2021 Audi e-tron Twisted Seat Belt Repair TSB

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles, including the 2021 Audi e-tron, may notice that "One or both of the front seat belts are twisted." This condition can make the seat belt uncomfortable or difficult to use properly.

Technical Background and Cause

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 69 21 71 2058455/5) addresses the issue of twisted front seat belts in various Audi models. The twisting of the seat belt webbing occurs when the seat belt is unbuckled and slightly twists as it retracts. This twist can then move up to the deflector of the seat belt height adjuster.

The primary cause is linked to the vehicle's "seat belt park function," which is a feature of the reversible seat belt tensioners. When this function activates, it can pull the minor twist past the seat belt deflector, resulting in a completely twisted seat belt. This issue affects models including the Audi e-tron, A6, A7, A8, Q8, S6, S7, RS 6, and RS 7.

Production Solution

Audi implemented a production solution to prevent the Audi e-tron twisted seat belt issue. Seat belts with modified deflector guides were introduced in production during the third quarter of 2020 for the A6, A7, A8, Audi e-tron quattro, and Audi e-tron sportback models. For the Audi Q8, modified seat belts were implemented starting in December 2019.

Important Warnings and Advice for Owners

• Do not use sharp objects to remove the old belt guide during any repair attempts. This could damage the seat belt webbing, compromising its safety and integrity.
• Only perform this repair on the affected side. If only one seat belt is twisted, the repair should be limited to that specific side.
• For Q8 models, only order modified seat belts for twist concerns. For other issues not related to twisting, the non-modified seat belts can still be used.
• Warranty Coverage: If your vehicle is outside of the specified warranty period (up to 48 months or 50,000 miles), this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only, and the repair may not be covered by Audi warranty.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for an Audi e-tron twisted seat belt involves replacing the existing seat belt guide with a modified version. The general steps are as follows:

1. Access the Deflector: The upper B-Pillar trim on the affected side must be removed to gain access to the seat belt deflector. This step should be performed according to the Elsa Repair Manual.
2. Remove Old Components: The bolt securing the seat belt deflector is removed (Figure 1 shows the deflector at the height adjuster). The old plastic belt guide is then carefully detached from the steel deflector. This involves detaching it from the bolt hole and pressing out the lower section (Figures 2 and 3 illustrate this process).
3. Correct the Twist: With the old belt guide removed, the seat belt webbing is turned to remove any existing twist (Figure 4 demonstrates the old guide removed and twist corrected).
4. Install New Components: A modified belt guide is installed. Part number 4K8 857 799 is used for the front driver side, and 4K8 857 800 for the front passenger side. The new guide is installed by starting at the deflector metal tab (Figure 5) and then pushed into the bolt hole until the plastic retainers snap into place (Figure 6).
5. Inspection and Reassembly: The proper installation of the guide's locking tabs at the bolt hole is inspected (Figure 7 and 8). The seat belt deflector is reinstalled at the height adjuster, and the seat belt is fully pulled out to confirm it retracts correctly. Finally, the B-Pillar trim is reinstalled.

For Q8 models, if the seat belt itself is twisted, the affected front seat belt(s) should be replaced entirely according to the Elsa Repair Manual, using the appropriate modified seat belt part numbers from the parts table.

Required Tools or Parts

To address the Audi e-tron twisted seat belt issue, specific modified parts are required:

• Relay fitting, left front: 4K8 857 799 (for A6, A7, A8, Audi e-tron quattro, and Audi e-tron sportback)
• Relay fitting, right front: 4K8 857 800 (for A6, A7, A8, Audi e-tron quattro, and Audi e-tron sportback)

For Q8 models requiring seat belt replacement due to twisting, the following modified three-point automatic seat belt part numbers with belt tensioners may be needed (quantity 01 as needed; refer to ETKA for color code):

Old Part Number	New Part Number	Description
4M8857705*	4M8857705C*	Three-point automatic seat belt with belt tensioner
4M8857706*	4M8857706C*	Three-point automatic seat belt with belt tensioner
4M8857705A*	4M8857705D*	Three-point automatic seat belt with belt tensioner
4M8857706A*	4M8857706D*	Three-point automatic seat belt with belt tensioner
4M8857705B*	4M8857705E*	Three-point automatic seat belt with belt tensioner
4M8857706B*	4M8857706E*	Three-point automatic seat belt with belt tensioner
4ML857705*	4ML857705A*	Three-point automatic seat belt with belt tensioner
4ML857706*	4ML857706A*	Three-point automatic seat belt with belt tensioner

Fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws may also be needed as per the Repair Manual.

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under Audi's warranty program under the following conditions:

• Claim Type 110: Up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Claim Type G10: For Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, verification of owner eligibility is required.

All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty. If the vehicle is outside these warranty parameters, the Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only, and the repair cost may be borne by the owner.

Service Information

• Service Number: 6913
• Damage Code: 0010
• Labor Operations:
  • Modify 1 front belt (6911 4999): 40 TU (A6 and A7 family), 50 TU (A8, Audi e-tron quattro, and Audi e-tron sportback)
  • Modify 2 front belts (6911 5099): 70 TU (A6 and A7 family), 90 TU (A8), 80 TU (Audi e-tron quattro, and Audi e-tron sportback)
  • Q8 Only - Remove and install 1 belt (6911 1900): See SRT with associated operations
  • Q8 Only - Remove and install 2 belts (6911 2000): See SRT with associated operations
• Diagnostic Time: GFF (0150 0000 for Q8 Only), with time stated on the diagnostic protocol (Max 50 TU).
• Road Test: No allowance for road tests prior to or after the service procedure (0 TU).
• Claim Comment: As per TSB #2058455/5.

NHTSA ID: 10202592