2021-2023 Audi A5/S5/RS5 Door Panel Noise TSB 2066883/1

Symptoms

Owners of certain 2021-2023 Audi A5, S5, and RS5 models may experience an Audi A5 door panel noise. Specifically, this noise is described as originating from the front door trim panel(s) when an arm is rested on the window sill. This condition can often be reproduced by workshop technicians during diagnosis.

Technical Background

The root cause of this Audi A5 door panel noise is attributed to relative movement between the door trim panel and the window sill. This movement occurs due to unfavorable manufacturing tolerances, leading to the audible noise reported by vehicle owners.

Important Warnings

During the repair procedure, it is crucial to adhere to specific guidelines to prevent damage or safety issues. Audi explicitly warns: "Do not apply anything to the crash element on the door trim panel or its retaining clamp on the door (Figure 2). This is strictly prohibited!" This crash element is vital for preventing premature detachment of the door trim panel during an intrusion and ensuring the side airbag can inflate properly without getting caught in a gap.

Repair Procedure Summary

To address the Audi A5 door panel noise, technicians will follow a specific procedure outlined in Technical Service Bulletin 70 22 74 2066883/1:

1. The affected front door trim panel(s) must be carefully removed. This step requires consulting the Elsa Repair Manual for precise instructions.
2. A 500 mm (approximately 19.7 inches) long piece of fleece adhesive tape, part number D 373 125 A2, is cut to size.
3. This piece of fleece tape is then applied along the entire length of the inner window slot seal, as illustrated in Figure 1 of the bulletin.
4. Finally, the door trim panel is reinstalled according to the Elsa Repair Manual. It is essential to position and press the door trim panel as far down as possible to ensure proper contact between the door trim panel attachment strip and the treated window slot seal.

Required Parts

The primary part required for this repair is:

• D 373 125 A2: Fleece adhesive tape (0.10 quantity per door).

Additional fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws may be needed as per the ETKA/ELSA Repair Manual.

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under Audi's warranty, subject to specific claim types and mileage/time limits. For vehicles within warranty, the claim type is typically 110 for issues up to 6 months or 6,000 miles, and 1AM for issues over 6 months or 6,000 miles.

The relevant service number for this procedure is 7059, with a damage code of 0020. Labor operations include removing and reinstalling door trim panels (7059 1900 for one, 7059 2000 for two) and modifying the trim panels (7059 4999 for one, 7059 5099 for two). Diagnostic time is generally not allowed. All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual, and claims are subject to audit by Audi Warranty. The claim comment should specify "As per TSB 2066883/1."

Owner Action

If you are experiencing an Audi A5 door panel noise as described, particularly when resting your arm on the window sill, it is recommended to contact your authorized Audi dealership. They can diagnose the issue and perform the necessary repair as outlined in Technical Service Bulletin 70 22 74 2066883/1.

Source: NHTSA ID: 10210576