2022-2026 Audi/VW Control Unit Return Notice SM 05-2026

Audi and Volkswagen have issued Special Notice SM 05-2026, a parts circular primarily aimed at dealership parts managers and inventory personnel. This notice outlines a mandatory return process for certain control units to ensure that only the most current and approved parts are available for service and repairs. While directed at dealers, this Audi VW control unit return notice indirectly benefits owners by ensuring that any replacement electrical system components installed in their vehicles are up to the latest manufacturer specifications.

Why This Notice Matters to Owners

Although this communication, SM 05-2026, is an internal directive for dealerships, it plays a crucial role in maintaining vehicle quality and safety. By requiring the return of older generation control units, Audi and Volkswagen are proactively managing their parts inventory. This practice helps prevent the installation of potentially outdated components in customer vehicles, ensuring that any necessary repairs or replacements utilize the most current and reliable parts available. This is particularly important for the electrical system, which is critical for various vehicle functions.

Affected Control Units and Generation Levels

This special notice specifically targets a range of control units identified by their material numbers. Dealers are instructed to return these units if they belong to a generation level prior to 0222. The manufacturer explicitly states, "Only parts from generation 0222 are good. Parts with prior generation levels must be returned." An example provided in the notice shows 0221 as a "NOT OK" generation level, indicating that only parts with 0222 or higher are acceptable.

The specific control unit part numbers subject to this Audi VW control unit return are:

• 3WA-959-392-A (Control Unit)
• 3WA-959-393-A
• 3WA-959-394-A
• 3WA-959-395-A
• 3WA-959-592-A
• 3WA-959-593-A
• 3WA-959-594-A
• 3WA-959-595-A

These parts are relevant for various 2022-2026 Audi and Volkswagen models, including the Audi A3, RS 3, Q3, and Volkswagen Tiguan and GTI.

Important Warnings for Dealers

The notice includes critical instructions and warnings for dealerships regarding the return process:

• Dealers must return their inventory of the listed material numbers to their facing Parts Distribution Center (PDC) no later than March 6, 2025.
• A strict policy is in place regarding late submissions: "Items returned after the above-mentioned date WILL NOT be accepted on any type of return/buyback."
• For re-ordering, dealers are advised to "Please re-order required new materials using the same part number," implying that updated versions of these parts will be supplied under the same part numbers but with the correct generation level.

Dealer Return Procedures

To ensure prompt credit and to improve the quality of parts reaching customers, dealers must follow specific claims procedures for the Audi VW control unit return:

1. File a separate "Claim with Return" by selecting "Dir Sup. Req. Return" under the item type. Dealer comments must include the Special Notice Number and Parts Circular number.
2. Review "Parts On Command" the following day for the Delivery List document. Any issues or delays should be communicated to the facing PDC.
3. Enter your 40000XXXXX delivery document number on a YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label.
4. Adhere the YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label to the package(s) containing the returned parts.
5. Include one copy of the Delivery Document with the returned part(s).

This structured process ensures that the inventory adjustment is handled efficiently and accurately.

Source: NHTSA ID 11029307