CarProblems
Service Bulletin

2021-2026 Audi A4/A5/RS5/S5 Steering Parts Return Notice

Audi has issued Special Notice SM 26-2025, instructing dealers to return specific steering component part numbers produced within a defined date range. This measure ensures that only compliant parts are available for customer vehicles.

ByAhmet Topcu — Founder & Editor-in-Chief2023 Audi A5
2023 Audi A5 — manufacturer_communication document image 1
Source: NHTSA manufacturer_communication 11017647
SM 26-20258W1-423-055-AK8W1-423-055-BA8W1-423-055-AJ8W1-423-055-BC8W2-423-055-BAAudi steering parts returnAudi A4 steering partsAudi A5 steering partsAudi S5 steering parts

Also applies to

Audi A4
2021–2026
Audi A5
2021, 2022, 2024, 2025, 2026
Audi RS 5
2021–2025
Audi S5
2021–2026

What is Special Notice SM 26-2025?

Audi has issued Special Notice SM 26-2025, a parts circular dated April 17, 2025, to its parts managers and inventory personnel. This notice is a directive for dealers to return specific steering-related material numbers from their current inventory. The primary goal is to enhance the quality of parts supplied to customers by ensuring that only components meeting Audi's standards are available for service and repair.

This proactive measure helps maintain the integrity of the parts supply chain and prevents the installation of components that may not meet the latest specifications. For owners of 2021-2026 Audi A4, A5, RS 5, and S5 models, this notice ensures that any future steering-related repairs will utilize only the most current and compliant parts.

Affected Steering Parts and Production Dates

The Special Notice SM 26-2025 specifically targets several steering component part numbers for return. These include:

  • 8W1-423-055-AK (Steering)
  • 8W1-423-055-BA
  • 8W1-423-055-AJ
  • 8W1-423-055-BC
  • 8W2-423-055-BA

Crucially, only parts manufactured within a specific production window are affected: from May 29, 2024 (29.05.2024) until March 7, 2025 (07.03.2025). Parts produced outside of this date range are considered acceptable. Additionally, parts that feature a green inspection dot on their label, packaging, or the part itself are also deemed acceptable. The document provides visual examples of

Gallery

2 images

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Audi Special Notice SM 26-2025?
Special Notice SM 26-2025 is a directive from Audi to its dealers, instructing them to return specific steering component part numbers from their inventory. This action is taken to improve the quality of parts available to customers and ensure that only compliant components are used for service and repairs.
Which Audi steering parts are affected by this notice?
The notice specifically identifies part numbers 8W1-423-055-AK (Steering), 8W1-423-055-BA, 8W1-423-055-AJ, 8W1-423-055-BC, and 8W2-423-055-BA. These are the components that dealers are instructed to return if they fall within the specified production dates.
How can I tell if a steering part is affected?
Affected parts are those with a production date between May 29, 2024 (29.05.2024) and March 7, 2025 (07.03.2025). Parts manufactured outside this window, or those that have a 'green inspection dot' on their label, packaging, or the part itself, are considered acceptable and do not need to be returned. This is crucial for identifying compliant components for your Audi A5 steering parts return.
What is the deadline for dealers to return these parts?
Dealers must return the affected inventory to their facing Parts Distribution Center (PDC) no later than May 8, 2025. It is important for dealers to adhere to this deadline, as items returned after this date 'WILL NOT be accepted on any type of return/buyback'.

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