Hi everyone,
I've been reading through the various threads on the reflections of other Audi 3.0 TDI owners after they've had their emissions fix, so I thought that I'd share my experience as well. Like many others, I've been really disappointed with how the car now drives post-fix.
While the MPG has definitely been negatively effected, we knew from the disclosures that that would be impacted. However, we did not expect the car to drive so differently that it became such a drag to drive and a potential safety issue. I wonder if any others have any additional updated advice on the low power issues that have developed after the fix?
Here's the letter that I wrote AOA last month as well as their response (see below), after taking my vehicle back to the dealer when the check engine light came on and a temp sensor had to be replaced.
Finally, I've logged every tank of gas since my purchase. While it doesn't appear that I can attach a file here, I can tell you that before the fix, my average MPG over the first four+ years of ownership was 23.38. Since the fix, it's gone down to 19.41.
Would love any of your thoughts and feedback.
Thanks.
****LETTER TO AOA AND THEIR RESPONSE***
Dear Mr. Keogh,
On December 27, 2016, I accepted and Audi Denver performed the Audi emissions fix for my 2013 Gen 2 Audi Q7.
Since then, our vehicle’s performance has been seriously compromised as our car has lost significant power and its acceleration ability to the point that we feel the fix has put our family at risk. On at least two occasions, the delayed pick up and low power has nearly caused us to be in two accidents. Once while making a left turn across traffic, and the other while slowing down for a red light and then trying to accelerate when it turned green before stopping.
I first reported my concerns to the Audi of America Customer Service Center about one month after my repair. The agent told me in order to have the vehicle reviewed, I would need to bring the car back to the dealership and pay for an evaluation at my own expense. I refused that offer since I believe that was not a fair ask. Instead, I called the dealer’s service manager to explain the problem and he explained that it would take the first 1,000 miles after the fix for the car to relearn the driving pattern. After that, he said the car should perform as normal. My car was actually 1,200 miles past the fix, but I decided to drive the car a couple more months to see how it goes, only to be disappointed that the issue seems to be getting much worse instead of improving.
Last week, my engine light illuminated and since I was due for a 75k service, I took the car to an expert Audi service center in Denver, Colorado who specializes in only VW and Audi vehicles. It’s the first time I’ve had my car serviced anywhere outside the dealership. However, I wanted an independent expert opinion on what I was experiencing. The mechanics agreed with me that something is definitely compromised with my vehicle and they recommended that I return to the dealer. In addition, the mechanics told me that the error codes reported in the software are related to the emissions system and suggested that these errors could be causing part of the problem that I am experiencing.
I called Audi Denver to book a service on June 18th and since the error codes are related to the emissions system, the Audi dealer agreed to cover the service evaluation and any emissions repair under the emissions warranty.
In particular, I want to share my specific concerns with you, all of which I began to experience AFTER the emissions fix:
I am most concerned about our family’s safety and that is the key issue that needs to be addressed because of the vehicle's low power and performance.
I have loved my car up and until this fix was implemented. Now, I am frustrated with Audi and upset that an awesome car has turned into a pretty awful driving experience and a potentially dangerous vehicle as well.
I wanted to address this issue directly with you and Audi of America before the situation gets even worse, so that Audi can have an opportunity to help rectify the matter with an appropriate resolution.
I look forward to hearing from you and your team on any other recommendations or fixes you would suggest.
***AUDI EXEC RESPONSE #1***
I received word back from our Area Field Team that you have an appointment scheduled at the dealership on Monday, June 18. We have arranged from our Technical Field Manager – an engineer who works for Audi – to review the diagnostics and test drive your vehicle. This review will determine if your vehicle has a repairable condition and if any action is needed.
I also wanted to confirm that I’ve received your attachments, and they have been forwarded to the appropriate parties for review. Provided that your appointment will remain on Monday, I will plan to follow up with you once I receive a report from our team.
If you should have any additional questions, or if your appointment needs to change, please feel free to reach out to me directly so that I can assist.
Thank you for your patience as I awaited the reports from our field engineer.
***AUDI EXEC RESPONSE #2***
I had the opportunity to review the notes in the file, and it seems that a recommendation was made to replace a sensor in order to address your concern with the check engine light. I trust that this has been completed and has resolved this concern.
During the course of your visit, your vehicle was also reviewed to ensure that no further repairable conditions are present. At this time, your vehicle has been found to be operating as designed, after the update was completed with reference to the emissions. There are no additional repairs needed.
We hope that the efforts of our team have assisted you. Your dealership is in the best position to evaluate any concerns that may arise in the future. Should you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Respectfully,
Executive Case Specialist
Audi of America, Inc.
Customer Experience Center
3800 Hamlin Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
I've been reading through the various threads on the reflections of other Audi 3.0 TDI owners after they've had their emissions fix, so I thought that I'd share my experience as well. Like many others, I've been really disappointed with how the car now drives post-fix.
While the MPG has definitely been negatively effected, we knew from the disclosures that that would be impacted. However, we did not expect the car to drive so differently that it became such a drag to drive and a potential safety issue. I wonder if any others have any additional updated advice on the low power issues that have developed after the fix?
Here's the letter that I wrote AOA last month as well as their response (see below), after taking my vehicle back to the dealer when the check engine light came on and a temp sensor had to be replaced.
Finally, I've logged every tank of gas since my purchase. While it doesn't appear that I can attach a file here, I can tell you that before the fix, my average MPG over the first four+ years of ownership was 23.38. Since the fix, it's gone down to 19.41.
Would love any of your thoughts and feedback.
Thanks.
****LETTER TO AOA AND THEIR RESPONSE***
Dear Mr. Keogh,
On December 27, 2016, I accepted and Audi Denver performed the Audi emissions fix for my 2013 Gen 2 Audi Q7.
Since then, our vehicle’s performance has been seriously compromised as our car has lost significant power and its acceleration ability to the point that we feel the fix has put our family at risk. On at least two occasions, the delayed pick up and low power has nearly caused us to be in two accidents. Once while making a left turn across traffic, and the other while slowing down for a red light and then trying to accelerate when it turned green before stopping.
I first reported my concerns to the Audi of America Customer Service Center about one month after my repair. The agent told me in order to have the vehicle reviewed, I would need to bring the car back to the dealership and pay for an evaluation at my own expense. I refused that offer since I believe that was not a fair ask. Instead, I called the dealer’s service manager to explain the problem and he explained that it would take the first 1,000 miles after the fix for the car to relearn the driving pattern. After that, he said the car should perform as normal. My car was actually 1,200 miles past the fix, but I decided to drive the car a couple more months to see how it goes, only to be disappointed that the issue seems to be getting much worse instead of improving.
Last week, my engine light illuminated and since I was due for a 75k service, I took the car to an expert Audi service center in Denver, Colorado who specializes in only VW and Audi vehicles. It’s the first time I’ve had my car serviced anywhere outside the dealership. However, I wanted an independent expert opinion on what I was experiencing. The mechanics agreed with me that something is definitely compromised with my vehicle and they recommended that I return to the dealer. In addition, the mechanics told me that the error codes reported in the software are related to the emissions system and suggested that these errors could be causing part of the problem that I am experiencing.
I called Audi Denver to book a service on June 18th and since the error codes are related to the emissions system, the Audi dealer agreed to cover the service evaluation and any emissions repair under the emissions warranty.
In particular, I want to share my specific concerns with you, all of which I began to experience AFTER the emissions fix:
- Audi Fault Code: 38161: Reductant Metering Module Malfunction. Intermittent
- Audi Fault Code: 18173: Exhaust Gas Recirculation Cooler Bypass Control Circuit. Intermittent. )
- Loss of power (causing almost two accidents while driving since January)
- No acceleration / significant delay in acceleration turning left across traffic.
- No acceleration power from a standing stop
- No acceleration power slowing to a stop and then re-accelerating. No power. Delay in acceleration.
- No acceleration power, specifically worse between 1,000 RPMs and 2,000 RPMs
- No acceleration coming out of all turns.
- Downshift choppy from third to second gears and back up again. This is even worse when slowing down to first gear and then back up. This is an intermittent problem.
- General acceleration delays during normal drive when increased speed is required. The car does not speed up and is significantly delayed after pressing the gas.
I am most concerned about our family’s safety and that is the key issue that needs to be addressed because of the vehicle's low power and performance.
I have loved my car up and until this fix was implemented. Now, I am frustrated with Audi and upset that an awesome car has turned into a pretty awful driving experience and a potentially dangerous vehicle as well.
I wanted to address this issue directly with you and Audi of America before the situation gets even worse, so that Audi can have an opportunity to help rectify the matter with an appropriate resolution.
I look forward to hearing from you and your team on any other recommendations or fixes you would suggest.
***AUDI EXEC RESPONSE #1***
I received word back from our Area Field Team that you have an appointment scheduled at the dealership on Monday, June 18. We have arranged from our Technical Field Manager – an engineer who works for Audi – to review the diagnostics and test drive your vehicle. This review will determine if your vehicle has a repairable condition and if any action is needed.
I also wanted to confirm that I’ve received your attachments, and they have been forwarded to the appropriate parties for review. Provided that your appointment will remain on Monday, I will plan to follow up with you once I receive a report from our team.
If you should have any additional questions, or if your appointment needs to change, please feel free to reach out to me directly so that I can assist.
Thank you for your patience as I awaited the reports from our field engineer.
***AUDI EXEC RESPONSE #2***
I had the opportunity to review the notes in the file, and it seems that a recommendation was made to replace a sensor in order to address your concern with the check engine light. I trust that this has been completed and has resolved this concern.
During the course of your visit, your vehicle was also reviewed to ensure that no further repairable conditions are present. At this time, your vehicle has been found to be operating as designed, after the update was completed with reference to the emissions. There are no additional repairs needed.
We hope that the efforts of our team have assisted you. Your dealership is in the best position to evaluate any concerns that may arise in the future. Should you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Respectfully,
Executive Case Specialist
Audi of America, Inc.
Customer Experience Center
3800 Hamlin Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326