Audi Q4 eTron Sensor Issue - Who is at fault?

jeet_junior

I bought a Q4 ETron from Audi Brighton on PCP and car did not have front sensor. Dealership retrofitted it for me before purchase. All was well for 1.5 yr till a software error came in car and I had to take it to my nearest dealership (Reading Audi). Car is still in warranty so Reading Audi started a series of software updates to rectify. Reading Audi says the software updates fail because software detects a front sensor retrofit and it’s not Audi approved / was not part of standard car. They say the control unit of the original car (with no front sensor) has been replaced by another car’s CU (which had both sensors in it).

After multiple exchanges between Brighton and Reading dealership (including the 3rd party retrofitting company who was used by Brighton), the issues were resolved but Readin Audi did put a note saying the sensor is not approved hence if any error happens again they will have to put it back to factory setting - meaning I will lose the front sensor.

So I now have a car under PCP but I am not comfortable with the thought that future errors might result me losing money on the sensor. Brighton Audi says bring car to us if some issue occurs but it’s a 90 mile drive for me so practically impossible. Reading Audi says they will do factory setting.

SO question - who is to be blamed and what are my options? I asked Brighton Audi for a car change but I am being offered another car where I need to get into a new PCP and pay settlement amount minus the purchase difference etc — net net as if I am doing a part exchange.

I think this is not fair as this situation is their making and not my fault.

Any quidance?

born_again

After 1/5 years they will not change car. At least not with out a cost from you.

Was this a 2nd hand car?

jeet_junior

Yes it was an approved used Audi… 1 March 2022 first registered and I bought in May 2023 on a 4 yr PCP

jeet_junior

What I am more perplexed is how can two different Audi dealerships offer two different solutions to same issue. Is there no way to escalate this.

martinbainbridge1975

talk to Audi UK customer services, if the finance is through Audi finance raise it with them also.

if the car was Audi used approved it should be covered regardless of which dealer, i have front parking sensors on my audi i don't trust them in all honesty

Nasqueron

If you had the sensor for 2+ years that's a reasonable use - how much did you pay for it? Why not ask the first garage who fitted it to service it rather than the second even if it is a long trip?