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Audi Q2 - Audi Q2 clutch failure & left on suspension blocks - Eliza Edmunds

Hello everyone,

New to this but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

We purchased our new Q2 in November 2020 and its our first experience with an Audi and also new cars on finance.

To date the car has done just over 10,000 miles, we do not use it for commuting or motorway driving, just use it mainly errands or social visits at weekends etc.

Unfortunately after a few weeks of a gluey feeling with gear changes and also a weird burning smell, the clutch completely failed last week and the car was towed to our nearest Audi dealership for diagnostics. Yesterday we received a call that the mechanics had investigated and a new clutch flywheel etc is all required at just over £2600. On top of this they discovered the suspension blocks had been left on the front car causing potential engine damage and have quoted a further £1100 to fix it. The car has not been in for any work during the 14 months we have owned it apart from 1 annual service which was the standard service at a local audi approved garage. Nothing was reported in terms of the clutch or the suspension however since speaking with the garage (audi approved) they didn't do anything to the car that required them to use suspension blocks or check this part of the vehicle? The main audi dealership who have the car and have quoted all of the above were quite aggressive and accusing about the suspension blocks, which at the time I did not realise was a common thing to be left on new vehicles. They are blaming the audi approved garage that carried out our service and saying its not upto audi to pay the £1100 to fix this.

So we are facing nearly £4000 in repairs for a 14 month old car, which we have been driving around with the suspension blocks on and a clutch gone and not under warranty due to drivers fault? I just wondered if anyone is able to assist with this as the suspension blocks is nothing to do with us and the car was sold to us like this. Being our first new car and new to audi we did always think the car was incredibly sensitive driving over bumps or potholes but had no experience to compare this to. To be honest the audi service has been really quite shocking and accusatory, very unsympathetic and I wanted some advice on how to proceed as I am reluctant to pay out that much money for a car which shouldn't have caused us so mqny issues with so little mileage/age?

I have already emailed the original Audi dealership where we purchased the car who have said they are looking into this for me but I don't hold much hope.

Many thanks in advance.

Audi Q2 - Audi Q2 clutch failure & left on suspension blocks - sammy1

The original Audi dealership are certainly liable for leaving your car with the suspension blocks still in place. Your independent Audi service was probably just an oil change so they would not be looking for suspension problems unless you mentioned it.

As regards the clutch and flywheel then your best redress is to ask the original Audi dealer to refer your case to Audi UK or if you are not happy to do this get in touch your self. It seems that you have had very poor service all round by AUDI The car not riding properly may or may not have had some bearing on your use of the clutch

What engine is in your car?

Audi Q2 - Audi Q2 clutch failure & left on suspension blocks - Eliza Edmunds

Thank you, its only a 1L engine.

Regarding the clutch I have no issue paying for the replacement but am just surprised this is the case after such little regular usage and it being a new car, non commuting miles etc. At this point I think I would prefer it not being carried out at the current Audi garage and going elsewhere however they were so accusatory on the phone about having a service at a independent garage (despite it being Audi approved and Audi specialists) that feel a little pressured to get it done with them. The quote is also extortionate compared to independent Audi garages I have compared with.

Audi Q2 - Audi Q2 clutch failure & left on suspension blocks - elekie&a/c doctor
The “transit “ blocks are there to prevent excess movement with the suspension when the car is on the transporter . These should have been removed by the supplying dealer prior to you taking delivery of the vehicle. I fail to see how they have done £1100 worth of damage to the engine. They are usually made of polystyrene, like packaging material . Seems that the dealer is being totally negative. If Audi are not being co-operative with the clutch, I would take your business elsewhere.
Audi Q2 - Audi Q2 clutch failure & left on suspension blocks - Andy 1955

Hello All, first log in for years.

From past involvement in the industry, VW Group PDI used to be done at the import site near Sc***horpe which included removing the suspension blocks. there were recorded instances of them being missed then. Makes you wonder what the dealer does for PDI apart from a quick squirt with a hose. As for damage to the engine how? , only suspension possibly if at all. Seems that the dealership are treating you with total contempt and arrogance.

Audi Q2 - Audi Q2 clutch failure & left on suspension blocks - Eliza Edmunds

Thank you for your help, out of interest do you happen to know if this would be why I have already been through 2 tyres in the last year? Both front tyres driving side and passengers side have had to be changed since ownership due to quite extreme punctures out of nowhere.

Audi Q2 - Audi Q2 clutch failure & left on suspension blocks - John F

Thank you, its only a 1L engine.

Regarding the clutch I have no issue paying for the replacement

I think you are being amazingly compliant. Looks as though you were putting up with symptoms of an unsatisfactory car for many months and miles before it failed. See my other post.

Audi Q2 - Audi Q2 clutch failure & left on suspension blocks - Eliza Edmunds

That was written on the basis of being informed it was my driving that had caused the damage! Obviously I will push back against this, and have registered my complaint with Audi UK and am also awaiting to hear back from the dealership manager where I purchased the car last year.

Audi Q2 - Audi Q2 clutch failure & left on suspension blocks - Big John

www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/493951-help-69-plate.../

Audi Q2 - Audi Q2 clutch failure & left on suspension blocks - John F

Clutch failure after only 10,000 miles of presumably normal driving is unacceptable. There must have been some assembly fault. Also, I can't understand how the presence of suspension blocks would affect the longevity of the powertrain, apart from stressing the engine mountings unduly.

It looks like you are not the only one although Audi might try to persuade you otherwise - (c.f. Post Office subpostmaster scandal)

www.q2forums.co.uk/threads/q2-clutch-failure.638/

PS I would be really nice to the unskilled minions at your first port of call - emphasize the problem is not their fault but lies much further up the line.

Edited by John F on 14/02/2022 at 09:19

Audi Q2 - Audi Q2 clutch failure & left on suspension blocks - daveyjp

I still remember a colleague having a new Audi 80 (30 years ago). He cherished his cars, did oil changes himself etc etc. When doing his own PDI he found suspension blocks still in place, so that is nothing new.

As for the clutch it is quite possible to mangle a clutch in 10,000 miles, especially if the car is doing mostly urban stop start trips. I followed a car last week and was behind it for three hills starts, at every one I could smell clutch burn.

However the way Audi is dealing with you is why my 2007 A3 was the last I will ever own, Both Audi and Merc are very good at treating buyers with contempt.

Audi Q2 - Audi Q2 clutch failure & left on suspension blocks - Eliza Edmunds

Thank you very much for sharing this it is a very helpful read and will follow suit with similar action if nothing is offered from Audi.