1997 Audi A3 from UK and Ireland - Comments

Knocking from the steering, eventually traced to the collapsible column. Fixed by the fitting of a clamp which has come loose now and again.

Extremely annoying problem with the immobiliser stopping the car from starting - it fails to recognise the key. Almost everything has been replaced on this but the problem persists. Been back to dealer > 6 times.

Passenger seat rattles when no-one sitting in it.

Dashboard squeaks when the car warms up.

The car feels a very safe car, handling is excellent and the 1.6 engine can be quick when it is worked.

The dealers I have been to are helpful, it is their failure to fix problems which annoys.

I had exactly the same problem with the immobilizer on a 1995 A4. It started about 18 months after purchase and went back for (unsuccessful) repairs about 18 times. I finally traded it in February 2001 against an...A2! I am delighted with the A2, so far!!

I feel totally let down by AUDI, after saving for a second hand aUDI for a year I am now left with a heap of scrap because it will not start as the immobilizer has packed in.

Surely a recall should be put in place.

Audi uk were uninterested and expect me to pay a four figure sum to repair- never again.

Reading this page with disappointment and dread.

Same immobilizer problem.

Been going off and on for 3 years, now not working at all, been trying to start it for 2 days.

What do do???

Does anyone know a way to disarm it?

Surely any "good" auto-electrician should be able to dis-arm the immobilizer; failing that, try the crooks!

What years does this problem seem to effect?

Immobilizer problem also experienced with 1.9 diesel in April 2003. Car was just 3 years old and had to be collected on flat-back - twice. Eventually Audi main dealer corrected the fault. I wonder, now, if fault will recur.

Have an Audi A3 1.8T sport. Immobiliser light keeps coming on and won't start. Have spent £200 with audi as they said it was an ignition coil! Broke down again and now back at audi. Need to get rid of this as they don't known what is wrong with it!

I have a Audi A3 1.8i 1997 on a P plate. I bought it for my first car in march 2006 3 days for £4,500 after I bought it the cooling system went and had to be taken back to the dealer (lucky I got a 1 year warranty on it) They replaced the cooling system then 2 months later the ABS light came up on my dash, I took it into the dealer and messed me around for 2 weeks I finaly took it to audi direct and they also messed me around forcing me to pay £50 for just to look at the car and not even run a diagnosis on it. Then finally after 2 more week sof chasing the dealer and audi finally had the car booked in and 2 days before I was due to take the car in I crashed the car due to a ABS failure! I had £1500 worth of damage on my car and had to pay for the damage cos I was third party! The dealer did the repairs on my audi (body work, etc) It was late and didn't even fix the ABS and the work they did was faulty. Right side of dashboard rubs against the door when going 70mph, the left electric window jams for no reason, New lights they fitted were fitted wrong. 2 weeks after this I took my car to audi had the ABS fixed (it took 1hour) and I sent the bill to the dealer refusing to pay! They refunded me thee money for the ABS, but refused to refund me on the car parts that were fault. Still got the car now, but selling it to get either another audi or BMW 3 series or M3.

Bit of advice:

1: Look thoroughly throughout car for ANY faults and look at past history for any faults that may re-accure.

2: Get a warranty and have in writing from the dealer (if not an audi one) that if they can't do the work on the warranty that you will take it to audi and the dealer will be charged for the repairs.

3: Look at interior for any wear and tear.

4: Watch out for cars that have been clocked back.

5: Make sure you push the dealer hard for and old audi if planning to get one (they will fold if you start chucking up evidence of faults)

6: Audi's are great cars, My parents have had 2 and they have been sound and great to drive. They have just bought a second had top notch Audi A4 with all the extras for £16,000 2003 plate. It's a superb drive!

Goodluck! I hope knowone has as bad luck as I have had!

Heres my e-mail if you want any advice:

Mysteryman69er@hotmail.co.uk.

The ABS failing would not cause the crash, when it fails you just have normal power assisted braking. The large number of problems with Audi immobilisers I read about here just goes to confirm to me that they are more trouble than they're worth!