Faults:

This car has been exceptionally reliable considering the miles I put on it. I have driven this car extensively through the coastal mountains of British Columbia, Canada. The only major problem I had was when the timing belt broke at 143000K's. Fortunately, my car had the Audi Assured warranty that was good to 160000K's. To my surprise, Audi installed a new block and head (basically a new engine), and it only cost me the fifty dollar deductible!

Like many others who have stated on this site, these cars require preventative maintenance! Things like using synthetic oil and changing it every 5000 kilometers. Changing your coolant every year is recommended also. What is very paramount is changing your t- belt at 100000 k's. No exceptions!!! The other thing is to have your transmission serviced at least once a year if you have the tiptronic.

The car is expensive to maintain... But it's worth it!

Faults:

Driver side auto dimming mirror at 15k.

Rear oil seal at 20k.

Vacuum seal at 35k.

Water pump at 50k.

Airbag sending unit at 55k.

Rear view auto dimming mirror at 60k.

Driver side auto dimming mirror at 70k again.

Center console vinyl trim peeled off at 75k.

Loose connection on locking control unit at 95k.

General Comments:

This car is fun to drive, but is one of the most unreliable I have ever driven. I have had every service done at an Audi dealer at the recommended interval to make sure I was getting the best service possible. The big repairs, such as timing belt/water pump I do myself. Basically I use a dealer to find problems and then fix them myself. The comment about recommended oil change interval has me somewhat concerned, because I have always done the manufacturer's recommended interval, which is 10k. I am over 100k now, so if I have done any damage it is too late now.

Besides the outrageously expensive failures such as the water pump and airbag unit the small failures are very irksome. Leak here, bad mirror there, trim peeling off of the center console all adds up to what feels like a cheap car, not a luxury automobile.

Faults:

Cam seal leak is being fixed now. Rear pads & rotors replaced - 55800 miles

Timing belt 52400

Tie Rods ends @ 46500 miles

Changed to synthetic oil per recommendation of dealer @ 48200

Rear Seat belt tensioner failure @ 39300 miles

Alternator & battery 33400 miles.

General Comments:

I love my Audi, but am upset at the dealer for not doing a better job telling me what to expect as far as repairs even though they claim to do a 21 point inspection. As a female I am very suspicious that they are just trying to make money off me.

The web helps me understand what to expect as far as maintenance costs since I don't get much info from the dealer.

Took my car in Nov. 28th since it was pulling to the left & opted for an alignment & spin balance. The dealer called to alert me to a CAM seal leak & that my rear brakes needed to be replaced. Almost $1K total right before the holidays!

Faults:

Blew a few light bulbs over a few months period, always on the same spot.

Anti-theft alarm system had to be completely replaced.

Oil leak from automatic gearbox.

Power steering system stopped working due to oil drying or hardening.

Warning light came on to indicate low engine oil level, but in fact engine oil is full.

The frequently used buttons on the control panel had their skin peeled off.

General Comments:

The automatic transmission is not responsive at low speeds, but can be compensated by using the tipronic to engage low gears.

The electrical systems are second rate.

The control panel buttons need better materials to prevent their skin peeling off.