2021-2026 Audi Horn Sound Quality Poor TSB

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2074436/2, released by Audi on August 15, 2025, addresses a common complaint regarding poor horn sound quality. Owners of various Audi models, including the 2021 Audi e-tron, may experience their horn sounding distorted, too quiet, or temporarily distorted before returning to normal. This issue is primarily attributed to water ingress affecting the horn's internal membrane, which impairs its proper function.

Symptoms

Owners may notice one or more of the following issues with their vehicle's horn:

• The horn sounds distorted.
• The horn is too quiet.
• The horn sounds distorted but returns to normal after being used a few times.

These symptoms are often linked to water affecting the horn's membrane, which can lead to a poor Audi e-tron horn sound quality.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The technical background for this issue points to massive water ingress into the horn. This can happen if water, such as from a steam jet during cleaning, is pointed directly at the horn. When water enters, it impairs the function of the horn's membrane, leading to the observed sound quality problems.

Repair Procedure Summary

Audi's recommended service procedure for addressing the poor horn sound quality involves several steps:

1. Initial Inspection: Ensure the horn is securely connected to its bracket and does not touch any other components. If there's contact, create clearance before proceeding.
2. Attempt Water Removal (In-Situ): Operate the horn for approximately 5 seconds, three times in a row. This action aims to expel any water from within the horn.
3. Further Draining (If Needed): If the complaint persists, the affected horn should be removed from its bracket. Once removed, turn the horn so that the opening of its funnel points towards the floor, allowing any trapped water to drain out.
4. Reassembly and Test: After draining, the horn must be refitted onto its bracket. Operate the horn for about 5 seconds, three times consecutively. Wait approximately half an hour, then press the horn again to check its function.
5. Replacement (If Necessary): If the horn sound quality issue still persists after these steps, the affected horn should be replaced.

Important Note: Do not attempt to open or disassemble the horn to dry it. Doing so can damage the seals and allow water to enter the electronics, which will cause the horn to fail over time.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing poor Audi e-tron horn sound quality or similar issues with your Audi, it is recommended to contact an authorized Audi dealership. They can diagnose the problem according to TSB 2074436/2 and perform the necessary repairs. While the TSB provides guidance for technicians, it also notes that if the vehicle is outside of its warranty period, the bulletin is for informational purposes only, implying potential costs for the owner.

Source: NHTSA ID: 11022668, TSB ID: 2074436/2