Has the odor issue in the 2020 Audi A4L been resolved?

[JuliannaAnn]

2020 Audi A4L odor can be addressed through the following solutions: 1. Use absorbent charcoal in the car: Charcoal not only absorbs airborne impurities but also purifies air quality. There are professional car-specific absorbent charcoals available on the market. Simply place them in the corners of the car. This is more effective than traditional air fresheners. 2. Ventilate frequently and utilize sunlight when necessary: Often, odors result from prolonged enclosure. Open windows to let fresh air circulate whenever possible, or expose interior items to sunlight. Sunlight serves as a natural and free sterilizing agent. 3. Use fruit peels like pomelo or orange to eliminate odors: Develop a habit of storing fruit peels indoors after consumption. Fruit peels act as natural deodorizers, releasing pleasant acidic fragrances. Place them both in the front and rear of the car, replacing every 3-5 days.

[IkerRose]

When I first got my 2020 A4L, there was indeed some new car smell, but it wasn't as pungent as older Audi models. I specifically checked - this generation uses eco-friendly adhesives and low-VOC materials. After airing it out in the sun for two weeks, the odor was basically gone. However, some owners reported the soundproofing layer under the carpet might emit odors in humid weather. They recommended installing moisture-proof mats. If this happens, you can get the soundproofing cotton replaced for free at the dealership - they've become quite experienced handling such issues now.

[VanDante]

My buddy bought the same car last year, and his wife complained about the strong smell when they first got it. He immediately bought a car air purifier and even removed the seats to sun the carpets. He says now when he turns on the AC, there's no weird smell at all. Ironically, the floor mats given by the 4S store are of poor quality and have a plastic odor. He suggests not installing the cheap accessories from the 4S store right after picking up the car—the original interior actually meets standards, and third-party accessories are the real new source of pollution.

[Melody]

As a professional driver who frequently takes long-distance trips, I've driven three different batches of the 2020 A4L. The earliest batch had an issue with the air conditioning filter emitting a sour smell, but it was later recalled and replaced with dual activated carbon filters, which improved the situation significantly. The newer models now rarely have this problem. However, during the rainy season, it's important to clean the air conditioning evaporator box promptly to prevent musty odors, which can be worse than material smells. Before parking the car for an extended period, it's best to run the external air circulation for about ten minutes to effectively prevent mold.

[ZoeRose]

Last week, I helped my daughter inspect the used A4L she bought and found that the previous owner smoked, causing the roof lining to turn yellow with a smoky odor. It took two treatments with an ozone disinfectant machine to eliminate the smell. Such acquired pollution is harder to deal with than the original material odor. New cars actually pass the test; it mainly depends on how the previous owner used the car. When buying a used car, pay special attention to the smell of the seat belts and roof lining—these areas absorb odors the most and can reflect the real condition better than formaldehyde tests.

[McJayla]

I've studied Audi's VOC report, and the 2020 model reduced benzene series by 80% compared to the 2016 model. However, after being exposed to the sun in parking lots during summer, leather seats may briefly release trace amounts of aldehydes, which is normal. It's recommended that car owners develop four habits: remotely start the car and open windows in advance; avoid storing chemicals like engine oil in the trunk; change the air filter monthly; and clean leather with neutral detergents. Following this method, even the new car smell disappeared in my car after six months.