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

Continental Tire the Americas, LLC (CTA) has announced a voluntary safety recall, identified by code 44CT, for specific Continental ProContact GX AO passenger tires. This recall affects a range of 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, and S5 models that may have been equipped with these tires as original equipment or replacements.

This recall is crucial for owners of affected vehicles, as the tire defect poses a significant safety risk. Continental will be notifying owners, and authorized Audi dealers are prepared to inspect and replace the faulty tires at no cost.

Why this matters: Safety Risk

The affected Continental ProContact GX AO tires were designed in a way that allows for higher flexing in the tread shoulder, leading to excessive heat buildup. This condition can cause a belt edge separation within the tire structure. If this separation occurs, it could result in a partial or full tread/belt loss while driving.

Such a failure significantly increases the risk of a crash, which could lead to serious injury or death for vehicle occupants and others on the road. Additionally, owners might notice symptoms such as localized tread wear in the tread shoulders, excessive vibrations, and noise emanating from the tires before a complete failure occurs. The Audi A5 Continental tire recall addresses these critical safety concerns.

What's being recalled

This recall, 44CT, specifically targets Continental ProContact GX AO tires, size 255/35 R19 96H XL, with Article Number 1557369 or 15573690000. The non-compliance condition is tied to the manufacturing date of the tires, identified by their DOT (Department of Transportation) week codes.

The affected tires were produced between the 19th week of 2021 and the 32nd week of 2024. These tires were sold either as original equipment on new vehicles, as replacement tires, or were present in dealer inventories. The total number of vehicles affected in the U.S. and Canada is substantial, covering various Audi A5, S4, and S5 variants from model years 2022 through 2025.

How to identify affected tires

To determine if your vehicle's tires are part of the Audi A5 Continental tire recall, you need to check the DOT serial number and date code on the tire's sidewall. The affected tires bear the DOT number CP32 WMC9. The critical identifier is the four-digit date code, which indicates the week and year of manufacture.

For example, a date code of "3821" means the tire was manufactured in the 38th week of 2021. The recall covers tires with date codes ranging from 1921 (19th week of 2021) to 3224 (32nd week of 2024). All four tires on your vehicle, as well as any other tire sets (e.g., snow tires), should be inspected. Your authorized Audi dealer can assist in properly identifying the affected tires.

Manufacturer's remedy

For vehicles identified under recall 44CT, the manufacturer's remedy involves a thorough inspection of all four tires. If any of the tires are found to be within the affected DOT date code range, they will be replaced free of charge. This includes the cost of the new tire, mounting, balancing, and handling of the removed tire.

Audi has applied code 44CT to help dealers identify vehicles produced with affected tires. The tire ordering, return of defective tires, and reimbursement process will be managed through the dealer's tire vendor, distributor, or a representative of the tire manufacturer. Owners will not be charged for this service.

Important warnings for owners

Owners should be aware of specific regulations and dealer responsibilities related to 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 must ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before delivery to consumers."
• For technicians, it is explicitly stated: "Do NOT ENTER TIRES ON CLAIM" for reimbursement, as this is handled separately by the tire vendor. This ensures that owners receive the replacement free of charge.

Continental will begin notifying end consumers and car owners identified as having affected tires. You will be directed to contact your tire dealer or car dealer to schedule an appointment for inspection and replacement.

Next steps for owners

If you own a 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, or S5, it is recommended to contact an authorized Audi dealer to check if your vehicle is affected by the Continental Tire Safety Recall 44CT. The dealer can verify if your VIN qualifies for repair under this action using their internal system (Elsa).

Even if you have not yet received a notification letter, you can proactively schedule an inspection. Ensuring your tires are safe is paramount to your safety and the safety of others on the road. Do not delay in addressing this potential safety hazard.