NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
43 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 17, 2023
Electrical SystemService BrakesUnknown Or OtherCrash
on Sep 17 2023 my wife was driving her Audi Q7. which has 25,780 miles. She drove to a parking lot for a hiking trip, pressed on the brake and the car instead of stopping accelerated. She kept trying to press the brake, however the car did not stop until it hit a tree. The car has been towed to our house and it is not driveabl…
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on Sep 17 2023 my wife was driving her Audi Q7. which has 25,780 miles. She drove to a parking lot for a hiking trip, pressed on the brake and the car instead of stopping accelerated. She kept trying to press the brake, however the car did not stop until it hit a tree. The car has been towed to our house and it is not driveable. The car has not been inspected yet. I plan on calling the Audi dealer on Monday, Sep 18th. No lights appeared before the incident.
NHTSA ODI #11545027
Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes
While driving with my 4 year-old daughter a notification appeared on the driver display that there is an “Electrical Malfunction” and to call the service department. A few minutes later, while actively driving on the same busy road in my town, the vehicle completely turned off, including the power steering and ABS breaks. I was …
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While driving with my 4 year-old daughter a notification appeared on the driver display that there is an “Electrical Malfunction” and to call the service department. A few minutes later, while actively driving on the same busy road in my town, the vehicle completely turned off, including the power steering and ABS breaks. I was stuck in the middle of a busy intersection with no hazard lights and no ability to even shift the vehicle into neutral to move it. I was genuinely concerned for my safety and the safety of my daughter, as we were stranded in the middle of a busy intersection during rush hour. It was a harrowing experience to say the least. Eventually we had the vehicle towed. When I called Audi, they informed me that they suspected it was the “starter generator” and that they were aware of the issue, but this was the first I had heard of it. They subsequently confirmed that it was the starter generator and are less than accommodating.
NHTSA ODI #11544452
Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2023
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
Electric malfunction signal all sudden appears while driving and engine start malfunction.
NHTSA ODI #11517470
27,000 miles · Apr 3, 2023
Electrical System
The contact owns a 2021 Audi 7. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle electrical warning messages would suddenly display. One while the wife was driving approximately 20 MPH the vehicle suddenly shut off in the middle of the road. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the alternator was…
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The contact owns a 2021 Audi 7. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle electrical warning messages would suddenly display. One while the wife was driving approximately 20 MPH the vehicle suddenly shut off in the middle of the road. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the alternator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed by the service advisor that the failed alternator was a known issue and the manufacturer had extended the warranty for the alternator and the replacement alternator was on a ten-week delay due to the high demand for the part. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 27,000.
NHTSA ODI #11515205
Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2023
Electrical System
Electrical system malfunction causing the car to fail Steering Parking brake Vehicle lights Vehicle starting system Stabilization control
NHTSA ODI #11511573
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineSteering
Multiple warnings indicating to contact dealer (Lane departure, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, electric system malfunction, steering malfunction) then a few minutes later transmission failure and engine failure imminent.... attempted to move out of traffic. Luckily, I made it to the right lane before the steering…
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Multiple warnings indicating to contact dealer (Lane departure, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, electric system malfunction, steering malfunction) then a few minutes later transmission failure and engine failure imminent.... attempted to move out of traffic. Luckily, I made it to the right lane before the steering shut down, then the transmission failed (stepping on the gas caused the engine to rev, but no power was delivered to the wheels), and last the car completely died. Had to have it towed to dealership. Dealership confirmed that the starter/generator failed.
NHTSA ODI #11505004
Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2023
Electrical System
My 2021 is having an issue with the starter generator. Apparently this is a issue with many Audi's
NHTSA ODI #11504014
Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes
While driving the vehicle, error messages began appearing on the in-panel dashboard display. At first, a yellow/orange battery icon appeared with the message "Electrical system: malfunction! Please contact Service". Within an hour, the car experienced another electrical system malfunction (red battery icon appeared with the mess…
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While driving the vehicle, error messages began appearing on the in-panel dashboard display. At first, a yellow/orange battery icon appeared with the message "Electrical system: malfunction! Please contact Service". Within an hour, the car experienced another electrical system malfunction (red battery icon appeared with the message "Electrical system: malfunction! Safely stop vehicle") along with a host of other error messages (Brakes: malfunction, Steering: malfunction, Parking brake: malfunction, Vehicle lights: malfunction, Stabilization control (ESC/ABS): malfunction, Drive system: malfunction, Transmission: malfunction). The car was undrive-able at this point, coasted to a stop and could not be restarted while on an active roadway. The car had to be towed to the dealership, where it still remains today. * Components or systems malfunctioned: Electrical system, brakes, steering, parking brake, vehicle lights, stabilization control (ESC/ABS), drive system, transmission. It is available at the Audi dealership service location for inspection * My safety was put in significant danger due to the car shutting down on an active roadway with no control over the vehicle. * The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. * The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership service center but not by police or insurance representatives. * Many warning lamps and messages appeared within an hour of the car becoming inoperable.
NHTSA ODI #11503637
Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2023
Electrical System
At approximately 3:15pm CST on Friday, January 13, 2023, several electrical system warnings appeared, and the vehicle stopped in the middle of the street. We were able to restart the vehicle twice, but only able to drive it about 10 feet to move it out of the middle of the street. We then had the vehicle towed to the dealershi…
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At approximately 3:15pm CST on Friday, January 13, 2023, several electrical system warnings appeared, and the vehicle stopped in the middle of the street. We were able to restart the vehicle twice, but only able to drive it about 10 feet to move it out of the middle of the street. We then had the vehicle towed to the dealership for repairs. The dealer has told us that the electrical generator failed and needs to be replaced. It should be available for inspection, if needed. No other party, such as police or insurance, has inspected the vehicle. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk, because the vehicle died in the middle of the street with little warning and could only be moved a short distance from there. Pictures of some of the warnings are attached.
NHTSA ODI #11502439
Mileage unknown · Dec 31, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine
Electrical failure indicator lit up. I was on my way to the dealership service center. Within 10 minutes of driving, the car completely shutdown right at a busy intersection and before an active railroad crossing. Tow truck was called by the police as the car was not starting and therefore undriveable.
NHTSA ODI #11499634
Official recalls
9Dec 19, 2025
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.
Mar 31, 2025
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Consequence: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 SQ8, A6 SEDAN, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S6 SEDAN, S7, S8, A6 Allroad, and SQ7 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Consequence: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90VC.
Oct 5, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A8, RS7, RS6 Avant, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, Q8, Q7, Q5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, Q5, A7, A6, A6 Allroad, A5 Sportback, A5 Coupe, A5 Cabrioleet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, SQ7, S5 Cabriolet, E-Tron Quattro, SQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ5, S8, S7, S6 Sedan, S5 Sportback, S5 Coupe, 2022 E-Tron GT, and 2021-2022 RSQ8 vehicles. Due to a software issue, a blank or black screen may be displayed instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse gear. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A blank rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.
Jul 20, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi Q8, and 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. A component inside the fuel pump may break, causing the fuel pump to fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 20DR.
Jan 26, 2022
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Tires
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED Axle Assembly
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.
Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.
Aug 5, 2021
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seat Belts:rear/other:retractor
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Seat Belts
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Volkswagen ID4, Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, E-Tron Quattro, E-Tron Sportback Quattro, Q3, Q5, Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, SQ8, and 2021-2022 S3 Sedan vehicles. The rear seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69CR (VW) and 69CS (Audi).
Apr 26, 2021
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.
Feb 17, 2021
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. The air bag control module may deploy the second stage of the front passenger air bag too quickly after the first stage when the seat is occupied by an unbelted child. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: During a crash necessitating the deployment of the passenger air bag, the second stage may deploy too quickly when a child is in the front passenger seat, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2021. Owners can contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BV.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module:software
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. The air bag control module may deploy the second stage of the front passenger air bag too quickly after the first stage when the seat is occupied by an unbelted child. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: During a crash necessitating the deployment of the passenger air bag, the second stage may deploy too quickly when a child is in the front passenger seat, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2021. Owners can contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BV.
Air Bags:frontal
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Audi Q7 vehicles. The air bag control module may deploy the second stage of the front passenger air bag too quickly after the first stage when the seat is occupied by an unbelted child. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: During a crash necessitating the deployment of the passenger air bag, the second stage may deploy too quickly when a child is in the front passenger seat, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began March 5, 2021. Owners can contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BV.
Dec 2, 2020
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A6 Allroad, Q7, RS6 and RS7 vehicles. The electrical connector can detach from the door crash sensor in either of the front doors.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached connector can delay the activation of the restraint systems, including the side air bag, curtain air bag and/or seat-belt pretensioners during a side impact crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the crash sensors in both front doors, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BM.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:sensor:side Impact
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A6 Allroad, Q7, RS6 and RS7 vehicles. The electrical connector can detach from the door crash sensor in either of the front doors.
Consequence: A detached connector can delay the activation of the restraint systems, including the side air bag, curtain air bag and/or seat-belt pretensioners during a side impact crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the crash sensors in both front doors, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BM.
Electrical System
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi A6 Allroad, Q7, RS6 and RS7 vehicles. The electrical connector can detach from the door crash sensor in either of the front doors.
Consequence: A detached connector can delay the activation of the restraint systems, including the side air bag, curtain air bag and/or seat-belt pretensioners during a side impact crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the crash sensors in both front doors, free of charge. The recall began December 23, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 69BM.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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