2021 Audi Driver Assist System Malfunction TSB
Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin 2060332/1 regarding an intermittent driver assist system malfunction, often indicated by DTC C12D5FA. This issue affects various 2021 Audi models and results in warning messages like 'Audi adaptive light malfunction' or 'Audi pre sense system error'. The…
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Owners of certain 2021 Audi vehicles may experience an intermittent Audi e-tron driver assist malfunction, leading to various warning messages and temporary inoperability of driver assistance systems. This issue is addressed by Audi Technical Service Bulletin PSS 90, also identified as 2060332/1.
The TSB explains that the diagnostic function for the driver assist systems is too sensitive, causing the system to incorrectly report a fault. While a permanent solution is being developed, Audi advises specific actions for dealerships when this condition is reported.
Symptoms
If your vehicle is affected by this issue, you might observe the following symptoms:
- Driver assistance systems become inoperable.
- A warning message is displayed in the instrument cluster.
- Specific warnings may include:
- "Audi adaptive light malfunction"
- "Audi pre sense system error"
- "Adaptive vehicle assistance restricted"
- "Adaptive vehicle assistance predictive regulation currently restricted"
- The driver assistance systems typically become available again after a few seconds.
Fault Codes / DTCs
Technicians investigating this issue will likely find the following diagnostic trouble code stored intermittently in the control module for driver assist systems, J1121 (address word 00A5):
| Code | Description | Module |
|---|---|---|
| C12D5FA | Control unit for driver assist systems, picture processor does not respond | J1121 |
This DTC C12D5FA is often accompanied by symptom code 221281.
What the Service Bulletin Says
Audi's Technical Service Bulletin 2060332/1 (PSS 90) provides instructions for dealerships to manage this specific Audi e-tron driver assist malfunction. The bulletin states that the root cause is an overly sensitive diagnostic function, not a hardware failure. Therefore, technicians are instructed not to replace any components, as this will not resolve the customer's concern.
Instead, the primary action is to delete the stored DTC C12D5FA. Dealerships are also advised to inform customers that a permanent solution, likely a software update, is expected to be released in the third quarter of 2021. This indicates that the issue is known and actively being addressed by the manufacturer.
What to Do
If you own a 2021 Audi model listed above and are experiencing an Audi e-tron driver assist malfunction or seeing related warning messages, it's recommended to contact your authorized Audi dealership. Explain the symptoms you are experiencing and mention Technical Service Bulletin 2060332/1 (PSS 90).
Your dealership can confirm if your vehicle is affected and perform the recommended diagnostic and temporary remedy. Since no parts replacement is currently advised, the immediate action is to clear the fault code and await the forthcoming permanent solution from Audi.
Source: NHTSA ID 10178565
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does DTC C12D5FA mean for my Audi?
- DTC C12D5FA indicates that the control unit for driver assist systems (J1121) is reporting that its picture processor is not responding. This often leads to an Audi driver assist malfunction and related warning messages in your instrument cluster.
- Are there any recalls for the 2021 Audi driver assist system malfunction?
- Currently, this issue is addressed by a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 2060332/1), not a recall. A TSB provides guidance to dealerships on how to diagnose and repair common problems, while a recall addresses safety defects and requires manufacturers to notify owners.
- Will I need to replace parts to fix my Audi's driver assist issue?
- According to Audi TSB 2060332/1, no parts replacement is necessary for the intermittent Audi driver assist malfunction indicated by DTC C12D5FA. The issue stems from an overly sensitive diagnostic function, and a software-based solution is anticipated from Audi.
- What should I do if my 2021 Audi shows an 'Adaptive light malfunction' message?
- If your 2021 Audi displays an 'Adaptive light malfunction' or similar driver assist warning, it's advisable to contact your Audi dealership. Reference TSB 2060332/1, as this symptom is directly related to the known issue of an overly sensitive diagnostic function in the driver assist system.
Otras revisiones de este TSB
- 2021-2026 Audi Driver Assist System Fault DTC C12D5FA TSBC12D5FA
- 2021-2026 Audi Driver Assist System Fault TSBC12D5FA
- 2021-2025 Audi Q7/SQ7 Driver Assist System Faults TSBC12D5FA
- 2023-2026 Audi Driver Assist System Fault DTC C12D5FAC12D5FA
- 2021-2023 Audi Q7/SQ7 Driver Assist Systems Unavailable TSBC12D5FA
- 2022-2026 Audi Driver Assist System Fault DTC C12D5FAC12D5FA
- 2021-2022 Audi Driver Assist System Warning TSB 2073986/1C12D5FA
- 2021-2022 Audi Driver Assist System Warnings TSBC12D5FA
What Audi e-tron owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 5 model years.
- 158
- Owner complaints
- 14
- Recalls
- 1,706
- Service bulletins
- 7
- Crashes reported
- 6
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
The 2021 model year
36 complaints, the 2nd most of 5 model years on file. Owners reported 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries for this year, which also has 10 recalls on file.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility and Electrical System and Equipment, the system this article covers, accounts for 81 of 158 complaints (51%), including 24 for 2021.
Complaints by model year
| 2019 | 84 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | |
| 2021 | 36 | |
| 2022 | 31 | |
| 2023 | 6 |
Most-reported systems
- Electrical System — 81
- Power Train — 24
- Engine — 23
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 18
- Service Brakes — 18
Latest recalls for the 2021 model year
- 26V240000 — Service Brakes, Hydraulic (Apr 2026)
- 25V900000 — Back Over Prevention (Dec 2025)
- 23V867000 — Electrical System (Dec 2023)
Recent owner reports about equipment adaptive/mobility and electrical system and equipment
I own a 2021 Audi e-tron with approximately 58000 miles. Beginning in March 2026, the vehicle developed intermittent Virtual Cockpit/instrument-cluster problems with blank display. I reported the condition to Audi dealer of Princeton NJ.
Read owner complaints →What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - While on highway the vehicle loosed all Power indicating Electrical Malfunction How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?
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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