"TR3NDSETR" > wrote in message
ps.com...
> Timing belt failure on a Certified 2001.5 Audi A4 with a 1yr Assured
> Warranty left on the car. Audi service will not cover the costs. I have
> read many articles here where people have stated Audi wouldnt cover the
> costs because they were over a certain mileage, or out of the warranty.
> I dont think it makes a difference whether you have the warranty or
> not...its still your headache....right now its mine. Bought my Audi
> less than 2 yrs ago, Certified with 19K miles on it. First week, I
> noticed the car didnt start first crank. Send it in, they said I needed
> a new fuel Pump, and covered the expense, minus $50 deductible. But it
> wasnt fixed. Sent it back, it was a tiny hole in a hose. Paid another
> $50 for time and efforts. Less than 5K miles both tires blew, and one
> rim was damaged due to some Bubbles formed on sidewalls of tires.
> Tires not covered, nor was the rim. Cost to repair $880. At 27K miles
> new brakes needed. Audi Reccomends changing Rotors also as they are
> rusting. Rusty rotors arent covered in Assured Warranty. Cost $590.
> Last weekend driving on hi way and battery light and check engine both
> come on same time. By the time I get to hard shoulder the battery is
> almost flat. Emergency Towing delivers at nearest dealer late at night.
> BIG MISTAKE !!! Gave dealer the opportunity to diagnose and report
> multiple repairs needed. New Battery, Alternator, and Time belts. Since
> changing Time belt, he also reccomends changing water pump and
> Tensioner, and some seal. $1800 for waterpump, seal and Time belt,
> $1200 for Alternator, $285 Battery and $330 diagnosis. $3600 worth
> damage without any warning.

Hard to believe your timing belt has actually failed since if it had, you'd
almost certainly be looking at thousands in engine damage alone. Probably
they're recommending the TB change because of the age of the car. And it is
usually a good idea to replace the water pump, tensioner and thermostat at
the same time since much of the job is labor and each of these parts
requires pretty much the same disassembly. That said, $1800 is excessive - a
good independent Audi mechanic should do it for around $1000 or so. For the
battery, I suggest Autozone - they have one that fits my 98 A4 for about $75
so $285 sounds like robbery. As far as what's covered under the "Assured
Warranty", typically wear and tear items are NOT covered. Audis tend to go
through brakes and it is usual to have to replace the rotors along with the
brake pads.

> Car is sittign at dealer right now. I called Audi America, they called
> dealer, and reported back that at very minium even if I dont fix the
> car I still have to pay the diagnosis fees. But in any case only the
> alternator is covered on warranty. Everything else Im responsible for.
> Audi Assured wont cover you for Time Belt or Battery. They stated
> despite low mileage since the car is 2001.5 its 5yrs old, which is
> considered "wear" , so timing belt is on me.
>
> Car drives like a dream when working but when its not its a major
> expense. This car has only and always been maintained by Audi but it
> doesnt seem to matter. Audi will fix small items and easy fixers but
> anything major they wont copver you. If you are going to buy Audi,
> sell after the 4yr Warranty is over because maintanance is very pricy.
>
> Has anyone else had this problem with time belts in such low mileage?

Again, I suspect that your TB has not actually failed but is being replaced
as a precaution. Were it to fail, you'd be looking at many thousands of
dollars in engine repair. Audi used to have a longer mileage between TB
replacement but had a number of failures. Now they recommend both mileage
AND time periods between changes.

> Have their been any Class actions against Audi... Im seriously
> considering getting a lawyer but need some direction on this.

You can google audi class action but here's one of interest
http://tinyurl.com/bff6c
>