2018-2023 Audi Seat Belt Hard to Latch in Buckle TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 69 21 72 2063398/2, superseding previous bulletin 21-66, to address concerns regarding seat belts that are hard to latch or cannot be latched in the belt buckle. This TSB applies to various 2018-2023 Audi models. The bulletin clarifies the common causes for this issue and outlines the diagnostic steps for technicians.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may experience the following:

• "The seat belt is hard to latch or cannot be latched in the belt buckle."

Workshop findings confirm that this customer concern can be duplicated by technicians.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

According to Audi's technical background, the primary reasons for an Audi seat belt hard to latch are external factors. Analysis of affected belt buckles frequently reveals evidence of outside influence.

Common culprits include foreign objects, sticky fluids, or damage caused by third parties. For instance, the use of a seat belt adapter, sometimes referred to as a "dummy clip," can lead to mechanical damage that prevents the belt buckle from latching properly.

Repair Procedure Summary

When diagnosing an Audi seat belt hard to latch, technicians are instructed to perform two key checks:

1. Inspect for Foreign Objects and Fluids: The belt buckle should be thoroughly checked for any foreign objects or traces of fluid spills inside the mechanism. These can obstruct the latching process.
2. Examine for Mechanical Damage: Technicians must look for mechanical damage to the belt buckle itself. This damage is often a result of outside influence, such as the improper use or removal of a seat belt adapter or dummy clip.

No specific production solution is applicable, indicating that the issue stems from external factors rather than a manufacturing defect.

Important Warnings for Owners

Owners should be aware of critical warranty information related to this issue:

• "This damage is due to outside influence and is not covered by any Audi Warranty."
• "Claims for replaced parts will not be reimbursed."

This means that if your Audi seat belt hard to latch issue is found to be caused by foreign objects, sticky fluids, or mechanical damage from external factors, the repair costs will not be covered under your Audi warranty.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing an Audi seat belt hard to latch, it is recommended to visit an authorized Audi dealer. They can properly diagnose the cause of the issue and advise on the necessary repairs. Be prepared for potential out-of-pocket expenses if the problem is determined to be due to outside influence.

Revision History

This bulletin, 69 21 72 2063398/2, dated October 12, 2021, is Revision 2. It supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 69 number 21-66, dated May 18, 2021. The revision included an updated header, added Model Year 2023 to the affected vehicles, and corrected an Elsa display issue.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10202593