Bogzoot

2010 S4. My original thermostat was replaced under a recall at 7k miles in 2011--Audi had a bad batch of thermostats in the 2010-2011 model years. 2 weeks ago that one just died at 38k total miles on the car--just 2 months out of the 4 year warranty--so it lasted only 21k miles.

I had the work done at Rusnak Pasadena. They gave me $400 off labor, and the service advisor Johnny Borja is always a pleasure to work with. No complaints about their end of this, and I would recommend Rusnak--I've been taking my Audis and Porsches there for years.

On the other hand--Audi of North America was no help at all. I talked with several reps--and all they seem able to do was parrot canned responses that Audi "had done all it could do"--which seems far from fair or accurate. I pointed out BMW and Infiniti have done a far better job in out-of warranty claims for my 540i wagon and my wife's G35--but that still did not seem to have an effect.

Any advice on how to motivate Audi to do the right thing, stand behind their product, and pay for this repair?

SpeedTriplemark

Drive your car thru Rusnak's showroom. Ensuing publicity here in LA will occur. When questioned by reporters, reply publicly that you are fed up with Audi of America avoiding their quality control issue on S4 T-stats.
Audi will be well aware. Some action will happen. You will be a martyr for the rest of us.

But seriously, not sure what else to do...

bandersen

Shoot...
Just had my first one in my '12 replaced at 38k miles. Now I know what to look forward too. Love how it's a $500 labor job for a $50 part as well.

Bogzoot

Thank you Speed and Band for your comments.

Band: I hate to dispel any illusions, but the going rate here in California for a thermostat replacement is $1730-- which includes 8 hours of labor, and about $185 bucks for the thermostat and other parts. I hope yours does not go soon.

Speed: while your tongue-in-cheek suggestion sounds intriguing, Rusnak is the good actor here. They did all they could for me. Audi of North America is the real disappointment. If they were within driving distance, I might take you up on your idea, or at least park it out front of their offices with a big "lemon" sign on it until they rethink their position.

WAZZU STU

This was my second thermostat, it's been at least 60k on this one. Still sucks, paid for 8 hours of labor at $145 per hour. The part was only $84.

jyges

hopefully by model year 2015 problem has been resolved!

DrGP

How involved of a DIY job would it be. I understand that the S/C needs to be removed. I would not have an Audi dealer do it.