general problems of the 2001 Audi A6

The contact owns a 2001 Audi A6. The contact received a safety recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 03v143000 (tires). He called NHTSA to file a complaint regarding the potential for a failure. There had been no failure to date. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 91,000.

This is in reference to the Audi recall referencing replacement of tires to meet axle weight of vehicle. Nhtsa campaign id no #03v143000. Tires 225/45 r17 91y were to be replaced by 225/45 r17 94w. In Nov 03 took vehicle to the Audi phil long dealership in colorado springs to meet compliance per recall letter. Dealership took the performance "all season" tires off the vehicle and replaced three tires with 225/45 94w performance "summer" tires and one tire with a 225/45 91y performance summer tire. First by looking at the specs of the tires they installed they partially met the recall criteria. Secondly, by choosing to take the original performance "all season" tires off the vehicle in the present winter season and replacing them with a performance "summer" tire without telling me (the consumer) of the type of tires they installed and sending me on my way assuring me that my safety concerns with the recall had been met, both Audi USA, and Audi phil long dealership configured the vehicle to be unsafe for normal operation. The recall criteria was not met, additionally by taking away the all season tires and replacing them with summer tires in winter season without advising the consumer prior to releasing the vehicle generated a new hazard. As a result the vehicle handling characteristics changed, vehicle did not respond as driver was accustomed prior to recall, and as a result during icy road conditions the vehicle slid and suffered damages. Audi USA does not accept responsibility, nor phil long dealership. The recall attempted to meet one hazard, and by the choice of tires chosen as replacement without consideration of vehicle location, and failure to advise consumer of replacement tires specifications and limitations generated a greater hazard.

All four original tires were replaced by the consumer at 14,500 miles. The tire dealer provided 50% on the second set of tires and at 25,000 miles, the tires needed to be replaced again. Pirelli, size# p225/55r17. The consumer noticed that the tires were nearly worn with hardly enough tread remaining. (model/allroad).

Tread separation causing tire to fail. (went flat in parking lot)dt.

Consumer repaired the tires due to recall. The manufacturer stated they won't reimburse for the replacement tire because the damage occurred prior to 12/16/2002. The manufacturer also said that it was the date given by NHTSA. The consumer stated the tire ruptured while driving and apparently the side of the tire failed and sudden pressure lost caused the wheel to come in direct contact with the pavement, the tire and the wheel had to be replaced.

Owner is very unhappy with the arrangements that Audi is making in reference to a recall involving tires which are the wrong size. Dealership is asking owners to make an appointment first, come in and let the dealership view the tires, then ask them to leave the car for several hours while they order the tires to replace those that warrant an exchange. There is no cost to the consumer. However, time wise it is an inconvenience. The tires were being replaced.

3 blowouts hitting same pothole by three differnet drivers.