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

Why This Matters

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

What's Being Recalled

This recall, identified by Audi with code 44CT, 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 between DOT Weeks 1921 and 3224. These tires were installed as original equipment on certain 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, and S5 models. The recall also covers these tires if they were sold as replacement tires or are currently in dealer inventories.

Symptoms of the Issue

Owners of affected vehicles may notice several indicators that their tires are experiencing this issue. These include localized tread wear specifically in the tread shoulders of the tires. Additionally, drivers might experience excessive vibrations or increased noise coming from the tires while driving. If you observe any of these symptoms, it is crucial to have your vehicle inspected promptly.

Important Warnings for Dealers and Owners

Federal law strictly prohibits dealers from delivering any new motor vehicle or new or used motor vehicle equipment, including tires, covered by a safety recall until the defect has been remedied. Dealers are legally obligated to correct any non-compliance or defect prior to sale or lease. For pre-owned vehicles in dealer inventory, dealers must ensure that all safety or compliance recalls are completed before delivery to consumers. This ensures that all vehicles on the road meet federal safety standards and that owners receive safe vehicles.

Manufacturer's Remedy

Audi, in conjunction with Continental Tire, will notify owners of affected vehicles. Owners will be directed to contact their tire dealer or car dealer to schedule an appointment for a free inspection. If the tires are found to be affected, they will be replaced free of charge. The reimbursement for the tire, 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

To address the Audi A5 Continental tire recall, technicians must first verify the vehicle's VIN in the Elsa system to confirm an "open" campaign status for 44CT. All four tires on the vehicle must be inspected. For new, unsold vehicles (criteria K1), the exact Continental ProContact GX AO tire model must be used for replacement. For retail-sold units (criteria K2), substitute tire models are permitted, provided they meet the vehicle's minimum requirements. The DOT number on the tire's outside sidewall must be visible for inspection; if not, the vehicle may need to be lifted. After replacement, tires must be balanced, inflated to the specifications on the "Tire and Loading Information" label, and wheel bolts torqued to 120 Nm. The handling of removed tires will be coordinated through the dealer's tire vendor.

Claim Entry Information

For warranty claims related to this recall, the Service Number is 44CT, the Damage Code is 0099, and the Parts Vendor Code is 002. Labor operations include 0183 00 99 for inspection without replacement and 4440 50 99 for inspection with one or more tire replacements. Each labor operation is allocated 20 time units. Dealers are specifically instructed not to enter tires on the claim, as reimbursement for tires and related services is handled separately by the tire manufacturer's network.

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 expect to receive a notification from Continental Tire. Upon receipt, contact your authorized Audi dealer or tire dealer to schedule an inspection and, if necessary, a free tire replacement. For additional information, you can contact Continental Tire USA at 1-888-799-2168 or visit https://tinyurl.com/continentaltire. Canadian owners can call 1-855-453-1962 or visit www.continentaltire.ca.

NHTSA ID: 11009270