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

Continental Tire the Americas, LLC (CTA) has announced a voluntary safety recall, identified by Audi's internal code 44CT, for specific passenger tires. This recall affects various 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, and S5 models equipped with Continental ProContact GX AO tires. This document details the Audi A5 Continental Tire Recall, outlining the safety risks, affected products, and the necessary steps for owners.

Why This Matters: Safety Risk

The design of the affected tires allows for excessive flexing in the tread shoulder, which can lead to heat buildup. This condition may cause the tires to develop a belt edge separation. Continued use of these tires could result in a partial or full tread/belt loss.

Such a failure significantly increases the risk of a crash, potentially leading to serious injury or death. Owners might also notice localized tread wear in the tread shoulders, excessive vibrations, and unusual noise from the tires.

What's Being Recalled

This recall specifically involves Continental ProContact GX AO tires. The affected tires have a size of 255/35 R19 96H XL and an Article Number of 1557369. The critical identifier for these tires is the DOT Number CP32 WMC9, manufactured during DOT Weeks 1921 through 3224.

These tires were sold as original equipment on new vehicles, as replacement tires, or were part of dealer inventories. The recall ensures that all tires meeting these specifications will be replaced.

How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected

Continental will directly notify end consumers and car owners identified as having affected tires. Owners will be directed to contact their tire dealer or car dealer to schedule an appointment for inspection and replacement. For dealers, verification involves checking the "Campaigns/Actions screen in Elsa" to confirm VIN eligibility. The campaign status for your VIN "must show 'open.'"

Owners can also visually inspect their tires for the DOT serial number on the sidewall. The last four digits of the DOT number indicate the week and year of manufacture. If your tires match the specified DOT number and manufacturing weeks, they are subject to this recall.

Manufacturer's Remedy

All tires subject to this recall will be replaced free of charge. The process for ordering replacement tires, returning defective ones, and reimbursement for mounting and balancing will be handled directly through the dealer's tire vendor, distributor, or a representative of the tire manufacturer.

Important Warnings for Owners and Dealers

Owners and dealers should be aware of several critical advisories related to this recall:

• New Vehicles in Dealer Inventory: It is a violation of federal law for a dealer to deliver any new motor vehicle or new or used item of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by this notification until the defect or noncompliance is remedied. Dealers must correct any non-compliant vehicle prior to delivery for sale or lease.
• Pre-Owned Vehicles in Dealer Inventory: Dealers should not deliver any pre-owned vehicles involved in a safety or compliance recall until the defect has been remedied.
• Dealers "must ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before delivery to consumers."
• For dealers processing claims, specific instructions state: "DO NOT ENTER TIRES ON CLAIM." Reimbursement for tires, mounting, balancing, and handling will be managed by the tire vendor.
• Dealers are also advised: "Do not claim wash/loaner under this action."

Recall Procedure Summary

For technicians, the recall procedure involves several key steps to ensure proper resolution:

1. VIN Verification: Technicians must enter the VIN into Elsa and navigate to the "Campaign/Action" screen to confirm eligibility. The status for the campaign 44CT must be "open."
2. Tire Inspection: All four tires on the vehicle must be inspected. If the vehicle uses seasonal tires (e.g., snow tires), those sets should also be inspected.
3. DOT Number Identification: The DOT number on the tire sidewall must be visible. If not, the vehicle may need to be lifted for inspection. Affected tires are identified by the specific DOT number (CP32 WMC9) and manufacturing weeks (1921-3224).
4. Tire Replacement: Affected tires are to be replaced and balanced using appropriate tire changing equipment.
5. Inflation and Torque: Tires must be inflated according to the "Tire and Loading Information" label located on the B-pillar. Wheel bolts must be torqued to 120 Nm.
6. Documentation: Upon completion, the technician should stamp the repair order to certify that the campaign has been performed in accordance with Audi's repair procedures.

If you own a 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, or S5, understanding this Audi A5 Continental Tire Recall is crucial for your safety. Contact your dealer or Continental Tire directly for further assistance.

Contact Information

For additional information regarding this recall, you can contact Continental Tire at 1-888-799-2168. More details are also available on the NHTSA website under campaign number 24T-009 or at https://tinyurl.com/continentaltire.

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Source: NHTSA ID 24T-009