2021 Audi Multi-function Steering Wheel Parts Return Notice

Why Audi Issued This Notice

Audi issued Special Notice SM 38-2021, a Parts Circular, to manage the inventory of multi-function steering wheel components. The primary goal of this directive was to ensure that only the most current and updated parts are available for service and installation in customer vehicles. By removing older generation parts from the supply chain, Audi aims to maintain high quality standards and customer satisfaction for the Audi multi-function steering wheel.

This notice is not a recall for vehicles already on the road, but rather an internal inventory management process for dealerships. It ensures that if your 2021 Audi e-tron, A6, or A7 requires a replacement multi-function steering wheel, the part used will meet the latest specifications.

Affected Multi-function Steering Wheel Parts

The Special Notice specifically identifies certain multi-function steering wheel part numbers that dealers were instructed to return. These include:

• 4KE-419-091-A -JAJ (Multi-function Steering Wheel)
• 4KE-419-091-A -JQM
• 4KE-419-091-B -JQP

The key criterion for return was the "Generation Level" of the part. Dealers were asked to return all parts with a Generation Level prior to "07S." An example provided in the notice explicitly states "Generation 06S = Not Ok," indicating that parts with this or earlier generation levels were to be removed from inventory.

What This Means for Owners

While this notice primarily targets dealer inventory, it has a positive implication for owners of affected 2021 Audi models, including the e-tron, A6, and A7. If your vehicle ever requires a replacement Audi multi-function steering wheel, this directive helps ensure that the part installed will be of the latest approved generation. This proactive measure by Audi aims to prevent potential issues associated with earlier component versions and maintain the overall quality and functionality of your vehicle's steering system.

Owners do not need to take any direct action in response to this Parts Circular. It is an internal process for Audi dealerships to manage their stock of components. However, being aware of such notices can provide confidence that your vehicle is being maintained with up-to-date parts.

Important Dealer Instructions and Past Deadline

Audi provided specific instructions to dealers regarding the return process. Dealers were required to return the affected parts to their facing Parts Distribution Center (PDC) "no later than 5/24/2020." It is important to note that this deadline was in the past relative to the document's issue date of May 3rd, 2021, suggesting this notice might be a follow-up or a clarification of an earlier directive, or the date itself is a typo in the original document. The notice explicitly stated:

"Items returned after the above-mentioned date WILL NOT be accepted on any type of return/buyback."

This crucial warning emphasized the strict adherence required for the return timeline to ensure dealers received credit for the returned inventory. Dealers were also advised to re-order any necessary new materials using the same part number, implying that updated versions of these parts would be supplied.

Dealer Return Process Summary

To facilitate the return of the older generation Audi multi-function steering wheel parts, Audi outlined a clear claims procedure for dealerships:

1. Dealers had to file a separate "Claim with Return," selecting "Dlr Sup. Req. Return" as the item type and referencing the Special Notice Number and Parts Circular number in their comments.
2. They were instructed to review "Parts On Command" the following day for the Delivery List document and contact their PDC for any issues.
3. A specific 40000XXXXX delivery document number needed to be entered on a YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label.
4. This YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label was to be adhered to the package(s) containing the returned parts.
5. Finally, one copy of the Delivery Document had to be included with the returned part(s).

This detailed process ensured proper tracking and credit for the returned inventory, contributing to the overall efficiency of Audi's parts supply chain.

Source: NHTSA ID 10193274