Yesterday, I brought my 2023 Q5 to Audi Pacific Service - Calbear92
Yesterday, I brought my 2023 Q5 to Audi Pacific Service since the power telescopic tilt button on the Q5 was not in its proper position- slightly depressed in and angled down so one could not lower the steering wheel. I only chose to go to Pacific since it was the closest dealer in the rain and they said getting a loaner “hasn’t been a problem.”
[Background, car was at Audi Long Beach the day before for oil change, but I forgot about the steering column button issue].
Upon arrival to Pacific in Torrance, I was greeted and met Service Advisor, Jonathan. He seemed nice enough. Once I told him of the main issue- he went to physically inspect it and got the shop foreman to look at it to see if it was something easy to fix. [and another on-going MMI and Bluetooth issue that’s known across most Audi platforms.]
He came back and said that it looks like “outside influence” and that’s not under warranty. It would cost $310. “If it was something easy to unbolt a screw, I would just do it for you, but you have to drop the entire steering column.” I declined. He also said that if your car was just at another dealer- you should go back to the selling dealer (not possible since in San Diego) or the most recent service dealer since you have a relationship with them on THIS car.
This button is on the lower left side of the steering column and slightly recessed. One of the clips on the inside was not holding it in proper position, but the inuendo that “we” broke this is absurd. There’s no physical damage.
This is the 1st time (and likely last) that this car has been brought to them- I had a terrible experience with a previous service writer several years ago on my eTron SUV where I asked for my keys back and would not return while he was still working there.
I will appreciate Jonathan's frankness. He said that I should take the Q5 back to Long Beach or BH since I have had the car serviced there before and since I have an established relationship with them on THAT car- they had more leeway to offer “goodwill” and cover that issue.
I was shocked that when he told me that the button was now inside the steering column since the foreman pushed it in while trying to assess. When I actually got into the vehicle- there was now an open hole in the lower steering column and a loose button.
Since this was caused by the foreman and it was returned this way- this is not returning the vehicle in the same condition as it was brought it. Not taking responsibility since I declined their $310 charge. Not acceptable.
What’s more outrageous- I took Jonathan’s advice and went back to my regular service advisor at Long Beach today. (Charles is awesome!). He not only greeted me when I pulled up- he already saw my note- personally took the vehicle straight into the service. In 15 minutes, the car was ready. Not even paperwork needed since it was a single Torx screw to remove the lower steering column plastic panel and put the power control button back into proper place.
I even got a snack in their new comfortable, location.
Moral: stick with Audi Long Beach for your Audi service needs.
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