2014 Audi A4

DESCRIPTION OF THE SAFETY DEFECT On February 24, 2026, an Audi-certified technician at Audi of Milwaukee discovered substantial rust perforation of the rear subframe on my 2014 Audi A4 Allroad (Repair Order #[XXX]). The technician documented the condition as follows: “INSPECTED REAR SUBFRAME CORROSION. RECOMMEND TO REPLACE REAR SUBFRAME AND RELATED PARTS.” The quoted cost to replace the rear subframe, control arms, and related components is $11,583.00. The vehicle was otherwise inspected as being in excellent condition with no body panel corrosion. Root Cause: Manufacturer-Installed Plastic Shield Design Defect (B8/B8.5 and B9 Platforms) The corrosion is caused by a design defect present on the Audi B8/B8.5 and B9 platforms: plastic aerodynamic shields are installed by the manufacturer on both sides of the rear subframe. These plastic shields trap road salt, water, and debris directly against the bare steel subframe, preventing it from draining or drying. Even vehicle owners who regularly wash the undercarriage—as I did—cannot prevent salt accumulation behind these shields. This is not general road salt exposure. The plastic covers are an Audi-designed component that actively concentrates corrosive materials against the subframe. The corrosion therefore originates from a manufacturer design decision, not from owner neglect or normal environmental exposure. III. SAFETY RISK The rear subframe is a primary structural and suspension component. It mounts the rear suspension, differential, and drivetrain to the vehicle. Rust perforation of this component poses the following safety risks: •Structural failure of the subframe while driving, potentially causing sudden loss of vehicle control •Collapse of rear suspension leading to loss of steering stability •Separation of the rear drivetrain or differential from the vehicle under load •Increased risk of catastrophic failure when towing, carrying passengers, or during emergency maneuvers •No visible warning to the drive INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The timing chain and tensioner in my 2014 Audi A4 Quattro (VIN: [XXX] ) failed without warning, causing the engine to suddenly stall and become inoperable while in motion. This presented a serious safety hazard. Although my vehicle is slightly outside the settlement mileage and time limit, timing chains are considered a lifetime component and are not a maintenance item, meaning they are not expected to fail and are not listed as requiring inspection or replacement under any Audi maintenance schedule. This failure was sudden, catastrophic, and safety-related. Audi and Volkswagen have already acknowledged this timing chain defect in federal class-action litigation (Opheim et al. v. Volkswagen Group of America), and my VIN is included in the affected vehicle list. Audi’s own dealership technician confirmed that the timing chain is stretched, the tensioner is fully extended, and the intake camshaft timing is off by a tooth—clearly matching the known defect. The vehicle stalled suddenly while arriving at a repair facility, and it would not restart. Had this occurred on a highway, a collision could have easily resulted. This is a known safety defect, affecting engine timing, power loss, and stall risk. The manufacturer denies responsibility despite known defects, safety implications, and VIN eligibility. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate Audi’s refusal to address a known and documented safety-related defect involving a critical non-maintenance engine component that is expected to last the life of the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2014 Audi A4. The contact stated while at a stop sign and attempting to proceed, the vehicle stalled and failed to return to normal operation. The contact and her boyfriend shifted into neutral and pushed the vehicle to the side of the road for a while until the vehicle eventually restarted. The Electronic power control (EPC) warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to the residence where the boyfriend used a diagnostic scanner to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the fuel pump sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was scanned a second time and it was determined that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The diagnostic scan tool was used again to diagnose the vehicle and it was determined that the fuel pressure regulator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

The third brake light intermittently stops working. Being that it is intermittent, it tells me the led and circuitry are working. Also, a warning alert will illuminate on my dash instrument cluster and not when the light is working again. Upon further searching on-line, there is an issue with a solder joint cracking. I believe this is the case because when i jiggle the connector, the light will illuminate. Since this light is required by law, this is a very important safety issue. And a rather expensive one since the replacement part alone is $150-$200.

Heating/ cooling system is not functioning correctly, continues to get warning meage from car heating/coolant warning, and engine coolant is leaking out

Loss of power / Turning onto oncoming traffic there was severe hesitation. Which caused the car to not move onto oncoming traffic quick enough causing both oncoming vehicles to maneuver around. Upon going to the mechanic he states I have oil in the engine from faulty piston rings which he states he has seen multiple times in these models.

I was driving down the highway and my sunroof suddenly exploded randomly. No signs of anything hitting it at all.

The contact owns a 2014 Audi A4. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, a message advising to stop the vehicle immediately was displayed. The contact pulled into a parking lot, where the contact noticed that coolant was leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the coolant pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The local dealer and another dealer, Audi North Atlanta (11505 Alpharetta Hwy, Roswell, GA 30076), were then notified of the failure, but the contact was not informed that the VIN was included in a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was repaired by the independent mechanic. The contact later became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V229000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the contact had not received a recall notification in the mail. The contact submitted a claim for reimbursement to the manufacturer, but the reimbursement was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

Driving on a two lane busy road, car started to jerk and shut down. Lost steering capability immediately, car veered toward ditch, stopped. Called 911 immediately because the road was busy and cars could not safely get around my stalled vehicle. I told 911 that I was exiting the vehicle for my safety. I could not restart the vehicle. There were no warning lamps or messages or symptoms alerting me to a problem UNTIL after the occurrence. I had no idea what was happening, and it was frightening. Never had this situation with any of my Audi's and I only have approximately 41,000 miles on it. After about 15 minutes a person stopped and was able to restart my vehicle (911) never got to me and I cautiously drove home. Called the dealer and had it serviced immediately. Diagnostics performed on it. It required a replacement of the fuel pump and fuel rail sensor. It found fuel pump control module to be shorting out. It seems that this type of issue should not be occurring on the vehicle with such low mileage.

With out warning vehicle engine shut down in the middle of the highway causing loss of power to breaks and steering. Mechanics assessment states engine is mechanically or electrically blocked. Upon investigating issue I found numerous law suits regarding engine piston failure. Please see civil action docket number L-001632-21. Found on class action .org

The TCM doesn't properly communicate with sensors in the transmission of my Audi A4 such as one of the speed sensors and this issue is inspectable by most certified technicians. The equipment failure can result in the transmission not being able to engage the gears into a "forward" motion causing the vehicle to seemingly stall in traffic. It can also cause it to shift roughly, which could further damage equipment and pose higher safety risks to not only to me, but other drivers on the roads as well, both of which issues I mentioned have occurred to me on multiple occasions. I've recently had this issue diagnosed by an Audi technician. A "transmission malfunction" message also is present on the dashboard as a result of the aforementioned issues.

This is my second time contacting you in reg. this vehicle, it was previously in the shop for the same repairs the engine was replaced and the coolant system was fixed, now it has been about two mo and again it is having issues with the coolant system and now transmission issues, I also just found out that this vehicle was in a accident in 2014, in which I was told t had not been, so I am currently reaching out to the Audi dealership trying to receive previous service history done to vehicle Oasis report. I feel this vehicle is a safety hazard, I am a single mom and grandmother and I do not feel safe in this vehicle and wish I was informed of previous accident. In the time I have had the vehicle it has spent over 30 days in the shop and now its back in there.

INTAKE VALVE SPRING ON CYLINDER 4 ( THE ONLY WARNING I RECEIVED WAS THE CAR STARTED TO MAKE A RATTLING NOISE AND THE WHOLE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE EPC LIGHT THEN CAME ON, WHEN IT STARTS IT IS HESITANT TO START) I PURCHASED CAR ON 7/24/2020 THE FIRST TIME IT BROKE WAS ON/AROUND 10/27/2020 AND THE CAR HAS NOW ENCOUNTERED THE SAME ISSUSE ON /AROUND 10/28/202, I AM UNSURE IF THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH PREVIOUS OWNER, BUT THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED AT IN A SAFTY DUE TO THE WHOLE ENGINE GOING.

Car is feeling jerky and shaky at the steering wheel when driving or sitting still. Very common problem on these cars. Will probably need new steering rack. This issue needs to become a recall. Very frustrating.

The parking break malfunction light keeps coming on and off for the past few months. Last year the malfunction light came on and I was unable to release the parking break. My car had to be towed to mechanic for reviews. The light is now back; on and off for several months. I fear using my parking brakes.

WHILE IN A TURNING MOTION THRU A WATER PUDDLE, THE STEERING DEFECTIVE WARNING LIGHT CAME UP ON THE DASH AND THE STEERING WAS VERY STIFF AT SLOW SPEED. ERROR WAS ANALYZED AS A DEFECTIVE ELECTRIC STEERING RACK AND PINION. ONE YEAR AGO THIS SAME PROBLEM AROSE AND IT WAS CORRECTED WITH A USED RACK, BECAUSE A NEW ONE COULD NOT BE FOUND, SUCH IS THE CASE AT THE CURRENT TIME, ONLY USED RACKS ARE AVAILABLE, WHICH DID NOT WORK OUT WELL THE FIRST TIME AND THE LEAD TIME ON A NEW RACK IS 3 MONTHS. I SUBMITTED A COMPLAINT NUMBER: 11300855 ON THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM A YEAR AGO. I FEEL AUDI NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE RACK P/N 8K1 423 055BA OR ANY OTHER THAT FIT THIS DESCRIPTION. THE INTERNET HAS PLENTY OF AUDI FORUMS ABOUT THIS MOISTURE PROBLEM, SINCE THE RACK IS CONDUCIVE TO WEATHER RELATED CONDITIONS THAT SHORT OUT CONTROL MODULE, LEAVING THE RACK WITH NO ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST. THE MODULE IS INTEGRATED INTO THE RACK WITH NO WAY TO JUST REPLACE JUST THAT PART, LEAVING YOU WITH A $3000.00 BILL.

THE STEERING LOCKS UP OUT OF NO WERE WHILE DRIVING MAKING IT SEEM LIKE POWER STEERING FAILURE AND GIVES YOU A STUCK THEN LET GO FEELING. I'M A MECHANIC AND HAVE COME TO FIND OUT THE STEERING UNIVERSAL JOINTS SEIZED AND RUSTED BAD MAKING IT WELL NOT STEER SMOOTH IT'S VERY DANGEROUS AND A CAR ONLY 6 YEARS OLD WITH 80000 MILE SHOULD NOT HAVE AN ISSUE LIKE THAT BUT IT'S VERY VERY COMMON AFTER RESEARCH

Steering wheel doesn’t want stay center. Kicks left or right, in a kind of ‘notchy’ way. Almost feels like it wants to click from side to side and won’t stay centered. Vehicle was recently aligned and utilizes all OEM parts.

Hi My name is [XXX] and I have an 2014 Audi A4 that has been consuming to much oil ever since I bought it . I see the vehicles contained defective pistons that caused excessive oil consumption. Can you please help with this ? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

RACK AND PINION, STEERING LOCKED UP