I'd like to get people's opinion on the timing belt / tensioner recall on 97-99 A4 1.8s. The recall letter states, basically, that Audi/VW won't pay for the replacement of a damaged belt UNTIL IT SNAPS. In other words
"we know the tensioner might be functionally defective, but we want to wait until you're in traction before we'll take any reponsibility". Have a nice day, and please buy another Audi from us" Is this legal? If a defect can potentially cause harm to the driver, doesn't federal law require an unconditional replacement?

 

The likelyhood of a snapped or jumped belt causing harm to the driver is pretty slim, the engine just dies.

I'd get in there and fit a new revised tensioner and belt yourself.