Buzz
Audi owners should be aware that even a minor spill could lead to their car losing power, according to a recent report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Audi has issued a recall impacting over 50,000 vehicles, with 46 reports in the U.S. of sedans and wagons experiencing power loss. Thankfully, no official injuries or accidents have been reported by Audi.
What’s behind the Audi recall?
Audi explains that a liquid spill in the back seat area could trigger a malfunction in the gateway control module, causing a sudden reduction in engine power and raising the risk of a crash. The NHTSA report indicates that the module, positioned under the rear middle seat, was produced without a protective cover. If liquid reaches this area, it could cause a short circuit, turning off the gateway and placing the vehicle in limp-home mode. In this state, the car will alert the driver with multiple warning messages, maintaining steerability and braking, but reducing engine power.
This isn’t the first time Audi has faced this issue. In 2021, over 280,000 Audi Q5 SUVs were recalled due to the risk of the engine entering emergency mode with reduced power when liquids were spilled in the rear seat, the vehicle encountered heavy rain, or drove through deep water, according to Consumer Reports.
Which Audi models are part of the recall?
Audi A6 2019-2022
Audi A7 2019-2022
Audi A6 Allroad 2020–2022
Audi S6 2020–2022
Audi S7 2020–2022
Audi RS6 2021–2022
Audi RS7 2021–2022
What steps should you take if your Audi is part of the recall?
Audi will reach out to owners by January 20, 2023, to schedule the installation of a protective cover for the gateway control module, free of charge. If your Audi was purchased after April 4, 2022, it should already have this protective cover installed. Owners can check the NHTSA recalls site for further updates. The recall numbers are 90V2 from Audi and 22V-861 from the NHTSA.
