2023-2024 Audi Seat Backrest Cracking Noise

The 2023-2024 Audi e-tron, along with many other Audi models, may experience an annoying cracking noise emanating from the front seat backrest. This issue, detailed in Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2074721/1, has been traced to specific components within the lumbar support mechanism. Owners searching for "Audi e-tron seat noise" will find this bulletin provides a clear explanation and a defined repair process.

Symptoms of Front Seat Cracking Noise

Owners of affected Audi vehicles, including the 2023-2024 Audi e-tron, have reported "cracking noises at frame of front seat backrests." This sound is typically heard from the front seats and can be a persistent distraction during driving.

Technical Background

Audi's workshop findings indicate that the "cracking noise localized to riveted fasteners of the lumbar support with the part number 3Q0.881.879.G or 4M0.881.879.B." The TSB explains that "tolerance overlaps on front seat frames can cause the described noise which is only heard in rare cases in the passenger compartment." This suggests that slight manufacturing variations in the seat frame components can lead to the fasteners rubbing or moving, creating the audible cracking.

Diagnosis and Repair Procedure Summary

When diagnosing the "Audi e-tron seat noise," technicians will first verify the presence and source of the cracking noise. The repair procedure, as outlined in TSB 2074721/1, involves replacing the affected lumbar support. This is done in accordance with the Workshop Manual. The TSB specifies labor operations for replacing either one side (Service Number 7234, Labor Operation 7234 19XX) or both sides (Service Number 7234, Labor Operation 7234 2099) of the lumbar support, depending on where the noise originates.

Required Parts

To perform this repair, the following parts may be required:

• Lumbar support: Refer to the parts catalog (ETKA) for the correct part number.
• Child seat anchoring system bolt (front passenger seat only): Part Number N 90737101 (quantity 02 if applicable).
• Rivet: Part Number 8S8898955 (quantity 01 per seat).

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

Audi emphasizes several crucial points regarding this Technical Service Bulletin:

• Warranty Coverage: "If the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only." This means out-of-warranty repairs for the "Audi e-tron seat noise" may not be covered by Audi.
• Billing Requirements: For warranty claims, technicians must attach a video clearly showing the complaint to Doc-It. This video must include the vehicle's chassis number and the date to ensure proper reference and should not show any persons, faces, vehicle registration numbers, or customer data.
• Superseded Bulletin: This TSB (2074721/1) replaces the previous Pending Service Solution (PSS) TSB 2072225, which also addressed "72 PSS Noise from backrest of front seat."

NHTSA Source: NHTSA ID 11005910