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

Why This Matters: Safety Risk

Continental Tire the Americas, LLC (CTA) has announced a voluntary recall, identified by code 44CT, for specific passenger tires due to a non-compliance condition. The design of these tires allows for higher flexing in the tread shoulder, which can lead to excessive heat buildup. This condition can cause a belt edge separation.

With continued use, the affected tires may experience partial or full tread/belt loss. This significantly increases the risk of a crash, which could result in serious injury or death. Owners might also notice localized tread wear on the shoulders, excessive vibrations, and noise.

What's Being Recalled

This recall, 44CT, involves specific Continental ProContact GX AO tires. These are size 255/35 R19 96H XL, with Article Number 1557369 and DOT Number CP32 WMC9. The affected tires were manufactured between the 19th week of 2021 and the 32nd week of 2024 (DOT Weeks 1921 - 3224).

Audi has applied code 44CT to help dealers identify vehicles produced with these affected tires. Approximately 33,337 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada are impacted by this recall across the 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, and S5 model lines.

How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected

To determine if your 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, or S5 is affected by the Continental Tire Safety Recall 44CT, you should contact an authorized Audi dealer. Dealers can check the Campaigns/Actions screen in Elsa using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to verify if your vehicle qualifies for repair under this action. Elsa is the only valid source for campaign inquiry and verification.

You can also visually inspect your tires for the DOT serial number. The DOT number is typically found on the outside-facing sidewall of the tire. The last four digits of the DOT number indicate the week and year of manufacture. For example, '3821' means the 38th week of 2021. The affected range is from the 19th week of 2021 to the 32nd week of 2024.

Manufacturer's Remedy

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

Important Warnings for Owners

• Do not expect to be reimbursed for vehicle wash or loaner services under this action. The document explicitly states, "Do not claim wash/loaner under this action."
• Do not enter tire replacement costs directly on the claim form. If a tire requires replacement, reimbursement will be handled by the dealer's tire vendor, distributor, or the tire manufacturer's representative.
• Dealers cannot deliver new or pre-owned vehicles with unremedied safety defects. Federal law prohibits dealers from selling or leasing any new motor vehicle or equipment item, including tires, covered by a safety recall until the defect is remedied. This also applies to pre-owned vehicles in dealer inventory.
• Improper repair or failure to follow instructions may result in damages not eligible for reimbursement.
• Pre-existing conditions in the vehicle are not covered under this recall action.

Repair Procedure Summary

Dealers will perform the following steps for the Continental Tire Safety Recall 44CT:

1. Verify Campaign Status: Technicians will enter the VIN into the Elsa system and check the "Campaign/Action" screen. They must confirm the campaign 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 must be inspected. If the customer has snow tires or other tire sets, those should also be brought in for inspection. The DOT number on the tire sidewall will be checked to confirm if it falls within the affected manufacturing date range (DOT Weeks 1921 - 3224).
3. Tire Replacement (If Necessary): If affected tires are identified, they will be replaced and balanced according to dealership procedures. The new tires will be inflated to the specifications on the vehicle's B-pillar label, and wheel bolts will be torqued to 120 Nm.
4. Claim Entry: After completing the campaign work, the dealer will enter the claim using service number 44CT. Labor operations include 0183 00 99 (20 time units) for inspection only, or 4440 50 99 (20 time units) for inspection and replacement.

Owner Action

If you own a 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, or S5, and believe your vehicle may be equipped with the affected Continental ProContact GX AO tires, you should contact your authorized Audi dealer to schedule an inspection. Continental will be notifying affected owners, directing them to their tire dealer or car dealer for an appointment.

NHTSA Source: 11009256