2022-2025 Audi A5/S4/S5 Continental Tire Recall 44CT

Continental Tire the Americas, LLC (CTA) has announced a voluntary safety recall, identified by code 44CT, affecting certain Continental ProContact GX AO tires. This recall impacts 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, and S5 models equipped with these specific tires. The issue stems from a non-compliance condition in the tire design, which can pose a significant safety risk to vehicle occupants.

Why This Matters: Safety Risk

The affected Continental ProContact GX AO tires have a design flaw that causes higher flexing in the tread shoulder. This increased flexing can lead to heat buildup within the tire structure. Over time, this heat buildup can result in a belt edge separation.

If a belt edge separation occurs, the tire could experience a partial or full tread/belt loss. Such an event significantly increases the risk of a crash, serious injury, or even death. Owners might also observe symptoms like "localized tread wear" in the tread shoulders, along with "excessive vibrations and noise" while driving.

What's Being Recalled

This recall, 44CT, specifically targets Continental ProContact GX AO tires. These tires are identified by:

• Product Line: Continental ProContact GX AO
• Size: 255/35 R19 96H XL
• Article Number: 1557369
• DOT Number: CP32 WMC9
• DOT Weeks: 1921 - 3224 (last four digits of the DOT Number)

The tires were sold as original equipment, replacement tires, or are currently in dealer inventories. A total of 29,531 vehicles in the U.S. are affected across various Audi models and body styles.

Symptoms Owners Might Notice

Owners of affected 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, or S5 vehicles with the specified Continental ProContact GX AO tires may experience certain indicators of the defect. These include "localized tread wear" on the tire shoulders. Additionally, drivers might notice "excessive vibrations and noise" emanating from the tires.

These symptoms suggest the tire's integrity may be compromised and should be addressed promptly.

Important Warnings for Owners and Dealers

Continental will begin notifying affected end consumers and car owners. Owners will be directed to contact their tire dealer or car dealer to schedule an appointment for inspection and replacement. All tires subject to this recall will be replaced free of charge.

For Dealers:

• It is a violation of federal law to deliver any new or used vehicle or motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by this notification until the defect is remedied. Dealers must correct any non-compliance prior to delivery for sale or lease.
• Dealers must ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before delivery to consumers.
• Do not enter tire costs on the claim; reimbursement for tires, mounting, balancing, and handling will be managed by the dealer's tire vendor, distributor, or the Tire Manufacturer's Representative.
• Do not claim vehicle wash/loaner services under this action.
• Damages resulting from improper repair or failure to follow work instructions are the dealer's responsibility and are not eligible for reimbursement.
• Diagnosis and repair of pre-existing conditions in the vehicle are not covered under this action.

How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected

To determine if your 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, or S5 is part of the Audi A5 Continental tire recall, you should:

1. Contact your authorized Audi dealer: Provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to the dealer. They can check the Campaigns/Actions screen in Elsa, which is the official source for verifying if your VIN qualifies for repair under recall 44CT.
2. Inspect your tires: Check the DOT number on your Continental ProContact GX AO tires. The last four digits of the DOT number indicate the week and year of manufacture. Tires with DOT weeks between 1921 and 3224 (meaning week 19 of 2021 to week 32 of 2024) are affected.

Manufacturer's Remedy

For all affected vehicles, the remedy involves the inspection and, if necessary, free replacement of the defective Continental ProContact GX AO tires. This includes:

• Inspection: All four tires on the vehicle, and any associated tire sets (e.g., snow tires), must be inspected.
• Replacement: If tires are found to be within the affected DOT number range, they will be replaced.
• Balancing and Inflation: Replaced tires will be balanced and inflated according to the vehicle's