Warranty Voided Due to K&N Filter and Milltek Cat-back

[psiaddict]

First off, i started a case with Audi already and the dealer. Took it in for a ticking sound. This being the 3rd time taking it in. The dealer called Audi to bring in the Tech due to being the 3rd time. Long story short, needs cam, a roller and a lifter. about 6k+ total to fix. Underwriter informed me that my warranty is VOID due to K&N drop in filter and my Milltek Cat-back exhaust. Ok now before you guys go NUTS, yes Magnuson-Moss takes effect here. Oh and the VAG pulled ZERO codes. I also called K&N and they are going to fight for me as well.

I will keep you guys updated, but if you have any more advice than what i've taken please feel free to post or message me. Thanks. Enjoy ranting.

-Mike

[Rodknock]

Is there another dealer that you could go to?

I have had issues at my local dealer so I drive 30 more miles to go to a different one

[psiaddict]

yes there is, that's a good point. But won't the problem be listed with Audi already with the warranty being denied? I wonder if the other dealer will see it. If that isn't the case, think taking off the milltek would be a good idea?

[i_eat_staples]

name of dealer and location?

[Rodknock]

I would explain the problem to the other dealer first. They might want to help you out.

If they voided your warranty then it will show at all dealers. Unless they just told you that so you would stop coming back to them

[psiaddict]

International Autos, Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin

[colonelburke]

Sounds like BS as neither of those things would cause those problems. Fight 'em like hell.

[aaaudiprotein]

Yeah, let the K&N fight for u :)))
Call Audi of North America and ask them about it!!!

[B18b1ex]

Have them put the reasons they are not fixing the car in writing. And I would contact another dealer with your vin to confirm AOA's denial of your warranty.

This does not sound right, I had a similar problem and the bill was twice what you are being quoted. Pm me a number I can explain what happen with me.

[lorvar]

BS. I used to go through this with my other cars. Unless they can prove problem A was caused by aftermarket part B with a diagnostic, they can shove it. Ask for Audi to have a regional manager come down and answer why this is voided. The parts you listed would not cause you any restrictions or failures to your engine. I had the same things and they tried that crap and I told them I'll take the car to arbitration(which would force them to buy the car back if it's found to be defective) and the regional manager showed up the next day to fix the issue.

[psiaddict]

Well, comes to find out the other dealer is owned by the same dealer that's screwing me.

[nameinlights]

surprised they can tell you it needs all those parts without tearing the engine apart.
Obviously the cat back did nothing to cause this.

But the K&N is famous for eating MAF sensors but thats the worse I have seen.

[psiaddict]

I told them not to do anything without my approval. They wanted 4 hours labor to look. I approved, that was the result.

[swoyekr.]

hyperflow intake, milltek catback -> new roller and lifter. They cannot void you for an exhuast, it's a replacement. You can only get voided if you "modify". just keep complaining and you'll get it fixed. Dealers are all thief'ing bastards.

[blacksheep]

Wow, keep us informed. We threw a K&N on the RS4 as soon as we took it off the lot and at about 54 miles on the odo. What a bunch of BS. Audi dealerships seems as crappy as Mitsu dealers - you drive an Evo off the lot and guess what - warranty voided. I am stretching it a little, but its almost that bad.

[chrislane31]

Tell them the exh was damaged and had to be replaced. You know it would not be fixed by Audi so you bought a new one. That is cheaper and lighter than the oem one.

[turbo4s]

Fight. I been in the same position as u in the past with VW of america. I won at the end of the week.

[speedydragon]

next thing you know it, tires will void your warranty too :|

[blacksheep]

next thing you know it, tires will void your warranty too :|

Yes, coz it can damage your ABS sensors and increased weight causes wear of suspension, CV joints and wheel bearings....not to mention destroys the quattro.

I can already imagine this shit spewing out of a service advisors mouth

[minameismud]

Well, comes to find out the other dealer is owned by the same dealer that's screwing me.

what "other dealer"? audi north shore? those are the only two i know of in the area. the sales dude at audi north shore said his techs aren't very mod friendly either.

[ChronicTeutonic]

No way that an air filter would cause the cam and lifter to fail. If you said you didn't change the oil at the recommended intervals then they may have a case, but that K&N has nothing to do the price of beans in china...

[groggy]

That's crazy. Many Audi dealers are selling Milltek exhausts. That's total bullshit!

[littleredwagen]

some dealers are a*holes

[yakendo]

It's so ridiculous that the dealer is playing this game with a customer-not only is it wrong- it is bad business too!

Obviously, over time, you will prevail since the law & the facts are on your side. So, what do they gain from their position?

I don't know your situation, however, I would take the advice about getting the dealers position & their voiding of your warranty in writing-then immediately sue for bad faith or possibly civil fraud.

Additionally, after you prevail I would post a link to the courts judgment, which a public record, on every Audi centric site on the net.
Good luck!

[psiaddict]

Well got word back from Audi. My case has been denied again, stating that the warranty specifically states that any after market part voids warranty, due to the car hasn't been designed for it. I'm having a supervisor call me to further "explain" this to me.

Contacted K&N and let them know they can now start their end of the dispute. I can't believe any of this. It's surreal.

Here is what the dealer

they're misinformed on when i put the filter in. I said when i purchased the car the filter went it.

[Lewie06A4]

They haven't proven to you that the exhaust/intake led to the problem. There's no way in hell an aftermarket exhaust, which on the S4's are probably more form than function, could possibly cause a lifter get worn out. Tell them it's their 10k mile oil change intervals they use that probably caused it.

Sounds almost like it's time to lawyer up.

[B18b1ex]

Well it's time to fight, there is no way they can link your filter or exhaust to the failure. What they are describing is sounding like a failure of the roller bearings on that rocker, there is no other way unless you missed a shift and that cylinder hit the valve.

[psiaddict]

now keep in mind i've had it in 2 times in before for ticking and noisy start-up, which they stated was "Normal Sounds". Yeah, right.

[ZONAWILDCATS4]

Here is the bottom line...

In order for them to deny your warranty for having installed any aftermarket part is that they MUST prove that the part that you installed was the CAUSE of the problem. If they can't prove that the exhaust and filter caused the damage then they must pay.

If you play hardball with them and tell them to prove to you that these parts caused the damage you should have some luck getting this warrantied...

The service note you have posted doesn't say anything with regards to exhaust or filter as the cause of the problem...complete bullshit. This is the kind of stuff that makes me wonder why I drive an Audi...

If you have the time, (I see you bought it at AUdi Exhange) I know its a ways away from you but Continental Audi in Naperville is a mod friendly dealership...they sell Stasis Signature series cars there...maybe have them look at it....a 2nd opinion never hurts.

[Tek4ever]

Continental Audi in Naperville is a mod friendly dealership...they sell Stasis Signature series cars there...maybe have them look at it....a 2nd opinion never hurts.

Heya Zona

Have you been back to the dealer since the cat-back installation? I'm taking my car into Fletcher Jones tomorrow for my wiper motor - fix/replace. As I made the appointment, I asked the lady helping me if the motor would be covered under the CPO warranty and she said yes, unless they discover the cause of it was due to an aftermarket item. (can't remember verbatim...basically what she said tho) If they give me any grief tomorrow, I'll be driving to Naperville.

Good luck OP

[yakendo]

You said it correctly...it is very surreal.

Once again, I can't believe the dealership's BS position...it is wrong & by any determinant bad business!

The law is unequivocally on your side... AOA can not unilateral ignore the law & arbitrarily preclude any aftermarket part; they have the burden of proof to show a direct causal link.

I would also remind the dealership even if the warranty has language precluding aftermarket parts it can not enforced because it clearly violates contract law & public policy.

Anyone can write a contract(warranty) that says anything...but if the language violates the law the entire contract...or...at least the part addressed by the unlawful language can't be enforced.

Additionally, I would contact AoA to let them know that you have posted your problem on a, high traffic, Audi specific forum; & ask them how much goodwill they are willing to lose at a time when car sales are in the toilet!

If they maintain their position I , & I don't think I'm the only AZ member who feels strongly about this issue, will never buy another VAG product again!

What is the point of buying a "premium car" only to be treated like you stole something or bought a Yugo?

[momoney]

this is easy all you have to do is threaten them by saying you will be getting a lawyer. it has always worked for me and the dealer covers everything.

[Awulf]

Well her is my nasty gram to Audi, and I do mean what I say here...

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=220102

Ok this is not the first time I'm hearing of this and it needs to stop. That Audi is allowing a dealer to malign and berate a customer when the law is clearly on the owners side is a complete farce. How much goodwill is Audi willing to loose. This forum is a place were millions yes millions of Audi enthusiast go to talk about the brand. I will have you know my father is a 35year master technician turned instructor, and one with Porsche Audi for many years. Please see the link included, all I can say is that I my father is well aware the law in these kind of cases and I am sending a recommendation message to the owner to seek a lawyer, with information I will provide regarding the law in these kind of cases. I strongly suggest that Audi look into this, most real dealerships will put twice as many after market parts on a car and fix it the next day. You know as well as I do that these cars are mostly sold to younger people, BMW encourages there customers to improve what they have made, AUDI should be embarrassed that this is going on. These kids that tune there cars are your customers, your motorsports fans, and quite honestly this is not the first customer service oriented complaint I have had with AUDI and this case isn't even my car. How about my car, no mods, brakes making noise, took to stealership they said we need three days to fix your brakes, there worn (down to the sensor I checked, and as I said I know what I'm talking about) they gave it back Friday, I drove away and guess what, they didn't fix a thing. I should have driven the car into a tree and sued the out of AUDI, and I'm quite sure they charged Audi for warranty work that is fraud. (Oh yeah-The Collection Coral Gables, FL.)This is the reputation you guys are getting, my father had the service manager for lunch, there was no excuse, as there is none for this incident. At this point there are already lawyers online sending PM to the individual to give assistance, you have not heard the last of this, I will contact everyone in the motorsports group I can. Rest assured I have personal friends with Audi Sport N.America and this includes the Maraj family and management, this is a real shame people. I have said it before this is the last Audi I will buy, and remember this isn't my car, its just disgusting to that extent. Please do not contact me, I am done with you guys, my next car will be a Porsche and yes I know they own VAG but they don't treat there customers like this. Sie kennen i-Liebe, was Sie für das Laufen getan haben, aber dieses zu viel ist, werde ich mit Ihnen getan.

Sent at 9pm eastern time in FL.

[yakendo]

In Deutschland wurde so etwas nicht passieren. Es tut mir leit das zu horen.

[ZONAWILDCATS4]

Heya Zona

Have you been back to the dealer since the cat-back installation? I'm taking my car into Fletcher Jones tomorrow for my wiper motor - fix/replace. As I made the appointment, I asked the lady helping me if the motor would be covered under the CPO warranty and she said yes, unless they discover the cause of it was due to an aftermarket item. (can't remember verbatim...basically what she said tho) If they give me any grief tomorrow, I'll be driving to Naperville.

Good luck OP

Nope haven't taken it in since I installed the cat back...haven't had any problems yet... I'm out of warranty anyway (knock on wood).

You should be good, they would have a real hard time claiming that a cat back caused your wiper motor to go out...but then again, this is Audi we are talking about.

It really is discouraging that Audi has taken this position on handling issues like these. Other manufacturers this would NEVER be an issue.

[b00st]

typical of audi...and the typical bullshit that comes with it. sucks.

its the one thing my dad said that held him back. customer of his has been a manager of audi of schaumburg for over 15yrs. audi tells him to warranty nothing. and he tells us that. mod friendly places like conti audi of naperville make them the best in the land, everyone in IL knows to go to conti audi for anything, especially modded audis.

i would just go to a different audi dealership.

my brother ZONA had a problem with his B6 A4....he had a problem with the turbo...sounded like it was blown...acted like it...took it to 2 dealerships...they blamed his FMIC on it. shows how much they know...since an FMIC is after the turbo. regardless...audi wouldn't warranty his car...they said he need to replace his turbo and it would cost 2400. i had him take it to renn-art for a 3rd opinion....it was some bolts that came undone by the turbo...i noticed one of them. but it fix the whole thing...cost him 150 bucks...but better than $2400 from audi and they wouldn't warranty it....they refused. he didn't know about conti then.

[EssPhore]

now keep in mind i've had it in 2 times in before for ticking and noisy start-up, which they stated was "Normal Sounds". Yeah, right.

Hey Addict,
What type of "noisy start up" are you getting? I just took my 2005 S4 in for a "noisy start up", and the dealer said the same thing. My noise is heard usually when the car has been sitting for a while. I go to start the car and it makes a sound like a bad belt or a bearing. Once the car is running the noise goes away. The dealer said it's the "secondary injector pump". I'm just curious. Thanks in advance.

[intoblue]

Well her is my nasty gram to Audi, and I do mean what I say here...

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=220102

Ok this is not the first time I'm hearing of this and it needs to stop. That Audi is allowing a dealer to malign and berate a customer when the law is clearly on the owners side is a complete farce. How much goodwill is Audi willing to loose. This forum is a place were millions yes millions of Audi enthusiast go to talk about the brand. I will have you know my father is a 35year master technician turned instructor, and one with Porsche Audi for many years. Please see the link included, all I can say is that I my father is well aware the law in these kind of cases and I am sending a recommendation message to the owner to seek a lawyer, with information I will provide regarding the law in these kind of cases. I strongly suggest that Audi look into this, most real dealerships will put twice as many after market parts on a car and fix it the next day. You know as well as I do that these cars are mostly sold to younger people, BMW encourages there customers to improve what they have made, AUDI should be embarrassed that this is going on. These kids that tune there cars are your customers, your motorsports fans, and quite honestly this is not the first customer service oriented complaint I have had with AUDI and this case isn't even my car. How about my car, no mods, brakes making noise, took to stealership they said we need three days to fix your brakes, there worn (down to the sensor I checked, and as I said I know what I'm talking about) they gave it back Friday, I drove away and guess what, they didn't fix a thing. I should have driven the car into a tree and sued the out of AUDI, and I'm quite sure they charged Audi for warranty work that is fraud. (Oh yeah-The Collection Coral Gables, FL.)This is the reputation you guys are getting, my father had the service manager for lunch, there was no excuse, as there is none for this incident. At this point there are already lawyers online sending PM to the individual to give assistance, you have not heard the last of this, I will contact everyone in the motorsports group I can. Rest assured I have personal friends with Audi Sport N.America and this includes the Maraj family and management, this is a real shame people. I have said it before this is the last Audi I will buy, and remember this isn't my car, its just disgusting to that extent. Please do not contact me, I am done with you guys, my next car will be a Porsche and yes I know they own VAG but they don't treat there customers like this. Sie kennen i-Liebe, was Sie für das Laufen getan haben, aber dieses zu viel ist, werde ich mit Ihnen getan.

Sent at 9pm eastern time in FL.

Amen to that. I had similar experiences with "The Collection-Coral Gables" when i bought my car, and AoA gave me a massive run around for 1 month to ultimately discount one month from my lease. Mind you, i have had 4 Audi's in 6 years!!! I have questioned whether to go back to Audi, and have test driven the new M3 as a considered trade but i was not satisfied. So i remain with Audi. AoA has a very serious issue as repeatedly exemplified when it comes to customer satisfaction, as well as ensuring that their respective dealerships represent the standards of luxury that Audi worldwide is attempting to establish.
Goodnight

[ieatfishburitos]

Audi blamed my MAF failure on my K&N (I tend to agree with them in my case). They replaced MAF under warranty on the condition I put an OEM filter in the car (which I paid for). At no time did they bitch or moan about my miltek exhaust.

FIGHT THEM!!

[psiaddict]

Update: I got a call back from AoA yesterday only to have them stick with their decision. I asked for their address so I could submit my lawyer letter to them she sounded surprised and gave it to me. I then demanded to speak with her boss. The supervisor called me withing an hour and we started to talk about my case. As we were discussing my case he started to read it over. Long story short, he is re-opening my case because yes the warranty act does cover my situation. He informed me that he will be taking it to the correct people in hopes to "get me a positive result". So fingers are crossed again, oh and turns out the supervisor is a car guy too, he races his vintage car at the tracks.


EssPhore, I was hearing the same sounds you're describing, but also it would tick every now and then. It sounds like your engine is chewing on rocks right? Yeah, "normal" is what they told me too and described it as being the secondary pump thing. I will let you know if the start-up noise goes away too after all this.