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

Continental Tire the Americas, LLC (CTA) has announced a voluntary safety recall, identified by code 44CT, for certain Continental ProContact GX AO passenger tires. This Audi Continental tire recall affects various 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, and S5 models, due to a non-compliance condition that could lead to tire failure and increase the risk of a crash.

This recall ensures that all affected tires, whether original equipment, replacement tires, or those in dealer inventories, will be replaced free of charge. Owners will be notified by Continental and directed to schedule an appointment for inspection and replacement.

Why This Matters: Safety Risk

The affected Continental ProContact GX AO tires have a design flaw that allows for higher flexing in the tread shoulder. This excessive flexing can cause heat buildup within the tire structure, potentially leading to a belt edge separation. If this occurs, it can result in a partial or full loss of the tire's tread or belt.

Such a failure significantly increases the risk of a crash, serious injury, or even death. It is crucial for owners of affected vehicles to address this Audi Continental tire recall promptly to prevent these severe safety hazards.

What's Being Recalled

The recall specifically targets Continental ProContact GX AO tires with the following details:

• Product Line: Continental ProContact GX AO
• Size: 255/35 R19 96H XL
• Article Number: 1557369
• DOT Number: CP32 WMC9
• DOT Weeks (last four digits of DOT Number): 1921 - 3224

These tires were sold as original equipment on new vehicles, as replacement tires, or are currently in dealer inventories. All tires matching these specifications are subject to the recall.

Symptoms

Owners of vehicles with affected tires may notice certain symptoms indicating a potential issue. These can include:

• Localized tread wear in the tread shoulders.
• Excessive vibrations felt while driving.
• Unusual noise coming from the tires.

These symptoms suggest the tire's structural integrity may be compromised and warrant immediate inspection.

Important Warnings for Dealers and Owners

Continental Tire and Audi have issued critical warnings regarding the handling of vehicles and tires affected by this recall:

• "It is a violation of federal law for a dealer 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 should not deliver any pre-owned vehicles in their inventory which are 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."

These warnings emphasize the legal and safety obligations to ensure all affected tires are replaced before vehicles are sold or delivered to consumers.

How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected

To determine if your Audi is part of this Audi Continental tire recall, follow these steps:

1. Check VIN in ELSA: Audi dealers will use the ELSA system to verify if your vehicle's VIN qualifies for repair under recall code 44CT. The campaign status must show as "open."
2. Inspect Tire DOT Number: You can visually inspect the DOT serial number on the sidewall of your tires. The DOT number will include "CP32 WMC9" followed by four digits indicating the week and year of manufacture. Tires with DOT weeks between 1921 (week 19 of 2021) and 3224 (week 32 of 2024) are affected.

If you have any doubts, contact an authorized Audi dealer or Continental Tire customer service at 1-888-799-2168.

Manufacturer's Remedy

Continental Tire and Audi will replace all affected tires free of charge. This includes the cost of the new tires, mounting, balancing, and handling of the removed tires. Owners will be directed to contact their tire dealer or car dealer to schedule an appointment for this service.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure for this Audi Continental tire recall involves several key steps performed by a qualified technician:

1. Verify Campaign Eligibility: The technician will enter the vehicle's VIN into the ELSA system to confirm that the recall (campaign 44CT) is open for that specific vehicle.
2. Tire Inspection: All four tires on the vehicle must be inspected. If the vehicle uses a second set of tires (e.g., snow tires), those should also be inspected. The DOT number on the tire sidewall will be checked to identify affected tires.
3. Tire Replacement: Any affected Continental ProContact GX AO tires will be replaced with new, compliant tires. This includes proper mounting and balancing of the new tires.
4. Inflation and Torque: The new tires will be inflated to the correct pressure as specified on the vehicle's "Tire and Loading Information" label, typically located on the B-pillar. Wheel bolts will then be torqued to 120 Nm.
5. Removed Tire Handling: The removed defective tires will be handled and returned according to the tire manufacturer's guidelines.

This entire process ensures that your vehicle is equipped with safe, compliant tires.

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, it is important to take action.

• Contact your dealer: Reach out to your authorized Audi dealer or a tire dealer to schedule an inspection. They will verify if your vehicle is covered under recall code 44CT and perform the necessary tire replacement free of charge.
• Prepare for appointment: Ensure you bring any alternate tire sets (like winter tires) for inspection if they might also be affected.

---

Source: NHTSA ID: 11009282