/21/2001 | 2 | 12/01/2000 | |
| Rear brakes make whining/grinding sound only when in reverse. dealer has tried deglazing and power washing brake discs and routers to no avail. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS | |||
| 08/19/2006 | 38500 | 3 | |
| I was chasing a brake squeal. when i removed the front pads on our audi a4, (2001), three of the four pads were not attached to their backing plates. these were the original ate pads; the car has traveled about 38000 miles. *jb | |||
| 07/25/2005 | 33000 | 1 | 08/01/2000 |
| Front brake failure. out of four pad/shoes, 3 pads physically separated off of their respectivie shoes. one of the three actually came out during driving. when this occured, i temporarily lost braking ability as the brake pedal went to the floor without providing any decelaration. car needed to be towed to the dealership as it became usafe to drive. the remaining pad/shoe that was not separated was in reaonable condition measuring 7.7mm (out of 10mm). the two remaining separated pads are chipped showing major delamination and major degredation. remaining pads & shoes have been saved. brake pads/shoes & rotors were replaced by ira audi 97 andover street danvers, ma 978-739-8806 this appears to be a catastrophic product failure once the pad lets loose completely. events leading up to failure: about a week before, i was hearing a thunk sound when the car would change from reverse to forward motion. this occured only after the vehicle was sitting overnight. | |||
| 12/15/2004 | 62300 | 1 | |
| While braking at any speed consumer heard a squeaking noise. mechanic determined that the front/rear brake pads fell off. *ak | |||
| 06/01/2000 | |||
| Braking system does not initially apply any meaningful stopping power when driving in wet conditions. this results in a 1-2 second delay in actual slowing when applying brakes in the wet. this situation has occurred with both stock and aftermarket wheels and brake pads and light as well as heavy wet conditions, and at all speeds. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR | |||
| 03/24/2005 | 65000 | 1 | 03/24/2005 |
| '01 a4 2.8: (1) digital display is blurry and cannot fully understand everything the computer is displaying, (2) internal oil seals have become defective causing a foul burnt-oil smell within and outside the vehicle, (3) transmission downshifts very hard and rough, (4) very poor design by the engineers to place a cupholder directly over the stereo and heater instrumentation which have caused my buttons to stick. have taken the vehicle to various dealerships and shops and technicians have stated that the seals are obviously a design flaw and so is the display panel with has some software or lcd problems associated with it. *ak | |||
| 06/28/2002 | 20000 | 1 | 07/03/2001 |
| In searching for complaints filed for 2001 audi a4's i noticed a number related to very poor braking in wet weather. i experienced the same problem with my 2001 a4. audi does have a solution for this problem. the rotor backing plates must be replaced with a different design. when i brought it into the dealer for routine service and mentioned the problem no one in the dealership was familiar with the problem. a factory rep. was visiting the dealership at the time and was familiar with the problem. he ordered new backing plates which, i am told, can only be ordered by a factory rep. it took 3 months for the parts to reach the dealership. i haven't had the problem since the new backing plates were installed.*ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - SHOES/LININGS | |||
| 07/25/2005 | 33000 | 1 | 08/01/2000 |
| Front brake failure. out of four pad/shoes, 3 pads physically separated off of their respectivie shoes. one of the three actually came out during driving. when this occured, i temporarily lost braking ability as the brake pedal went to the floor without providing any decelaration. car needed to be towed to the dealership as it became usafe to drive. the remaining pad/shoe that was not separated was in reaonable condition measuring 7.7mm (out of 10mm). the two remaining separated pads are chipped showing major delamination and major degredation. remaining pads & shoes have been saved. brake pads/shoes & rotors were replaced by ira audi 97 andover street danvers, ma 978-739-8806 this appears to be a catastrophic product failure once the pad lets loose completely. events leading up to failure: about a week before, i was hearing a thunk sound when the car would change from reverse to forward motion. this occured only after the vehicle was sitting overnight. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST | |||
| 05/16/2005 | 68500 | 1 | 12/27/2004 |
| 12/2004, purchased certified 2001 audi a4 from beechmont audi in cincinnati, ohio. car had a comprehensive 300+ point inspection performed by audi as per paperwork. 5/20/2001, vehicle taken to bluegrass audi in louisville, kentucky for a brake assist problem. several days prior to brining the vehicle in, i was in reverse leaving my garage when i found that i needed to push the brake pedal to the floor to slow and stop the vehicle. i noticed when i drove forward the problem went away. i tried backing up again and found the braking to be normal. later that afternoon i was going to lunch and when i backed up the vehicle didn't have any brake assist again and i had to push on the brake pedal with maximum force. took the vehicle to my local audi dealership and was told by the service manager that the car needed a brake flush. they performed the brake flush, but that didn't fix the problem. i returned the vehicle back to audi several days later and was informed that they found the problem with a grommet that connects two vacuum hoses at the bulkhead. they added a clamp to stop the air from escaping the system, but the next day it proved not to work. they also informed me that the brake pads and rotors were within audi limits. took the vehicle back and was informed that they needed to replace the grommet. after the item was replaced, it still has the same problem as of 7/4/2005. in summary, the vehicle has a brake assist problem in reverse after the vehicle has been sitting for a short period of time. in my un-scientific research, the brake assist fails if the vehicle has been sitting and not running for less than 2-3 hours. when this occurs, the brakes operate, but maximum brake pressure is required to stop the vehicle until the pressure builds up. this could be an isolated incident, but i thought i would pass this information along just in case there are others with the same problem. | |||