Even some valet parking garages have posted signs that they will not accept the Audi 5000 with automatic transmissions. Audi is so convinced that the problem is driver error that they have issued a recall notice to install a safety switch so that the driver could not change the gear unless pressure was on the brake. Three accidents have occurred similiar to the stated alleged problem that had the brake safety switch installed. Audi said that 2 of the cars had the switch improperly installed, and the third was unexplained. This whole incident is reminiscent of the Ford Pinto fiasco.
Corporate responsibility appears very low.
Excerpts from the others follow, with moderator's effort to minimize duplication and achieve accuracy. Audi denies that anything is wrong. Two Audi representatives appeared on camera to assert that they could find nothing wrong with the car. They even claimed that the motorists are stepping on the wrong pedal. The cars have accelerated with enough force to punch through walls.