New S4 - Steering issue already.

[Ved]

I picked up my new S4 on Thursday and since the first drive I've been experiencing an issue with the steering. In case anyone else has found this too I thought it worth posting up.

I can replicate it frequently doing roughly the same action and it goes something like this: Go straight/minimal steering angle for a distance, slow down to turn left or right (right turns have been more frequent) and the steering resistance feels like it hits a 'notch' around 45 degrees and I have to put roughly 4x the force to move it. Effectively the steering wheel refuses to turn which is a rather disconcerting feeling to say the least. When I do force it, it goes passed this ‘notch’ there’s a loud plasticy click like there was something obstructing the wheel from turning. I've been 5 miles at 70+, 1/4 mile at 60mph down to 200 yards at 20mph before making a more pronounced wheel movement so it's not dependant on those factors from what I can see.

I've set the steering to auto, comfort and dynamic and get the same issue and I've also moved the wheel position around with still no joy so it has to be a physical issue in the steering system.

I took it back to Audi on the first day after collection and couldn't replicate it - as is always the case - but every day it's done it so today I went to speak to the sales manager and he's going to arrange for it to be collected Monday.

Has anyone else experienced such an issue?

Edited by Ved on Saturday 13th May 15:19

[Philvrs]

Hope you get an equivalent loan car, that doesn't sound like a 5 minute job.

[Ved]

Unlikely I'll see an S4 but apparently I'm getting the dealer manger's car while they look at the issue. Agree that it's not a 5 min fix. They get one attempt to fix it otherwise they can have it back. It's massively dangerous not being able to steer.

Very disappointed.

[Ved]

I went out and recorded the issue this morning. What doesn't show up on this is how much force I had to use to move the wheel before I made it click back to normal operations. It's dangerous.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vULQQCmDc5U

[TimD]

No similar issues at all on mine. Could it be something to do with the steering lock?

Not sure I'd drive it personally.

[Ved]

I handed it back on sunday as it's dangerous. They changed sole part of the steering, confident it was the issue, and it's still there. They are continuing to investigate it apparently.

I've asked for a meeting with the sales rep tomorrow. If they can't fix it this time I plan to reject it.

[Dr G]

I do understand the frustration and hope your dealer is able to resolve.

Unfortunately problems like this are common across a lot of industries when you're an early adopter.

[Ved]

True. It's not like the B9 A4 is new as it's nearly two years old now. Bit of a bummer.

[Philvrs]

Philvrs said:

Hope you get an equivalent loan car, that doesn't sound like a 5 minute job.

Just curious what loaner they gave you?

[Ved]

Have other cars to use so didn't want one. I will be asking for an RS6 for a week when I go to Cornwall in October though!

Anyway got another update...

Audi called and are now saying they believe is fixed with the original part swap. I think their head of service called. He explained the issue to probably be a blemish or defect within the copper rings that run against each other to maintain a connection. He can feel it in the part they removed but not in the new one - side by side comparison - so hopefully this is sorted. Can't say I'm still happy with this experience but their customer service has been good.

Car is being delivered back to me in an hour and tomorrow I'll go out again and record he difference.

[Dr G]

Fingers crossed for a good outcome.

I was assuming the S4 used some of its own steering bits; of course completely possible that a lot (and whatever failed on your car) is shared.

[Ved]

Had the car back on the driveway this afternoon and after a 20 mile test drive the issue appears to have been sorted. I'll do an extended test tomorrow with a recording just to confirm all is well.

Good information gathering for anyone else having similar issues in the future at the very least.

Audi's customer service was very good, btw, which is all you can really ask in these situations.

[Ved]

Well I spoke too soon. Even though a faulty part was removed and the issue demonstrated while it was off the car the problem is still there. Just so frustrating and I'll be sitting down with Audi tomorrow for a very serious conversation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfqoVsNHUNg