2021-2022 Audi MIB3: Lost Favorites, Destinations, HVAC Settings

Symptoms

Owners of certain 2021-2022 Audi models equipped with the MIB3 infotainment system may experience an issue where their Audi e-tron MIB3 user data lost, specifically: "Last destinations, favorites, home/work addresses, tile arrangement, and user-defined buttons, including on the HVAC screen are sporadically lost." This means that personalized settings and saved information within the infotainment system may disappear unexpectedly. The issue is sporadic, making it difficult to reproduce consistently, even for technicians at the dealership.

Technical Background

Audi has identified that the root cause of this data loss is a software bug within the MIB3 infotainment system. This bug can lead to the loss of user data during the system's boot-up process. While the exact conditions triggering the bug are not fully detailed, it results in the system failing to retain critical personalized information.

Important Warnings

Audi explicitly states, "Do not replace any components for this condition since this will not resolve the customer's concern." This is a crucial directive for both owners and technicians, indicating that hardware replacement will not fix the underlying software issue and would result in unnecessary costs and effort.

Workaround for Audi e-tron MIB3 User Data Lost

While a permanent fix for the Audi e-tron MIB3 user data lost issue is still in development, Audi has provided a temporary workaround. Since December 2021 (CW 50/21), affected vehicles have been migrated to a new connect backend that supports "Personalization 2.0." To leverage this system and help retain your data:

• Ensure you are logged into your myAudi account within the vehicle's MMI system.
• Verify that your privacy settings are not actively preventing data synchronization.

If these conditions are met, the vehicle should store your favorites and other user-specific settings on the myAudi backend system. If data loss still occurs, the system is designed to recover these settings from the backend shortly after the MMI system powers on and establishes a connection to the myAudi service.

Solution Status

Audi has confirmed that a permanent solution for this software bug is currently under development. They anticipate that a fix will be available in the first quarter of 2023, though this timeline is subject to change. This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 91 22 09 2062266/9 will be updated as more information becomes available.

Warranty Information

This TSB is classified as informational only and is not applicable for any Audi Warranty claims. This means that while Audi acknowledges the issue and is working on a solution, any diagnostic time or related efforts by a dealership prior to the release of a definitive fix may not be covered under standard warranty terms.

Additional Information

This bulletin, identified as 91 22 09 2062266/9 and superseding Group 91 number 22-94 dated April 19, 2022, provides guidance for technicians. All part and service references are subject to change, and technicians are advised to check with their Parts Department and ETKA for the latest information. Owners experiencing the Audi e-tron MIB3 user data lost issue should monitor for updates from Audi regarding the permanent software solution.

Source: NHTSA ID 10214808