2022-2026 Audi Models: Recall Repair Not Yet Available

Audi has issued a Campaign Tip, identified as NHTSA ID 11009983, to its dealer personnel on October 07, 2024. This communication addresses how dealers should manage customer concerns for 2022-2026 Audi models when a safety or compliance recall has been issued, but the necessary repair or remedy is not yet available. This situation is referred to as a "Repair Not Available (RNA) status."

This tip is crucial for owners who might be experiencing Audi recall symptoms related to an announced recall. It clarifies the procedures dealers must follow to ensure customer safety and compliance with federal regulations, even before a final recall fix is developed and distributed.

Understanding the "Repair Not Available (RNA) Status"

When a recall is announced, but the manufacturer has not yet finalized the repair procedure or produced the necessary parts, the recall is considered to have a "Repair Not Available (RNA) status." This doesn't mean the recall isn't serious or that the issue isn't being addressed. Instead, it indicates that the engineering and logistics required for a widespread fix are still in progress.

For owners, this can be a confusing period, especially if their vehicle is exhibiting Audi recall symptoms that they believe are linked to the recall. Audi's Campaign Tip aims to provide clear guidance to dealers on how to handle these interim situations.

Dealer Responsibilities for Customer Concerns

Audi's Campaign Tip, NHTSA ID 11009983, explicitly instructs dealers to continue diagnosing and repairing customer vehicle concerns as needed. This applies even if the symptoms appear to be related to a recall that is currently in an RNA status. Dealers are expected to use existing parts and procedures to address the immediate issue.

It is important for owners to understand that any work performed to address these immediate concerns cannot be billed or claimed against the future recall remedy. This means that while your dealer will work to resolve the current problem, the specific recall repair, once available, will be a separate process.

Important Warnings Regarding Vehicle Sales

The Campaign Tip includes a critical reminder about federal law concerning vehicles affected by safety and compliance recalls. These warnings are designed to protect consumers and ensure that unsafe vehicles are not sold or leased.

For new vehicles in dealer inventory, Audi states: "It is a violation of federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle or any new or used item of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by this notification under a sale or lease until the defect or noncompliance is remedied. By law, dealers must correct, prior to delivery for sale or lease, any vehicle that fails to comply with an applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard or that contains a defect relating to motor vehicle safety."

Similarly, for pre-owned vehicles, the directive is clear: "Dealers should not deliver any pre-owned vehicles in their inventory which are involved in a safety or compliance recall until the defect has been remedied." These regulations ensure that no vehicle with an unaddressed safety recall can be sold or leased to a customer, regardless of whether the final repair is available.

What This Means for Audi Owners

If you own a 2022-2026 Audi model and are experiencing issues that you suspect are related to a known recall with an RNA status, this Campaign Tip confirms that your dealer should still address your concerns. While the official recall remedy might not be ready, the dealer is obligated to diagnose and repair any immediate problems using standard procedures and parts.

This ensures that you are not left with a potentially unsafe or malfunctioning vehicle while waiting for a recall fix. The focus is on resolving the current operational issues your vehicle might have, even if the underlying recall is still under development.

Next Steps for Owners

If your Audi is exhibiting Audi recall symptoms or any other issues that you believe might be connected to an announced recall, contact your authorized Audi dealer immediately. Inform them about the symptoms you are experiencing and mention any known recalls for your vehicle, even if they have an RNA status.

Your dealer will be able to advise you on the appropriate steps for diagnosis and repair. Remember that while the immediate concern will be addressed, the official recall remedy will be performed once it becomes available from Audi.

Source: NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 11009983