Table 1 shows three common air bag related problems of the 2001 Audi S4.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Warning Light On problems | |
| Air Bag Not Deploy problems | |
| Air Bag problems |
Cold start on a cold January morning (5 degrees f); upon starting the car the air bag warning light came on and would not shut off. Research (discussions with the dealer and air bag repair businesses) indicate that this is a very common defect for Audi S4, model year 2001 and that to repair the problem the air bag control module (computer) would need to be replaced at an exorbitant cost. Airbag system is completely inoperable with the warning light in a lit state. On line Audi forums indicate that this is a huge problem on these cars.
1) car is 2001 Audi S4 avant. Car was running for approximately 15 minutes, and was idling at top of driveway for about 5 minutes with parking brake engaged while other car in front was being moved. Upon release of parking brake regular brakes failed, resulting in car rolling downhill, about 30 feet, from a standing start and colliding with a parked car. Brake pedal showed no resistance other than mild spring push-back, and was pushed down to floor. A brake pedal was pumped with no result. Same brake conditions were repeated immediately after collision and over a continuing period of minutes with identical results, during which time I exited and returned to car on multiple occasions. Finally, after approximately 5 minutes following the accident brakes resumed full and normal functioning. Car was idling throughout this time period without interruption. Air bags did not deploy . 3) reported to dealer mohegan lake motors) on 1/16 and to Audi America on same or next day. Car towed to dealer on 1/17. Audi America reported later that they had no knowledge of any similar occurrences or issues concerning brakes - also began inquiry on why air bags did not deploy , but I did not pursue this during our discussions since there were no injuries. Dealer reported on 1/24 that they were unable to duplicate the problem, and had no answer for the brake failure, and were taking no corrective actions. Audi America reported on 1/25 they were taking no further action and making no further inquiries.
I took the vehicle into the dealer (westwood Audi) for a safety recall repair as requested by Audi. It was for a driver front airbag inflator replacement. The work was done but when the car was returned the airbag warning light was on. I went back in to the service department and was told that the airbag module had failed and that the part was no longer available from Audi. An aftermarket part could be installed but I would have to pay for part and the repair. No cost estimate has been given. I called Audi of America and they said that the dealer told them that they didn't break it so they will not cover the cost of repair. I have owned this car for 20 years and it is in exceptional condition. I took it to the dealer in perfect condition for an airbag repair and got it back with an air bag warning light on and they say they didn't do it? now I have a car without functioning airbags. Anything that you can do to help resolve this?.