Tensioner/ Timing Chain Class Action Settlement
03-29-2019, 03:48 PM
#51
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
I have a 2013 Audi Q5 which had the timing belt replaced last May 2018 at 150,000k. Unfortunately, my dealer says a check engine light diagnostic shows that the timing belt may be failing again. The replacement had a warranty of 12 months or 12k; unfortunately I have driven 20k since then. Do I have any recourse for reimbursement or at least a discount for a 2nd timing belt needed just 10 months and 20k later? My dealership doesn't seem to want to offer me anything, just like "sorry". That said, I'm also pretty sour because it's also in the shop for its third wheel bearing replacement. No more Audi's for me.
03-30-2019, 12:15 AM
#52
AudiWorld Super User
Probably they did not do the job properly, or did not change all parts of timing chain and another part failed.good luck
03-30-2019, 06:49 AM
#53
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I don't think my dealership cares as they weren't the ones who replaced the timing belt - had to have it done at a dealership in another state while I was traveling. They don't want to take the gaff for possible mistake made by other dealer's service department.
03-30-2019, 08:21 AM
#54
AudiWorld Super User
Ah, there was more to the story. Looks like the cost will be on you. Did the other dealer change the chain tensioner, timing chain guides, etc.?
03-30-2019, 08:38 AM
#55
AudiWorld Super User
"had to have it done at a dealership in another state while I was traveling. They don't want to take the gaff for possible mistake made by other dealer's service department"
And they are correct then. Since the new failure is not under warranty, and some other dealership did the work, why would this dealer absorb the costs? They have no interest or responsibility to do so.
A timing belt should not fail at 20k, warranty or not. This is an issue to take up with Audi corporate, noting that it is an extremely short life for the new belt and that indicates either defective parts or installation. Audi corporate (AoA) may discuss that with the dealership that did the work, and the two of them may do something as "one time good will" accommodation.
But your local dealer? Has no dog in the fight. And apparently isn't smart enough to know that if they told you to contact AoA, you might appreciate the help from them. I wouldn't expect them to argue the case for you though. That would be truly exceptional service, and that's always rare.
Any chance the work was charged to a credit card that doubles the warranty, and doesn't exclude automotive repairs from that?
And they are correct then. Since the new failure is not under warranty, and some other dealership did the work, why would this dealer absorb the costs? They have no interest or responsibility to do so.
A timing belt should not fail at 20k, warranty or not. This is an issue to take up with Audi corporate, noting that it is an extremely short life for the new belt and that indicates either defective parts or installation. Audi corporate (AoA) may discuss that with the dealership that did the work, and the two of them may do something as "one time good will" accommodation.
But your local dealer? Has no dog in the fight. And apparently isn't smart enough to know that if they told you to contact AoA, you might appreciate the help from them. I wouldn't expect them to argue the case for you though. That would be truly exceptional service, and that's always rare.
Any chance the work was charged to a credit card that doubles the warranty, and doesn't exclude automotive repairs from that?
03-30-2019, 04:10 PM
#57
AudiWorld Super User
Belt, chain...My friends 69 GTO with a 440 4bbl had a timing CHAIN in the rear of the engine. Every 40,000 miles the engine had to be lifted to access and replace the chain. Given that today's high-strength fibers are stronger than most of the metals used in chains...20k is still unacceptable, no matter what kind of treadmill the hamsters are running in.
03-30-2019, 05:14 PM
#58
AudiWorld Super User
"had to have it done at a dealership in another state while I was traveling. They don't want to take the gaff for possible mistake made by other dealer's service department"
And they are correct then. Since the new failure is not under warranty, and some other dealership did the work, why would this dealer absorb the costs? They have no interest or responsibility to do so.
A timing belt should not fail at 20k, warranty or not. This is an issue to take up with Audi corporate, noting that it is an extremely short life for the new belt and that indicates either defective parts or installation. Audi corporate (AoA) may discuss that with the dealership that did the work, and the two of them may do something as "one time good will" accommodation.
But your local dealer? Has no dog in the fight. And apparently isn't smart enough to know that if they told you to contact AoA, you might appreciate the help from them. I wouldn't expect them to argue the case for you though. That would be truly exceptional service, and that's always rare.
Any chance the work was charged to a credit card that doubles the warranty, and doesn't exclude automotive repairs from that?
And they are correct then. Since the new failure is not under warranty, and some other dealership did the work, why would this dealer absorb the costs? They have no interest or responsibility to do so.
A timing belt should not fail at 20k, warranty or not. This is an issue to take up with Audi corporate, noting that it is an extremely short life for the new belt and that indicates either defective parts or installation. Audi corporate (AoA) may discuss that with the dealership that did the work, and the two of them may do something as "one time good will" accommodation.
But your local dealer? Has no dog in the fight. And apparently isn't smart enough to know that if they told you to contact AoA, you might appreciate the help from them. I wouldn't expect them to argue the case for you though. That would be truly exceptional service, and that's always rare.
Any chance the work was charged to a credit card that doubles the warranty, and doesn't exclude automotive repairs from that?
03-31-2019, 10:50 AM
#59
AudiWorld Super User
It is not that "corporate" necessarily has to do anything, but rather than corporate has the ability to ask the dealer to cut some slack, and to supply the repair parts for a remake at a lower than normal price. Basically, the can decide to give up some corporate profit (and ask the dealer to do the same thing) in the name of customer good will, which has a sometimes forgotten but real value. If they get a number of complaints about the service quality at a dealership, they may have few if any sanctions that can be applied, but I don't think any dealer would want their supplier to get the impression that they were providing substandard service. Sometimes, it just helps to have a third party involved.
03-31-2019, 12:40 PM
#60
AudiWorld Super User
It is not that "corporate" necessarily has to do anything, but rather than corporate has the ability to ask the dealer to cut some slack, and to supply the repair parts for a remake at a lower than normal price. Basically, the can decide to give up some corporate profit (and ask the dealer to do the same thing) in the name of customer good will, which has a sometimes forgotten but real value. If they get a number of complaints about the service quality at a dealership, they may have few if any sanctions that can be applied, but I don't think any dealer would want their supplier to get the impression that they were providing substandard service. Sometimes, it just helps to have a third party involved.
You were lucky to have your headlights replaced for the inside crazing issue. My dealer wanted to replace mine under warranty, corporate said no way, normal wear and tear. The area rep looked at them, said they were bad production parts, sent photos, corporate still denied replacement.
Thus corporate is not your friend all the time, even for a loyal 3 time Audi owner like me.