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, designated by code 44CT, for certain passenger tires. The design of these tires can lead to higher flexing in the tread shoulder, causing heat buildup. This condition may result in a belt edge separation. If this occurs, the tires could experience a partial or full tread or belt loss. Such a failure significantly increases the risk of a crash, serious injury, or even death. Owners might also notice localized tread wear in the shoulders, along with excessive vibrations and noise.

What's Being Recalled

This recall specifically involves Continental ProContact GX AO tires, size 255/35 R19 96H XL, with Article Number 1557369 and DOT Number CP32 WMC9. The affected tires were manufactured during DOT Weeks 1921 through 3224. These tires were sold as original equipment, replacement tires, or were present in dealer inventories for 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, and S5 vehicles.

How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected

Audi has applied code 44CT to help dealers identify vehicles equipped with the affected tires. To determine if your 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, or S5 is part of this recall, you should contact an authorized Audi dealer. They can check your vehicle's VIN in the Elsa system to verify if it qualifies for repair under this action. The Elsa system is the only valid source for campaign inquiry and verification. Vehicles identified with criteria K1 are unsold new vehicles requiring the exact tire model for replacement, while vehicles with criteria K2 are retail sold units that may use substitute tire models meeting minimum requirements.

Manufacturer's Remedy

If your vehicle is affected by the Audi A5 tire recall 44CT, Audi dealers will inspect all four tires. If any tires are found to be affected, they will be replaced free of charge. The inspection process uses labor operation 0183 00 99, while inspection and replacement use labor operation 4440 50 99. Both operations are allotted 20 time units. The reimbursement for tire replacement, mounting, balancing, and handling will be managed through the dealer's tire vendor, distributor, or a representative of the tire manufacturer.

Important Warnings for Owners and Dealers

• Do NOT drive the vehicle if you suspect tire damage. If you notice any of the described symptoms like excessive vibrations or noise, have your vehicle inspected immediately.
• It is a violation of federal law for dealers to deliver a new motor vehicle or any new or used item of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by this notification under a sale or lease until the defect or noncompliance is remedied.
• Dealers must correct, prior to delivery for sale or lease, any vehicle that fails to comply with an applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard or that contains a defect relating to motor vehicle safety.
• Dealers should not deliver any pre-owned vehicles in their inventory 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.

Owner Action

Continental will begin notifying end consumers and car owners identified as having affected tires. If you own a 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, or S5 and believe your vehicle may be equipped with these tires, you should contact your tire dealer or Audi dealer to schedule an appointment for inspection and potential replacement. For more information, you can contact Continental Tire directly at 1-888-799-2168 (USA) or 1-855-453-1962 (Canada), or visit https://tinyurl.com/continentaltire.

Repair Procedure Summary

1. Check Campaign Status: Technicians must enter the VIN into the Elsa system and confirm the 44CT campaign is open. All open campaigns should be performed, starting with the oldest. Print the screen showing the open action for the repair order.
2. Tire Inspection: All four tires must be inspected. If the vehicle has a second set of tires (e.g., snow tires), those must also be inspected. The DOT number on the tire's sidewall must be visible; if not, the vehicle may need to be lifted.
3. Tire Replacement (if necessary): If affected tires are identified, they will be replaced and balanced according to dealership procedures and safety guidelines. Wheel bolts must be torqued to 120 Nm. Inflation should follow the