Steering Issues - 2013

[stoked_S4]

Just came from a drive and outside temperature is in single digit F. The steering feedback was the worst I felt ever at 12 o'clock and I had to correct it all the time on the highway. I guess steering gets worst as it gets colder.

[s4aficionado]

So I'm not the only 2014 experiencing the 12 o'clock thing. I can't decide if I should pursue the 48K8 update or not. This has been the only real flaw that I've noticed so far in my car (coming from an '07 335xi).

[dbX79]

Just an update I opened a complaint with AoA yesterday and went to the dealer this morning. They told me that people were complaining that the steering was too heavy. I mean maybe people don't know what dynamic means? I just want them to come out with a update that brings back the tighter steering in dynamic mode. Come on people keep pushing and calling them about it.

[millerrh]

Wow, that's just silly. If you think it's too heavy, just don't put it in dynamic. It's why we have a choice.

[aka5]

Took my car in for the 5k service. I complained about my cold notchy steering for the 3rd time

They called and said the dealer I bought my car from never performed the steering updated when it says it was performed in the system........ So they did it today. Wow can't believe that

[stoked_S4]

Took my car in for the 5k service. I complained about my cold notchy steering for the 3rd time

They called and said the dealer I bought my car from never performed the steering updated when it says it was performed in the system........ So they did it today. Wow can't believe that

So, after the 48k8 did you lose dynamic steering feel? Could you find out from your dealer if this software was updated recently.

[aka5]

So, after the 48k8 did you lose dynamic steering feel? Could you find out from your dealer if this software was updated recently.

dont have the car back,will update when i pick it up

[lapisia]

Brought my car in for its first service yesterday. I actually was hoping to refuse the 48k8 update but the recent cold weather has made the steering really terrible and the hopes of having the steering consistent again far outweighs having the different steering modes intact so I opted for the update.

When I got my car back I immediately noticed how loose the steering has become and when I scroll between the three modes the steering resistance feels exactly the same. I would say the car's steering now feels like it was between comfort and dynamic mode before the update, so it's definitely not as loose as the "old comfort" mode but nowhere near as tight as the "old dynamic mode" either. I took the car for a drive yesterday and today after it has snowed overnight and I have to say the off-center inconsistency is gone completely. The steering is now a lot more consistent on center and gives me a lot of confidence driving. Despite losing the different steering modes, I have to say I'm happy to have consistent steering for once since this winter started. Hopefully the steering feel will stay consistent throughout the winter. I still think it's dumb they took away a feature just to fix another one though and hopefully they can release a second update to give us back the modes without compromising the steering feel on-center. Otherwise, I think we deserve some sort of refund or something in return for taking away a function that we have and use regularly, which we paid for.

[Neuro]

I've got my 2013 going in to the dealer to get this same issue looked at tomorrow.

[SilveR316]

Otherwise, I think we deserve some sort of refund or something in return for taking away a function that we have and use regularly, which we paid for.

Seriously... dynamic steering is an option on 2014 models and comes at a price of $1500.

[aka5]

Software was just done. Feels a tad lighter but for now has eliminated cold weather notchyness which was soo bad

[Neuro]

So my car had a steering update back in November (not sure what the details were) before I purchased it. I have had all the same issues everyone else is experiencing. Just had the dealer do another steering update (48k8) on Monday. This has solved all the issues I was experiencing. My dynamic steering setting seems to have lost some of its heaviness as expected, however I can still tell there is an obvious difference between comfort and dynamic.

[jackal15]

So my car had a steering update back in November (not sure what the details were) before I purchased it. I have had all the same issues everyone else is experiencing. Just had the dealer do another steering update (48k8) on Monday. This has solved all the issues I was experiencing. My dynamic steering setting seems to have lost some of its heaviness as expected, however I can still tell there is an obvious difference between comfort and dynamic.

Hmm...very interesting. I have the 48k8 update from last fall and am suffering from the lack of differentiation between the steering modes. Has anyone else experienced this change via a more recent software update??

[lapisia]

Hmm...very interesting. I have the 48k8 update from last fall and am suffering from the lack of differentiation between the steering modes. Has anyone else experienced this change via a more recent software update??

Same, there is basically no differentiation between the modes as a result but it did fix the on-center problem.

[Wilbur]

Same, there is basically no differentiation between the modes as a result but it did fix the on-center problem.

My on-center issue is gone and steering in dynamic is much better/firmer at speed. I never change settings (not sure why anyone does) so that doesnt bother me.

[Toadusmodus]

I live in the UK, and had the 48K8 update done August 2013 (at least I have a piece of paper saying it was done). Notchiness is back now that things are a bit colder, just as before the update, and as others I have lost the difference in steering weight between comfort/dynamic etc. Will give my dealer a call tomorrow and see if they know of any progress on this.

[LIM1TED]

I live in the UK, and had the 48K8 update done August 2013 (at least I have a piece of paper saying it was done). Notchiness is back now that things are a bit colder, just as before the update, and as others I have lost the difference in steering weight between comfort/dynamic etc. Will give my dealer a call tomorrow and see if they know of any progress on this.

Bulletin didn't come out till Sep 27,2013 you should get that checked out.

48K8 UPDATE – Power Steering Control Unit Software (NVLW)
September 27, 2013
Model(s)
Year
Affected Vehicles
Vehicle-Specific Equipment
A4, A5, A5 Cab, Q5, A6, A7
2012 - 2014
See Campaign/Action screen in ElsaWeb
None
REVISION HISTORY
Revision
Date
Purpose
2
September 27, 2013
Warning added in SVM Update Instructions
1
August 22, 2013
Original publication
Condition
This Update has been proactively released to prevent the following condition from occurring in the vehicle:
When making minor steering movements while driving in a straight line in Audi vehicles with electromechanical power steering manufactured within a specific period, the customer may occasionally perceive slight irregularities with the assistance provided by the power steering. This phenomenon mainly occurs when the temperature is around the freezing point. This is a comfort-related issue; therefore no warning symbol lights up.

[Toadusmodus]

Bulletin didn't come out till Sep 27,2013 you should get that checked out.

Maybe it was released in the UK earlier?? I didn't ask for it, was told about it when the car was booked in for its first service. Don't see why they would have told me they were doing it if they weren't able to perform the update? And as I said, have definately lost some of the variation in the various steering settings.

[SteveYem]

Man this is disappointing. I was considering trading my 2012 for a lightly used 2013 or 2014 so that I could get one with sport diff and the updated MMI, but now I'm thinking I would be better off sticking with my 2012. What good is a sport diff if the steering feels disconnected?

Seems that most are reporting that the problem(s) are exacerbated in the cold weather.....you would think that Audi would have tested this system in low ambient conditions to find any such problems.

[m j b]

I was considering trading my 2012 for a lightly used 2013 or 2014 so that I could get one with sport diff and the updated MMI, but now I'm thinking I would be better off sticking with my 2012.

I originally subscribed to this thread because I was thinking of buying a new S4, but after reading all of these tales, and my general impression of the steering in the new cars, I bought a very lightly used 2012 S5. I was fortunate to find one with sport diff.

[mmmkam]

Just as another data point my 14 was built in early Nov. I haven't experienced any of the steering issues even driving it in the cold, fingers crossed that it wont crop up, and I can definitely feel a difference between comfort and dynamic settings.

[millerrh]

Just as another data point my 14 was built in early Nov. I haven't experienced any of the steering issues even driving it in the cold, fingers crossed that it wont crop up, and I can definitely feel a difference between comfort and dynamic settings.

Exactly the same for me.

[sworksone]

Exactly the same for me.

Same here as well. In fact the steering is better than it was on the 2010. There is less difference between the settings, but not that it's an issue. I always found the old dynamic too artificially tight anyways so usually left it in auto, which I find is close to dynamic on the 2014.

[drob23]

Seems like we need to start a poll, because my steering has been fine. Question is whether these steering problems are experienced by 20%, 50% or 90% of the posters here. I'd guess somewhere between 20-50%.

[dbX79]

I'm starting to get used to the update. I think the firmness was our only way to get back that feel for the road. But these are Audi's we can't have great steering and everything else too. I'm happy with what I have.

[Moose201]

I had 48k8 done last year and felt an immediate improvement in on-center feel and elimination of the center notch. Gradually, though, the original maladies have crept back although not quite as severe as before. Took it back to the dealer yesterday and they performed the update again. The service mgr said that it is still called 48k8 but the tech noticed that there is a new prefix which indicates that the version may have been updated by Audi.

[rs4dreams]

I had 48k8 done last year and felt an immediate improvement in on-center feel and elimination of the center notch. Gradually, though, the original maladies have crept back although not quite as severe as before. Took it back to the dealer yesterday and they performed the update again. The service mgr said that it is still called 48k8 but the tech noticed that there is a new prefix which indicates that the version may have been updated by Audi.

Have you noticed any differences since the new 48K8? When did you have the update originally done?

[Moose201]

Have you noticed any differences since the new 48K8? When did you have the update originally done?

Had the original done right around 9/1/2013. Was only able to drive it between the dealer and my house (I took the long way though ). On center feel was good....I didn't feel the center notch but it was around 50 degrees yesterday. Temps have dropped and I'll try and report back in a few days when I have more seat time.

[rs4dreams]

Had the original done right around 9/1/2013. Was only able to drive it between the dealer and my house (I took the long way though ). On center feel was good....I didn't feel the center notch but it was around 50 degrees yesterday. Temps have dropped and I'll try and report back in a few days when I have more seat time.

Great, let us know. Is there more resistance in dynamic by any chance? Did you have the notchiness come back after the first 48K8? I haven't had issues with it since the update. I had the original done a week or two before you so I'm probably eligible for this 2nd version as well.

[Moose201]

Great, let us know. Is there more resistance in dynamic by any chance? Did you have the notchiness come back after the first 48K8? I haven't had issues with it since the update. I had the original done a week or two before you so I'm probably eligible for this 2nd version as well.

Before 48k8 - Poor on-center feel, pronounced notch when rotating wheel just past center in either direction. Notch especially prevalent on crowned roads, during lower temperatures and around 35-45 mph.

First 48k8 Update (9/2013) - Better on-center feel, more resistance in Dynamic, center notchiness gone.

Last few weeks - Pre-48k8 symptoms return although not as bad as they were before the 9/2013 update. Found that I could induce the symptoms by driving over uneven surfaces (such as crowned roads).

Second 48k8 Update (1/2014) - Improvement in on-center feel. Tried to induce center notch and was not able to. Need more seat time to confirm. Resistance in Dynamic is not greater but feels just fine.

[stoked_S4]

Had the original done right around 9/1/2013. Was only able to drive it between the dealer and my house (I took the long way though ). On center feel was good....I didn't feel the center notch but it was around 50 degrees yesterday. Temps have dropped and I'll try and report back in a few days when I have more seat time.

Is there a big difference between dynamic & comfort modes after the latest update? My 2014 built date of Sept 2014 has the center wandering issue especially below freezing.

I took it for a test drive with an Audi tech on Sat. and he could not feel the issue but it was above freezing at the time. 2 dealers told me that there are no campaigns for my car using the VIN. Same night I drove at night below freezing and steering was so bad I pulled into a gas station off the highway and restarted the car. That helped but when it is cold I could feel the steering getting loose about a 1/4 of inch turn.

I am going to try disabling DSR 1st with help of someone with VAG and see if that helps.

[Moose201]

Is there a big difference between dynamic & comfort modes after the latest update? My 2014 built date of Sept 2014 has the center wandering issue especially below freezing.

I took it for a test drive with an Audi tech on Sat. and he could not feel the issue but it was above freezing at the time. 2 dealers told me that there are no campaigns for my car using the VIN. Same night I drove at night below freezing and steering was so bad I pulled into a gas station off the highway and restarted the car. That helped but when it is cold I could feel the steering getting loose about a 1/4 of inch turn.

I am going to try disabling DSR 1st with help of someone with VAG and see if that helps.

I'm probably not the best person to ask about Dynamic vs Comfort as I spend 100% of my driving time in Dynamic. My dealer has never asked me to go on a test drive and I'm glad because it is hard for someone to appreciate the problem until they live with it every day and consistently drive in the conditions that induce the behavior. Lots of dealers in NJ, can you try a different one?

[SilveR316]

Is there a big difference between dynamic & comfort modes after the latest update? My 2014 built date of Sept 2014 has the center wandering issue especially below freezing.

I took it for a test drive with an Audi tech on Sat. and he could not feel the issue but it was above freezing at the time. 2 dealers told me that there are no campaigns for my car using the VIN. Same night I drove at night below freezing and steering was so bad I pulled into a gas station off the highway and restarted the car. That helped but when it is cold I could feel the steering getting loose about a 1/4 of inch turn.

I am going to try disabling DSR 1st with help of someone with VAG and see if that helps.

You'll probably find that DSR is already disabled on 2014 models. It was on mine.

As far as getting the 48k8 update... you will probably have to ask them about it specifically and tell them to force the update. They had to do this to my car. The tech said there were no available updates, but they manually forced the car to take the 48k8 update. I believe this was the first 48k8 update, as I had this done at the end of October 2013. The symptoms have have not returned, and its been about -20*C here the past few days. The difference between comfort and dynamic isn't as pronounced as it once was, but I'll live with it for now.

[Mbrad]

Mine is going back in to the dealer tomorrow. I have the notchy jump at 2-5 degrees off center on both sides. I had the 48K8 done is Sept. Steering got softer but I dealt. Did the Vag-Com Change, didn't notice a ton of difference.

Now it has gotten cold and the notchyness is not just at highway speed but all the time. Took it in last week and they said 48K was fine and recoded something (pretty sure they un did my vag com change). Dealer made the mistake of calling the next day to ask how things were...... I took it back the next day and pointed out that it was not better so they agreed (after calling audi) to run a bunch of tests and set me up with a loaner so it seems they are taking this serious.

I made a separate thread a week or so ago about considering trading this car for a 2012/11. While still considering it I am about to cry as this car checks all of the right boxes except for this steering notchyness. but is living up to what every single person in my office warned me about in moving to audi. I miss my 2011 335xi every time I touch the steering wheel!

[Mbrad]

Mine is going back in to the dealer tomorrow. I have the notchy jump at 2-5 degrees off center on both sides. I had the 48K8 done is Sept. Steering got softer but I dealt. Did the Vag-Com Change, didn't notice a ton of difference.

Now it has gotten cold and the notchyness is not just at highway speed but all the time. Took it in last week and they said 48K was fine and recoded something (pretty sure they un did my vag com change). Dealer made the mistake of calling the next day to ask how things were...... I took it back the next day and pointed out that it was not better so they agreed (after calling audi) to run a bunch of tests and set me up with a loaner so it seems they are taking this serious.

I made a separate thread a week or so ago about considering trading this car for a 2012/11. While still considering it I am about to cry as this car checks all of the right boxes except for this steering notchyness. but is living up to what every single person in my office warned me about in moving to audi. I miss my 2011 335xi every time I touch the steering wheel!

Calling myself out here.....turns out that the Blizzaks were a major source of the problem, when tested with summers, notchy went away. Looks like I'm just going to have to tough it out for the winter!

[SteveYem]

Calling myself out here.....turns out that the Blizzaks were a major source of the problem, when tested with summers, notchy went away. Looks like I'm just going to have to tough it out for the winter!

I mentioned this in another thread, but will put it here too: consider switching next season to a high-performance winter tire (not a dedicated snow tire) for better feel on cold, dry pavement. In those conditions I have been happy with my Dunlop Wintersport 3DS. On the other hand, they don't do incredible well in actual snow....at least not in the 255/35/19 size I am running. Possibly they would be better in a smaller tread width (higher load concentration for the tread) and in an 18" size (more sidewall for more flex before breaking free laterally).
I'm only judging from my experience with my 2012 comparing summer tires in warm weather to "performance winter" tires in cold weather, both tires being the same size.

[Moose201]

I mentioned this in another thread, but will put it here too: consider switching next season to a high-performance winter tire (not a dedicated snow tire) for better feel on cold, dry pavement. In those conditions I have been happy with my Dunlop Wintersport 3DS. On the other hand, they don't do incredible well in actual snow....at least not in the 255/35/19 size I am running. Possibly they would be better in a smaller tread width (higher load concentration for the tread) and in an 18" size (more sidewall for more flex before breaking free laterally).
I'm only judging from my experience with my 2012 comparing summer tires in warm weather to "performance winter" tires in cold weather, both tires being the same size.

I have that exact tire in 245/40/18 and it's been great in snow. Really deep snow, though, I drive the truck.

[SteveYem]

I have that exact tire in 245/40/18 and it's been great in snow. Really deep snow, though, I drive the truck.

Yeah I think the relative lack of flex in the 19" tire sidewall causes my car to get nose-heavy more than it should when turning on snow covered roads. Once it starts to let go my only real option is to give it some gas to try to bring the rear end around a bit. Very disconcerting, but I'm learning to just go much slower into a turn to give the tires a fighting chance.
/end thread hijack.

[drob23]

I have some Mich PA4's in 245/45/18 and I don't think they're particularly great in the snow - i.e. I can get all 4 wheels to spin at 10 mph going straight with only a little powda on the ground. If was doing it all over, probably would have gone with 225/50/18 or whatever the proper sidewall is for 225.

[aka5]

switched from my oem 18' to oem 19' and the notchyness is deff back, Not sure if the wheel change had an affect on it or not


had the software update done about 3 weeks ago, felt good for the first 3 weeks but starting to act up again, might just need to learn to deal with it and hope its not as bad in the warmner summer months lol