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

Why This Matters: Safety Risk

Continental Tire the Americas, LLC (CTA) has 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 excessive heat buildup. This condition may result in a belt edge separation, potentially leading to partial or full tread/belt loss.

Such a failure significantly increases the risk of a crash, serious injury, or even death. Owners should be aware of this potential hazard and take prompt action if their vehicle is affected by this Audi Continental tire recall.

What's Being Recalled

This recall specifically targets 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 in dealer inventories.

Symptoms of Affected Tires

Owners of affected vehicles might notice several symptoms indicating a problem with their tires. These can include localized tread wear in the tread shoulders, and excessive vibrations and noise while driving. If you experience these issues, it is important to have your tires inspected promptly.

How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected

Audi has applied recall code 44CT to help dealers identify vehicles equipped with the affected tires. To determine if your specific vehicle qualifies for repair under this action, you should contact an authorized Audi dealer. They will check the Campaigns/Actions screen in Elsa using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to verify eligibility. The campaign status must show "open" for the repair to proceed.

Manufacturer's Remedy

For vehicles identified with potentially affected tires, the manufacturer's remedy involves a thorough inspection of all four tires. If any tires are found to be defective, they will be replaced free of charge. The cost of inspection, and replacement if necessary, including mounting and balancing, will be covered by the manufacturer.

There are specific criteria for tire replacement:

• Criteria K1 (Unsold Vehicles): Vehicles that were in new car dealer inventory when the 44CT code was assigned must use the exact tire model, Continental ProContact GX AO, as originally installed.
• Criteria K2 (Retail Sold Units): Vehicles already sold to customers are permitted to use substitute tire models, provided they meet the minimum requirements for the vehicle.

Important Warnings for Owners and Dealers

Federal law strictly prohibits dealers from delivering new motor vehicles or any new or used motor vehicle equipment, including tires, covered by a safety recall until the defect has been remedied. This means:

• New Vehicles in Dealer Inventory: It is a violation of federal law for a dealer to deliver a new vehicle with unremedied tires. Dealers must correct any non-compliance prior to sale or lease.
• Pre-Owned Vehicles in Dealer Inventory: Dealers should not deliver any pre-owned vehicles involved in this safety or compliance recall until the defect has been remedied.

Dealers are required to ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before delivery to consumers. Owners will be notified by Continental regarding this Audi Continental tire recall and directed to contact their tire or car dealer to schedule an appointment.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure for the Audi Continental tire recall 44CT involves several steps:

1. VIN Verification: The dealer will enter your vehicle's VIN into the Elsa system to confirm the campaign is open and applicable to your vehicle.
2. Tire Inspection: All four tires on the vehicle must be inspected. If you have a separate set of tires (e.g., snow tires), those should also be brought in for inspection. The DOT number on the tire's sidewall will be checked to identify affected tires.
3. Tire Replacement (If Necessary): If any tires are found to be affected, they will be replaced. The process includes mounting and balancing the new tires.
4. Wheel Bolt Torque: After replacement, wheel bolts will be torqued to 120 Nm.
5. Tire Inflation: Tires will be inflated according to the vehicle's "Tire and Loading Information" label, typically found on the B-pillar.

Owner Action

If you own a 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, or S5, and believe your vehicle might be affected by this Audi Continental tire recall, you should wait for notification from Continental or contact your authorized Audi dealer. They will be able to verify if your vehicle is part of the recall and schedule the necessary inspection and, if needed, free tire replacement.

Required Tools or Parts

If tire replacement is necessary, the ordering of new tires, return of defective tires, and reimbursement for mounting and balancing will be handled directly through the dealer's tire vendor, distributor, or a representative of the tire manufacturer.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11009285