2021-2023 Audi e-tron Booster Parts Return Notice

Audi has issued Special Notice SM 16-2023, a Parts Circular, to its dealers concerning the inventory management of certain "Booster" components. This notice is crucial for ensuring that only the most current and correct parts are available for service and repair of 2021-2023 Audi e-tron vehicles. It outlines a process for dealers to return specific material numbers to their facing Parts Distribution Center (PDC).

This document primarily serves as an internal communication to Audi parts managers and inventory personnel. It aims to streamline the supply chain and ensure that only approved components are used in vehicle maintenance and repairs, ultimately benefiting Audi e-tron owners by ensuring high-quality parts availability.

Affected Parts and Generation Levels

The Special Notice identifies two specific "Booster" part numbers that are subject to this return directive:

• 4KE-035-225 (Booster)
• 83A-035-225 (Booster)

Crucially, the notice specifies a generation level requirement for these parts. "Only parts with generation level 10S and greater are good. All lesser generation levels are affected and must be returned." This means any inventory of these part numbers with a generation level below 10S is considered obsolete or incorrect and must be sent back. The notice includes an image example of a part label showing "83A 035 225 A (10S)" to illustrate the generation level marking.

Important Deadlines and Warnings

Audi has set a strict deadline for the return of these affected parts. Dealers must return their inventory of the above-listed material numbers to their facing PDC no later than 4/14/2023. This deadline is critical for dealers to receive credit for the returned parts and to maintain an accurate inventory.

The notice explicitly states a significant warning regarding late returns: "Items returned after the above-mentioned date WILL NOT be accepted on any type of return/buyback." This underscores the importance of adhering to the specified timeline. Furthermore, if new materials are required, dealers are instructed to "re-order required new materials using the same part number," implying that updated versions meeting the 10S generation level will be supplied.

Dealer Return Procedure Summary

For dealers to cooperate effectively with this Audi e-tron booster return initiative, the following claims procedures are to be followed:

1. File a Claim: Dealers must file a separate "Claim with Return," selecting "Dlr Sup. Req. Return" under the item type. This claim should include dealer comments referencing the Special Notice Number (SM 16-2023) and Parts Circular number.
2. Review Delivery List: Dealers need to review "Parts On Command" the following day for the Delivery List document. Any problems or delays should be communicated to their facing PDC.
3. Enter Delivery Document Number: The dealer's 40000XXXXX delivery document number must be entered on a YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label.
4. Adhere Return Label: The YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label must be adhered to the package(s) containing the returned parts.
5. Include Delivery Document: One copy of the Delivery Document must be included with the returned part(s).

What This Means for Audi e-tron Owners

While this Special Notice is directed at dealers, it indirectly benefits 2021-2023 Audi e-tron owners. By ensuring that dealers return older generation "Booster" parts and re-order current ones, Audi maintains the integrity of its parts supply chain. This process helps guarantee that any replacement "Booster" parts installed in your Audi e-tron will be of the latest approved generation, contributing to the vehicle's optimal performance and safety. If you are seeking service or repairs involving these components, this notice helps ensure your dealer has the correct parts on hand.

Source: NHTSA ID 10233633