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

Why This Matters: Safety Risk

This safety recall addresses a critical issue with certain Continental tires that could lead to severe consequences. The affected tires' design allows for higher flexing in the tread shoulder, which causes excessive heat buildup. This condition can result in a belt edge separation within the tire structure.

With continued use, the tires could experience a partial or full tread/belt loss. This significantly increases the risk of a crash, potentially leading to serious injury or even death for vehicle occupants and others on the road. Owners may also notice symptoms such as localized tread wear in the tread shoulders, excessive vibrations, and noise.

What's Being Recalled

Continental Tire the Americas, LLC (CTA) announced a voluntary recall, identified by code 44CT, for specific passenger tires after discovering a non-compliance condition. Audi has applied this code to help dealers identify vehicles that were produced with affected tires. The recall document has been updated multiple times, with the original publication on September 13, 2024, followed by updates on September 20, 2024 (adding Canadian market, updating recall information) and September 24, 2024 (clarifying tire identification).

The affected tires are Continental ProContact GX AO, size 255/35 R19 96H XL, with Article Number 1557369 and DOT Number CP32 WMC9. The recall specifically targets tires manufactured with DOT Weeks ranging from 1921 through 3224, which corresponds to the 19th week of 2021 to the 32nd week of 2024.

Approximately 33,337 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada are affected by this Audi A5 Continental tire recall. This includes various 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, and S5 models, such as the A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, and S5 Sportback.

How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected

Owners of 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, and S5 models should contact an authorized Audi dealer to verify if their vehicle's VIN qualifies for repair under this action. The dealer's internal system, Elsa, is the only valid source for campaign inquiry and verification, and the campaign status in Elsa must show as "open" for the vehicle to be eligible for the repair.

To identify potentially affected tires, technicians will inspect the DOT (Department of Transportation) serial number on the tire's sidewall. The last four digits of the DOT number indicate the week and year of manufacture. For example, a DOT date of "3821" signifies the 38th week of 2021. Tires with DOT weeks between 1921 and 3224 are included in this Audi A5 Continental tire recall.

Manufacturer's Remedy

Audi dealers will inspect all four tires on affected vehicles. If any tires are found to be within the affected range or show signs of the described non-compliance condition, they will be replaced free of charge. This includes the cost of the new tire, mounting, balancing, and handling. The service number for this campaign is 44CT, with Damage Code 0099 and Parts Vendor Code 002.

For vehicles with Criteria ID K1 (unsold vehicles in new car dealer inventory at the time the 44CT code was assigned), the exact tire model Continental ProContact GX AO must be used for replacement. For vehicles with Criteria ID K2 (retail sold units), substitute tire models are allowed as long as they meet minimum vehicle requirements. 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.

Repair Procedure Summary

1. Verify VIN: Technicians will enter the VIN into the Elsa system to confirm the campaign status is "open" and identify the applicable criteria (K1 or K2).
2. Tire Inspection: All four tires on the vehicle, and any associated tire sets (e.g., snow tires), must be inspected. The DOT number, visible on the outside sidewall, will be checked to determine the manufacturing week and year. Affected tires are those with DOT weeks 1921 through 3224.
3. Tire Replacement (if necessary): If tires require replacement, they will be replaced and balanced according to dealership tire changing equipment and safety guidelines.
4. Inflation and Torque: Replaced tires will be inflated according to the "Tire and Loading Information" label located on the B-pillar. Wheel bolts will be torqued to 120 Nm.
5. Claim Entry: Dealers will enter the claim using Service Number 44CT, Damage Code 0099. Labor operations include: 0183 00 99 (20 Time Units) for inspection only (no replacement) or 4440 50 99 (20 Time Units) for inspection and replacement of one or more tires.
6. Removed Tire Handling: Information regarding the handling of replaced/removed tires will be provided by the dealer's tire vendor, distributor, or the tire manufacturer's representative.

Important Warnings for Owners and Dealers

Continental will begin notifying end consumers and car owners identified as having affected tires. These notifications will direct owners to contact their tire or car dealer to schedule an inspection and potential replacement.

For Dealers:

• It is a violation of federal law for a dealer to deliver any new or used motor vehicle, or any new or used item of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by this notification, until the defect is remedied. Dealers must ensure all affected inventory vehicles have campaign 44CT completed before delivery to consumers.
• Do NOT enter tire costs directly on the claim, as reimbursement for tire replacement, mounting, balancing, and handling will be managed by the tire manufacturer's representative.
• Do NOT claim vehicle wash or loaner services under this action.
• Damages resulting from improper repair or failure to follow these work instructions are the dealer's responsibility and are not eligible for reimbursement.
• This procedure must be read in its entirety prior to performing the repair.
• Diagnosis and repair of pre-existing conditions in the vehicle are not covered under this action.
• When working during extreme temperatures, it is recommended that the vehicle be allowed to acclimate inside the shop to avoid temperature-related component damage/breakage.

Source: NHTSA ID 11009271