2021 Audi A6 Perceived Headlight Defect TSB 10169117
This informational bulletin, TSB 10169117, for the 2021 Audi A6 addresses a perceived defect concerning exterior lighting and other equipment. It provides explanations for owners regarding potential issues that might be mistaken for a fault.

Understanding the 2021 Audi A6 Manufacturer Communication
Audi has released an informational bulletin, TSB 10169117, for the 2021 Audi A6. This communication aims to provide clarity on what the manufacturer terms a "perceived defect." Unlike a recall or a standard technical service bulletin that outlines a repair procedure for a known fault, this bulletin offers an explanation for conditions that owners or technicians might misinterpret as a problem with the vehicle.
The purpose of this 2021 Audi A6 manufacturer_communication is to prevent unnecessary diagnostic work or part replacements by explaining specific characteristics of the vehicle's operation or design. It helps ensure that any observed behavior is correctly understood in the context of the vehicle's intended functionality.
What is a "Perceived Defect"?
A "perceived defect" refers to a situation where a vehicle's behavior or characteristic might appear to be a fault to an owner or technician, but is actually a normal operating condition, a design feature, or a minor cosmetic variation that does not impact the vehicle's safety or performance. These bulletins are crucial for managing customer expectations and providing accurate information.
Specifics of the Perceived Defect
The 2021 Audi A6 manufacturer_communication specifically addresses issues related to "EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL" and "EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES." While the bulletin does not detail the exact nature of the perceived defect in the summary, it indicates that owners might notice something unusual with the vehicle's exterior lighting, particularly its headlights and their concealment devices, or other general equipment and owner's manual information.
This could involve anything from a specific light pattern that seems irregular but is by design, to a minor operational sound that is normal for the system, or even clarifications regarding information found in the owner's manual. The TSB 10169117 provides the official manufacturer's stance on these observations.
What Owners Should Know
If you own a 2021 Audi A6 and have noticed something unusual with your exterior lighting, headlights, or other equipment, this informational bulletin may provide the explanation. It's important to understand that a "perceived defect" does not imply a safety risk or a functional failure of your vehicle. Instead, it's Audi's way of clarifying a characteristic that might otherwise cause concern.
For specific details regarding the explanation provided in TSB 10169117, it is recommended to consult with an authorized Audi service center. They can access the full bulletin and provide precise information relevant to your vehicle.
Source: NHTSA ID 10169117
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Audi TSB 10169117 for the 2021 Audi A6?
- TSB 10169117 is an informational bulletin from Audi for the 2021 Audi A6. It provides explanations for a "perceived defect" related to exterior lighting, headlights, and other equipment, clarifying conditions that might be mistaken for a fault.
- What does "perceived defect" mean in the context of this 2021 Audi A6 manufacturer_communication?
- A "perceived defect" means that a vehicle characteristic or behavior might appear to be a problem to an owner, but it is actually a normal operating condition, a design feature, or a minor variation that does not affect safety or performance.
- Which components are involved in this informational bulletin?
- This TSB addresses components related to "EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL" and "EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES" on the 2021 Audi A6.
- Is TSB 10169117 a recall for my 2021 Audi A6?
- No, TSB 10169117 is not a recall. It is an informational bulletin designed to explain certain vehicle characteristics or behaviors that might be misinterpreted as defects, rather than identifying a safety-related defect requiring a repair campaign.
What Audi A6 owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 33 model years.
- 1,665
- Owner complaints
- 55
- Recalls
- 5,316
- Service bulletins
- 64
- Crashes reported
- 71
- Fires reported
- 65
- Injuries reported
The 2021 model year
18 complaints, the 24th most of 33 model years on file. Owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries for this year, which also has 11 recalls on file.
Exterior Lighting and Equipment, the system this article covers, accounts for 79 of 1,665 complaints (5%), including 1 for 2021.
Complaints by model year
| 1998 | 130 | |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 217 | |
| 2000 | 148 | |
| 2001 | 113 | |
| 2002 | 88 | |
| 2005 | 91 | |
| 2006 | 67 | |
| 2008 | 71 | |
| 2019 | 114 | |
| 2021 | 18 |
Most-reported systems
- Electrical System — 396
- Air Bags — 316
- Service Brakes — 161
- Fuel System — 150
- Engine — 130
Latest recalls for the 2021 model year
- 25V900000 — Back Over Prevention (Dec 2025)
- 25V201000 — Electrical System (Mar 2025)
- 23V601000 — Service Brakes, Hydraulic (Aug 2023)
Recent owner reports about exterior lighting and equipment
Read owner complaints →Both daytime running lights have progressively changed from white to yellow and lost intensity. The discoloration began on one side and later appeared on the other, concentrated at the lower angled section of the daytime running light.
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.
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