2021 Audi A4/A5 Seat Belt Inventory Return Notice SM 59-2021

What This Notice Is About

Audi has issued Special Notice SM 59-2021, identified as a "Parts Circular," to its dealership network. This notice, dated July 27, 2021, is a critical directive concerning inventory management for specific seat belt assemblies. Its primary purpose is to ensure that only approved and compliant parts are available for installation in vehicles, thereby enhancing customer safety and satisfaction. Dealers were explicitly instructed to return their inventory of these particular seat belts to their Parts Distribution Center (PDC) by a strict deadline of August 13, 2021.

This directive is relevant for owners of the 2021 Audi A4 and 2021 Audi A5 models. The core concern addressed by this notice revolves around the 2021 Audi A5 seat belt return.

Affected Part and Serial Numbers

The specific component targeted by Special Notice SM 59-2021 is the seat belt assembly, identified by the part number 8W0-857-706-P -V04. This notice is highly precise, requiring dealers to return only those seat belts that not only match this part number but also bear a specific range of affected serial numbers. These serial numbers are typically located directly on the seat belt mechanism or webbing, as indicated by the "Serial Number Location" image provided in the original notice.

The document lists numerous affected serial numbers, such as "210 AL1AV12HI2P", "210 AL1AV12HI3Q", "210 AL1AV12HI1O", "210 AL1AV12HI4R", and many others. This meticulous identification ensures that only potentially non-compliant parts are removed from circulation. The 2021 Audi A5 seat belt return process relies heavily on accurate serial number identification.

Important Dealer Instructions for Returns

Special Notice SM 59-2021 provided detailed instructions for Audi dealerships to follow for the proper return of the affected seat belt inventory. These steps were designed to streamline the process, ensure proper credit for the dealerships, and maintain accurate inventory records. The procedure included:

• Claim Filing: Dealers were required to file a distinct "Claim with Return," selecting "Dlr Sup. Req. Return" as the item type. This claim needed to include specific dealer comments referencing the Special Notice Number (SM 59-2021) and the Parts Circular number.
• Delivery List Verification: The day following the claim submission, dealers were instructed to review their "Parts On Command" system for the corresponding Delivery List document. Any discrepancies or delays required immediate contact with their facing Parts Distribution Center (PDC).
• Labeling: A unique 40000XXXXX delivery document number needed to be entered onto a YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label.
• Packaging: This YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label was to be securely adhered to the package(s) containing the returned seat belt parts.
• Documentation: A copy of the Delivery Document was required to be included within the package containing the returned part(s).

These rigorous steps highlight the importance Audi places on managing parts inventory effectively and ensuring that only quality components are used in their vehicles.

What Owners Should Know

While Special Notice SM 59-2021 is primarily an internal communication for Audi dealerships, it reflects the manufacturer's proactive approach to quality control. For owners of 2021 Audi A4 and A5 vehicles, this notice signifies that Audi is actively managing its parts supply chain to prevent the installation of potentially non-compliant components. There is no direct action required by owners based on this specific notice, as it addresses parts in dealer inventory.

However, it's always prudent for vehicle owners to be aware of such communications. If you have any concerns regarding the seat belts in your 2021 Audi A4 or A5, or if you believe your vehicle might have had a seat belt replaced recently, it is advisable to contact your authorized Audi dealership. They can provide the most accurate information regarding your specific vehicle and any relevant service actions. This proactive management of the 2021 Audi A5 seat belt return helps safeguard vehicle integrity.

Important Warnings from the Notice

The notice included two critical warnings for dealerships:

• "Items returned after the above-mentioned date WILL NOT be accepted on any type of return/buyback." This emphasizes the strict adherence required for the return deadline.
• "Please re-order required new materials using the same part number." This instruction ensures that replacement parts are correctly identified and ordered, preventing further issues with part compatibility or quality.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10199493