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

Why This Matters: Safety Risk

Continental Tire the Americas, LLC (CTA) has initiated a voluntary safety recall, identified by code 44CT, for specific passenger tires. The design of these tires can lead to higher flexing in the tread shoulder, which causes excessive heat buildup. This condition may result in a belt edge separation, potentially leading to partial or full tread/belt loss. Such a failure significantly increases the risk of a crash, serious injury, or even death.

Owners of affected vehicles may also notice symptoms like localized tread wear on the shoulders, along with excessive vibrations and noise from the tires. Addressing this issue promptly is crucial for vehicle safety.

What's Being Recalled

This recall, designated as 44CT, involves specific Continental ProContact GX AO tires. The affected tires are sized 255/35 R19 96H XL with Article Number 1557369 and DOT Number CP32 WMC9. Specifically, tires manufactured between the 19th week of 2021 and the 32nd week of 2024 (DOT Weeks 1921-3224) are included in this recall. These tires were sold as original equipment, replacement tires, or were in dealer inventories.

How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected

Continental will begin notifying owners of affected vehicles. If you own a 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, or S5, you should contact an authorized Audi dealer. Dealers can verify if your vehicle's VIN qualifies for repair under this action by checking the "Campaigns/Actions" screen in their Elsa system. This system is the only valid source for campaign inquiry and verification.

Additionally, you can inspect your tires for the specific DOT number CP32 WMC9 and the manufacturing date range 1921-3224 on the sidewall. If your tires match these identifiers, they are likely affected by the Audi Continental tire recall 44CT.

Important Warnings for Owners

• Do not delay inspection: If your vehicle is identified as having affected tires, schedule an appointment with your tire dealer or car dealer for inspection and potential replacement as soon as possible.
• Dealer delivery restrictions: Federal law prohibits dealers from delivering any new or used motor vehicle or equipment (including tires) covered by this recall until the defect has been remedied. Dealers must ensure all affected inventory vehicles have the 44CT campaign completed before delivery to consumers.
• No reimbursement for certain items: Dealers are instructed not to claim vehicle wash/loaner services under this recall action.
• Proper repair is critical: Any damages resulting from improper repair or failure to follow the official work instructions are the dealer's responsibility and will not be eligible for reimbursement under this action.

Manufacturer's Remedy

Vehicles identified with potentially affected tires will undergo an inspection by an authorized dealer. If necessary, the recalled tires will be replaced free of charge. The reimbursement for tire replacement, mounting, balancing, and handling will be managed directly through the dealer's tire vendor, distributor, or a representative of the tire manufacturer.

Repair Procedure Summary

For the Audi Continental tire recall 44CT, technicians will follow a multi-step process:

1. Verify Campaign Status: The technician will enter the vehicle's VIN into the Elsa system to confirm the campaign status is "open" and note the applicable Criteria ID (K1 for unsold vehicles, K2 for retail sold units).
2. Tire Inspection: All four tires on the vehicle, including any snow tires, must be inspected. The DOT number on the tire sidewall will be checked to confirm it is CP32 WMC9 and falls within the manufacturing date range of 1921-3224.
3. Tire Replacement (if necessary): If replacement is required, the tires will be replaced and balanced according to dealership tire changing equipment and safety guidelines. For K1 vehicles, the exact tire model Continental ProContact GX AO must be used. For K2 vehicles, substitute tire models meeting minimum requirements are permitted.
4. Inflation and Torque: Tires will be inflated to the specifications on the "Tire and Loading Information" label, and wheel bolts will be torqued to 120 Nm.
5. Documentation: The repair order will be stamped upon completion of the campaign.
6. Removed Tire Handling: Removed tires will be handled according to the tire manufacturer's instructions.

Required Tools or Parts

The primary part involved is the Continental ProContact GX AO tire, size 255/35 R19 96H XL, Article Number 1557369. For retail sold units (Criteria K2), substitute tire models that meet the minimum vehicle requirements are allowed. No special tools are noted beyond standard tire changing and balancing equipment.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11009226, Continental Tire Safety Recall Code: 44CT (NHTSA 24T-009)