2021 Audi Q3, Q8, e-tron Water Entry from Sunroof Area TSB

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2056944/2 to address concerns regarding water entry into the cabin from the sunroof area in certain 2021 models. This TSB, which supersedes a previous bulletin (19-36), provides guidance for diagnosing and resolving instances where owners observe water dripping from the headliner.

The bulletin outlines several potential root causes for this issue, ranging from obstructed drain hoses to misaligned sunroof components. It offers a structured approach for technicians to identify and correct the source of the water intrusion.

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2021 Audi vehicles may experience the primary symptom of water drip from the headliner area. This can manifest as visible water dripping or staining on the interior headliner, particularly near the sunroof.

This water intrusion can occur when the vehicle is exposed to rain, a car wash, or standing water on the roof. The risk is heightened if the sunroof is opened or vented while the vehicle is wet. The water may not appear immediately but could migrate along the wind deflector arms and into the cabin after driving.

Fault codes / DTCs

This Technical Service Bulletin does not mention any specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) associated with the Audi e-tron water entry sunroof issue. The problem is typically identified through visual inspection and the symptom of water dripping.

What the service bulletin says

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2056944/2 details a diagnostic and repair procedure for the water entry into cabin from the sunroof area. Technicians are instructed to inspect several components as potential root causes:

• Sunroof drain hoses or outlet valves: All four sunroof drain hoses and their associated valves should be visually inspected for any damage, pinching, or obstructions. Any compromised hoses or valves should be replaced (Service Number 6048).
• Roof opening seal: The entire perimeter of the roof opening seal must be inspected for detachment, malformation, or damage. If issues are found, the seal should be replaced (Service Number 6042).
• Glass sunroof panels: The adjustment axes of the sunroof glass panels should be checked for poor adjustment. If dimensional problems are identified, the glass panels require adjustment (Service Number 6039).
• Unexplained or unduplicated water entry: For cases where water entry is not clearly explained by the above, the bulletin notes that replacing parts will not mitigate the symptom. Instead, the service involves lubricating the sunroof wind deflector sliding channels.

For the wind deflector issue, technicians are advised to open the front sunroof panel and locate the mounting points for the wind deflector. The entire cavity of the sliding channels for the wind deflector should be filled with special lubricant G 052 141 A2 (Labor Operation 6033 9999, Service Number 6033). This lubricant helps prevent water migration along the wind deflector arms into the undrained portions of the sunroof frame.

What to do

If you own a 2021 Audi Q3, Q8, or e-tron and notice water dripping from your headliner, it is important to have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Audi service center. Explain the symptom of water entry into cabin from the sunroof area to the service advisor.

Reference Technical Service Bulletin 2056944/2 when you bring your vehicle in. The dealership technicians will follow the diagnostic steps outlined in the TSB to identify the specific cause of the water leak and perform the necessary repairs, which may include replacing drain hoses or seals, adjusting sunroof panels, or lubricating components.

Source: NHTSA ID 10171342