2025-2026 Audi Drive System Fault DTC P119A00 P119B00

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2081542/1 to address a specific 'Drive system fault' condition affecting certain 2025-2026 Audi A6, S5, and SQ5 models. This bulletin clarifies that if your vehicle displays a 'Drive system fault active in instrument cluster' message and stores diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P119A00 or P119B00, it is likely due to a known software issue.

This TSB, identified as 2081542/1, informs technicians and owners that a permanent solution is currently under development. Until then, specific actions are recommended to manage the concern without unnecessary repairs.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi models may observe a specific warning message in their instrument cluster:

• "Drive system fault active in instrument cluster"

This message indicates a problem with the vehicle's powertrain or related systems, prompting concern from the driver. If you encounter an Audi drive system fault P119A00, it's important to understand the underlying cause as described by Audi.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When a 'Drive system fault' is active, diagnostic scans of the Engine Control Unit (ECM), specifically address word 0001 (J623), may reveal one or both of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes:

Code	Description	Symptom	Condition
P119A00	Fuel pressure sensor Malfunction	13432	static/intermittent
P119B00	Fuel pressure sensor 2 Malfunction	17873	static/intermittent

These DTCs specifically point to issues with the fuel pressure sensors, which are critical for monitoring the high-pressure fuel rail system.

Technical Background

Audi has identified the root cause of the 'Drive system fault' and associated DTCs P119A00 and P119B00 as a software issue within the engine control unit (ECM). This software anomaly affects the rail high-pressure diagnostics, leading to incorrect readings or interpretations that trigger the fault messages and codes. The engine control unit (J623) is the primary module responsible for managing engine performance and emissions, including the fuel system.

Rail high-pressure diagnostics are crucial for ensuring the engine's fuel delivery system operates efficiently and safely. A software glitch in this area can cause the system to erroneously detect a malfunction, even if the physical fuel pressure sensors are functioning correctly.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi's TSB 2081542/1 provides critical guidance for both technicians and vehicle owners regarding this specific issue:

• No immediate repairs are necessary: Audi explicitly states that a solution is expected to be available by the end of the second quarter of 2026 (subject to change), and no repairs are required at this point. Owners should not feel pressured to seek immediate repair for this specific fault.
• Do not replace components: The bulletin strictly advises, "Do not replace any components for this condition since this will not resolve the customer's concern." Attempting to replace fuel pressure sensors or other related parts will not fix the underlying software problem and will result in unnecessary expense and effort.

These warnings are crucial for owners to avoid being upsold on parts or services that will not resolve the actual issue.

What Owners Should Do

If your 2025-2026 Audi A6, S5, or SQ5 displays a 'Drive system fault active in instrument cluster' message and you suspect it's related to the Audi drive system fault P119A00 or P119B00, here are the recommended steps:

1. Contact your Audi dealer: Schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi service center. Inform them about the 'Drive system fault' message and the potential presence of DTCs P119A00 or P119B00.
2. Request a PSS record: Ask the service department to create a Pending Service Solutions (PSS) record for your vehicle. This process involves documenting your concern in the Audi Now system, specifically through the 'Service | AU-US > Pending Service Solutions (PSS)' link. Creating a PSS record ensures that your vehicle's issue is officially logged by Audi, and you will be notified when the software solution becomes available.
3. Avoid unnecessary repairs: As advised by TSB 2081542/1, do not authorize the replacement of any components, such as fuel pressure sensors, for this specific condition. Such replacements will not resolve the software-related issue.

Warranty Information

For vehicles still under warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin provides guidance for addressing the issue. However, if your vehicle is outside of its warranty period, the TSB notes that it is for informational purposes only. This means that while the information about the software issue and pending solution remains relevant, any diagnostic or future repair costs might not be covered by Audi. The Service Number for this condition is 2409, and the Damage Code is 0039, which are used for internal tracking and claim processing by Audi dealerships.

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Source: NHTSA ID 11031065