2022-2026 Audi Taillight Cracks and Damage TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 94 24 82 2074347/1 to provide guidance on diagnosing optical concerns with taillights, specifically focusing on cracks and other forms of damage. This TSB, effective June 28, 2024, applies to a wide range of Audi vehicles from 2005 to 2025, including the 2022-2026 Audi e-tron and many other models. The document helps technicians determine if the damage is due to aggressive chemical substances or external mechanical force, neither of which is typically covered under Audi's warranty.

Symptoms of Taillight Damage

Owners may observe various visual issues with their vehicle's taillights. These symptoms can appear on taillights located in the side panel, rear lid, or bumper.

Common customer statements include:

• Visual damage and/or cracks, which can sometimes be severe.
• Cracks in the taillight lens, often concentrated in the center.
• A broken lens.
• Cracks appearing on the outside of the lens.
• Leakage or water ingress into the taillight assembly.

Workshop findings may confirm these complaints, noting water or water droplets within the taillight cluster. Technicians might also detect a leak between the lens and the headlight housing.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

The TSB identifies two primary causes for Audi e-tron taillight cracks and damage:

1. Damage from Aggressive Substances

Aggressive substances can penetrate the plastic lens, leading to cracks. The severity depends on the substance's composition, concentration, exposure time, and temperature. Examples of such substances include:

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

It's important to note that taillights are not designed for polishing, as this can compromise the outer layer of the lenses, making them more susceptible to damage from these substances. Further indications of chemical damage include cracks across multiple taillights on a single vehicle, residual polish on the taillights and vehicle body, and white discoloration near cracks on the lens, indicating a chemical reaction.

2. Damage from External Application of Force

Physical impacts or collisions can also cause Audi e-tron taillight cracks and damage. This can manifest as cracks on the taillight lens or damage to the welded joints between the lens and the headlight housing, potentially leading to water intrusion.

To confirm external force as the cause, technicians perform checks for:

• Damage to the vehicle body.
• General damage or paintwork damage in the area of the taillight cut-out on the vehicle body or bumper cover.
• Damage to the vehicle underbody, particularly the bottom of the bumper cover, which could press against the light and cause cracks if it makes contact with the ground.
• Paintwork damage on the taillight lens if the welded joint between the lens and housing is broken.

Cracks resulting from tension or component deformation typically start at the outer edge of the lens and progress inward. Conversely, cracks located in the center of the lens usually indicate that tension is not the cause.

Important Warnings for Owners

This TSB, identified as 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. Owners should be aware that if their taillight damage is determined to be caused by aggressive substances or external force, the repair costs will likely not be covered under warranty.

Audi advises customers that general information about the proper use of cleaning and care products can be found in their vehicle's Owner's Manual. It is recommended to adapt the proportion of anti-freeze additive in the windscreen washer system to operating conditions and ideally use Audi Genuine washer fluid. When temperatures are warm enough, a washer fluid without anti-freeze additive should be used in the specified dosage to prevent damage to taillights upon contact.

Owner Action

If you observe Audi e-tron taillight cracks or other damage, it is advisable to visit an authorized Audi service center for diagnosis. While the TSB clarifies that such damage is typically not covered under warranty, a professional assessment can help identify the exact cause. Be prepared that any necessary repairs, such as replacing the damaged taillight assembly, may be out-of-pocket expenses. Technicians will require photo documentation of the concern, following guidelines in TSB 2061922 94, for any claims review.

NHTSA ID: 11003026