DEAR SUZANNE
By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 213 – From John B. of Lewiston, ME
Dear Suzanne,
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of owning a new car and taking it for a drive around town. Unfortunately, for me, that excitement has been overshadowed by constant issues. Three major failures—along with other problems—have left me wondering when the next breakdown will happen.
I had such high hopes for my 2024 Audi A5 Sportback. It was supposed to be a car that turned heads and made even my daily commute enjoyable. Well, I guess it delivered on that—just not in the way I expected. So here I am, writing this because my failing vehicle has pushed me to the edge.
If I had known what I was getting into, I would’ve just bought a bus pass.
The Start of My Dealership Visits
It all began last May during what should have been a routine drive. Out of nowhere, my dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, flashing eight different warning lights. Messages popped up, telling me to “See your dealership.” Just what I wanted to do with my day.
As I drove toward the Audi dealership, my car barely responded to the gas pedal. It crawled between 20 and 40 mph before finally giving up and refusing to start altogether. A tow truck had to drag it away like a stubborn child refusing to leave the playground.
When the dealership diagnosed the issue, their explanation was so bizarre you’d never guess it. They blamed a “brake lamp switch failure,” something about brake wiring getting stuck. I had my doubts—and it turns out, I was right.
Four Weeks Later, History Repeated Itself
About a month later, it happened again. I ran some errands, came back to start the car, and—bam—nine warning lights lit up this time.
Despite the warnings, the car seemed to drive okay, though the brakes felt off. Stuck far from home and needing to use the highway, I had no choice but to keep going. The moment I pulled into my driveway, the car refused to start. It was like watching a rerun of the previous month’s disaster—only worse.
Back at the dealership, they now suspected a fuel pump issue. I had to leave my car with them for a couple of weeks so they could “properly” inspect and fix it.
Three weeks later, I got my Audi back. I thought the nightmare was over.
Mysterious Spark Plug Issues
Just when I started to relax, another issue popped up—this time with the spark plugs. First, the check engine light and traction control light came on. The dealership told me it was a simple spark plug problem.
What should have been an easy fix turned into something much worse. Three of the four spark plugs came out fine, but the last one was stuck. No amount of tugging could remove it. At first, the dealer acted like it wasn’t a big deal. But soon, my car started running rough, proving the stuck spark plug was a real problem.
Acceleration became sluggish, and my car jerked violently at red lights. I found myself constantly watching the RPMs just to keep the engine from stalling. But the worst part? No matter how hard I pressed the gas pedal, my car refused to go over 55 mph. Imagine merging onto the highway, flooring the gas, and still moving like you’re in slow motion. That was my reality.
Idling Problems Begin
As if that wasn’t enough, my car developed idling issues. Every time I stopped at a red light, the whole car shook like a washing machine stuck on a spin cycle. I noticed this happened whenever the air conditioning was on. Apparently, even a simple fan was too much for my Audi to handle.
I kept taking it to the dealership, hoping for a real solution. Each time, I got the same response: “We can’t pinpoint the issue, so you’ll have to keep driving it or leave it with us.” Neither option sounded promising.
Then, Transmission Issues
Two weeks ago, I discovered yet another problem. I put the car in reverse, but nothing happened—except for a loud crunching sound, then silence. It still moved forward, but it seemed like the reverse gear had just given up.
With all these problems piling up, I decided I’d had enough. I left the car at the repair shop instead of risking more failures on the road.
The downside? Being stranded. My retired mom was kind enough to let me borrow her car while I waited for mine to be fixed. If I didn’t have that option, I’d be spending $100 a day on Uber or five hours on public transit just to get to work. Neither was practical, and skipping work wasn’t an option.
Where Do I Go From Here?
It’s been two weeks since I left my car at the dealership, and I have no idea when—or if—I’ll get it back. How do people deal with situations like this? Do they just wait around and hope for the best? Or is there a way to take action?
Are there any compensation options for all the trouble I’ve been through? At this point, I just need answers.
John B. of Lewiston, ME
Your 2024 Audi A5 Sportback Shouldn’t Be a Permanent Repair Project
Dear John,
I can absolutely understand how frustrating and exhausting this entire experience has been for you. No one expects to buy a new car only to spend more time at the dealership than actually driving it.
However, the good thing is that you don’t have to fold your arms while waiting for a miracle. Since your vehicle has serious issues, you might have strong grounds for a Lemon Law claim under Maine’s consumer protection laws. Let’s go over your options.
Does My Situation Qualify Under Maine’s Lemon Law?
Maine’s Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers who unknowingly purchase defective vehicles. To qualify, your car must meet specific criteria. Since your 2024 Audi A5 Sportback has had multiple major issues—including repeated warning lights, acceleration problems, a failing transmission, and persistent stalling—it may very well meet the legal definition of a “lemon.”
Generally, for a vehicle to qualify under Maine’s Lemon Law, it must:
- Have a substantial defect that impairs its use, safety, or value.
- Have undergone at least three unsuccessful repair attempts for the same defect (or one attempt for a serious safety defect).
- Have been out of service for 15 or more business days due to repairs.
Based on what you’ve described, your Audi has spent significant time in the shop, and the dealership still hasn’t fixed the underlying issues. That’s exactly the type of scenario Maine’s Lemon Law is meant to address.
What Steps Should I Take to File a Lemon Law Claim?
If you believe your car qualifies, here’s what you should do next:
- Gather Documentation – Keep a record of every repair visit, invoice, and communication with the dealership. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.
- Provide Final Repair Notice – Maine law requires that you give the manufacturer a final opportunity to fix the issue. This involves sending a formal written notice to Audi, outlining the ongoing problems and giving them a chance to make things right.
- File a Complaint with the Maine Attorney General’s Office – If the issue remains unresolved, you can submit a complaint through Maine’s Lemon Law Arbitration Program, which is a consumer-friendly process designed to help car owners like you.
What Compensation Can I Get?
If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to either:
- A replacement vehicle of comparable value.
- A full refund, including your down payment, loan payments, and other associated costs.
Considering the extent of your car’s problems, a refund might be the best option to ensure you’re not stuck in an endless cycle of repairs.
Should I Consult a Lemon Law Attorney?
While Maine has a straightforward arbitration process, car manufacturers often have legal teams that will try to push back on claims. Consulting with a knowledgeable Lemon Law attorney can make a huge difference. They can help you navigate the process, ensure you meet all the legal requirements, and increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. Many attorneys offer free consultations, so it’s worth speaking to someone who specializes in these cases.
John, you don’t have to just give up and accept this situation. Maine’s Lemon Law exists to protect consumers like you from having to deal with a defective vehicle. You’ve been very patient, but now it’s time to take action.
Suzanne
Talk to a 2024 Audi A5 Sportback Lemon Law Attorney Today!
Dear reader, are your vehicle problems ruining your life? Confused about what legal route to take? We’re here to help! Find information about Texas’ lemon law protections here, fill out the form on this page, or give us a call at (833) 743-1990 to discuss your situation with someone who understands how frustrating it can be to have a lemon car, and what to do about it.
DEAR SUZANNE is a weekly column written by Suzanne Henderson and published in LemonLawyers.ORG. If you have a defective lemon vehicle and have questions about Maine Lemon Lawyer or how to file a claim, please write to [email protected]. While not guaranteed, we will try to feature your letter in this column to provide you the answers you need, as well as enlighten other consumers who may have lemon problems similar to yours.
Disclaimer: Suzanne Henderson is not a lawyer and the points discussed here are intended for general information and reference purposes only and not to be construed as legal advice. Please consult a Maine Lemon Law Attorney to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.
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Featured Images:
- 2024 Audi A5 ©Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
