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

Why This Matters

Continental Tire the Americas, LLC (CTA) has announced a voluntary safety recall, identified by code 44CT, for certain passenger tires. These tires, sold as original equipment, replacement tires, or in dealer inventories, have a design non-compliance that can lead to serious safety issues. The affected tires may experience higher flexing in the tread shoulder, causing heat buildup and potentially a belt edge separation.

Continued use of these tires could result in a partial or full tread/belt loss. This condition significantly increases the risk of a crash, serious injury, or even death for drivers and passengers of the affected 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, and S5 models.

What's Being Recalled

This recall, 44CT, specifically targets Continental ProContact GX AO tires. The full product details for the affected tires are:

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

The recall affects a significant number of vehicles across various Audi models and body styles, including the 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, and S5. All tires identified as part of this recall will be replaced at no cost to the owner.

Symptoms Owners Might Notice

Owners of affected vehicles equipped with these Continental tires may observe several warning signs indicating a potential issue. These symptoms are directly related to the tire defect and include:

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

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Audi dealer as soon as possible.

How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected

To determine if your 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, or S5 is part of this safety recall 44CT, you should contact an authorized Audi dealer. Dealers will use the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in their Elsa system to verify if your vehicle qualifies for the repair under campaign 44CT. The campaign status in Elsa must show "open" for the repair to proceed.

You can also visually inspect your tires for the specific DOT (Department of Transportation) serial number. The DOT number, including the manufacturing week and year, is located on the tire sidewall. Look for "CP32 WMC9" followed by a four-digit code where the last two digits indicate the year and the first two indicate the week of manufacture. Tires with DOT Weeks between 1921 and 3224 are subject to this recall.

Manufacturer's Remedy

Audi, in conjunction with Continental Tire, will replace all affected tires free of charge. Owners will be directed to contact their tire dealer or car dealer to schedule an appointment for inspection and replacement. The reimbursement for the new tires, mounting, balancing, and handling will be managed directly by the dealer's tire vendor, distributor, or a representative of the tire manufacturer.

Important Warnings for Owners and Dealers

Owners and dealers should be aware of critical information regarding this recall:

• New Vehicles in Dealer Inventory: "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 must correct any non-compliance prior to delivery.
• Pre-Owned Vehicles in Dealer Inventory: "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 this campaign is completed before delivering any affected inventory vehicle to consumers.
• Repair Responsibility: "Damages resulting from improper repair or failure to follow these work instructions are the dealer's responsibility and are not eligible for reimbursement under this action."
• Pre-existing Conditions: "Diagnosis and repair of pre-existing conditions in the vehicle are not covered under this action."
• Declined Work: If a customer declines campaign work, dealers should refer to the "Customer Declines Campaign/Update Repair" section in the Campaign/Update Policy and Procedures Manual.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure for the Audi A5 Continental tire recall 44CT involves several key steps performed by an authorized Audi technician:

1. VIN Verification: The technician will enter the vehicle's VIN into the Elsa system to confirm the campaign status is "open" for recall 44CT. A printout of this screen will be kept with the repair order.
2. Tire Inspection: All four tires on the vehicle, as well as any associated tire sets (e.g., winter tires), must be inspected. The DOT number on the tire sidewall will be checked to identify affected tires. If the DOT number is not visible, the vehicle may need to be lifted.
3. Tire Replacement and Balancing: Affected tires will be replaced and balanced according to the dealership's tire changing equipment and safety guidelines.
4. Inflation and Torque: Tires will be inflated to the pressure specified on the "Tire and Loading Information" label, typically located on the B-pillar. Wheel bolts will then be torqued to 120 Nm.
5. Documentation: Once the campaign is completed, the technician will stamp the repair order. Removed tires will be handled according to the tire manufacturer's guidelines.

For claim entry, the service number is 44CT, the damage code is 0099, and the parts vendor code is 002. The causal indicator should be marked as "labor as causal." Labor operations include 0183 00 99 (20 time units) for inspection only, and 4440 50 99 (20 time units) for inspection and replacement.

Continental Contact Information

For additional information, including a guide for identifying affected tires using their DOT number, local contacts, and customer reimbursement information, you can contact Continental Tire directly:

• USA: 1-888-799-2168
• Website: https://tinyurl.com/continentaltire

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11009297