2023-2026 Audi Taillight Damage: Aggressive Substances or Force?

Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 94 24 82 2074347/1 addresses common optical concerns with taillights across various Audi models, including the 2023-2026 Audi e-tron. This TSB, issued on June 28, 2024, helps technicians and owners understand the different causes of taillight damage and their implications for warranty coverage. The bulletin details two primary causes: damage from aggressive substances and damage from external application of force.

Symptoms of Taillight Damage

Owners may observe various forms of damage to their Audi's taillights. These can include visual damage, cracks in the side panel, rear lid, or bumper-mounted taillights. In severe cases, the lens might appear broken or show signs of water ingress.

Specific symptoms reported by owners include:

• Visual damage and/or cracks in taillights, sometimes severe.
• Cracks in the taillight lens, often concentrated in the center.
• A broken lens or cracks on the outside of the lens.
• Leakage or water accumulation within the taillight assembly.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

This TSB provides guidance for workshops to determine the root cause of the taillight damage, which is crucial for warranty assessment. The diagnosis differentiates between damage caused by chemical exposure and physical impact.

Damage from Aggressive Substances

Aggressive substances can penetrate the plastic lens, leading to cracks. The severity of the damage depends on the substance's components, concentration, exposure time, and temperature. Indicators that aggressive substances are the cause include:

• Cracks that are identical or similar to those shown in the TSB's figures, often affecting multiple taillights on a single vehicle.
• Presence of residual polish on the taillights and vehicle body.
• White discoloration on the black light housing near a crack on the lens, indicating a chemical reaction.

Examples of substances that can cause this type of damage include:

• Washer fluid with an increased proportion of anti-freeze additive, especially in vehicles with a rear window wiper.
• Undiluted washer fluid or anti-freeze additive.
• Window de-icer products.
• Aggressive or highly concentrated cleaning agents used in car washes.
• Aggressive general care products, such as polish and other cleaning agents.

Damage from External Application of Force

Damage resulting from external force typically involves an impact to the lens or a collision. This can cause cracks in the taillight lens or break the welded joints between the lens and the headlight housing, leading to water entry. Indications of external force damage include:

• Cracks that are identical or similar to those shown in the TSB's figures.
• Evidence of general damage or paintwork damage on the vehicle body or bumper cover, particularly near the taillight cut-out or the underbody of the bumper cover if it makes contact with the light.
• Paintwork damage on the taillight lens if the welded joint between the lens and housing is broken.

Cracks caused by tension, such as component deformation, typically start at the outer edge of the lens and move inward. In contrast, cracks in the center of the lens usually suggest that tension is not the primary cause.

Important Warnings

Audi advises owners and technicians about specific practices to prevent taillight damage and clarifies warranty coverage:

• Do not polish taillights: The taillights are not designed for polishing, as this can damage the outer layer of the lenses, allowing aggressive substances to penetrate the plastic more easily.
• Avoid aggressive cleaning agents: Cleaning agents with a high proportion of alcohol should not be used, as they can facilitate crack formation, especially under high temperatures or sunlight exposure.
• Washer fluid concentration: Ensure the proportion of anti-freeze additive in the windshield washer system is appropriate for operating conditions. Excessive anti-freeze can damage taillights upon contact. Audi recommends using Audi Genuine washer fluid and, ideally, a non-anti-freeze washer fluid in warmer temperatures according to specified dosages.

General information regarding the use of cleaning and care products can be found in your Audi Owner's Manual.

What Owners Should Know About Warranty

This TSB, 94 24 82 2074347/1, is for informational purposes only and does not apply to any Audi Warranty. Claims for part replacements outlined within this TSB will not be reimbursed by Audi. For other claims, photo documentation is required for review. Technicians are instructed to take photos of the customer concern and upload them into DOC-IT with the repair order, following guidelines in TSB 2061922 94, which details how to properly document optical concerns for headlights and taillights.

Owner Action

If you observe Audi e-tron taillight damage or similar issues on your 2023-2026 Audi, it is recommended to consult with an authorized Audi service center. They can properly diagnose the cause of the damage based on the guidelines provided in TSB 94 24 82 2074347/1 and advise on potential repair costs and warranty eligibility. Be prepared to discuss any cleaning products or substances used on your vehicle.

NHTSA ID: 11002957