2022-2026 Audi Safety Related Incident Reporting TSB 2052680

What is TSB 2052680/5?

Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2052680/5, titled "00 Additional Reporting Requirements - Safety Related Inquiry," provides crucial guidelines for technicians on when and how to report specific safety-related incidents involving Audi vehicles. This bulletin, last revised on February 12, 2026, emphasizes Audi's commitment to monitoring vehicle and part safety in the market. It applies to all Audi vehicles from model years 1999 through 2026, though the specific vehicles linked to this document by NHTSA cover 2022-2026 models.

The TSB serves as a critical tool for Audi of America to gather comprehensive data on potential safety issues, enabling them to identify and address risks at an early stage. By standardizing the reporting process for an Audi safety related inquiry, the manufacturer ensures that all relevant information is collected for proper investigation and analysis.

Why Audi Requires This Reporting

As the importer, Audi of America is legally and ethically obligated to continuously monitor the safety performance of its vehicles and components in the market. This proactive approach allows the company to identify potential safety defects or design flaws before they become widespread problems. The data collected through these reporting requirements is vital for understanding real-world incident scenarios and for making informed decisions regarding product improvements, service campaigns, or recalls.

This systematic collection of incident data helps Audi maintain high safety standards and respond effectively to emerging issues. The process ensures that every Audi safety related inquiry is documented thoroughly, providing a clear picture for engineers and safety experts.

Incidents Requiring Immediate Reporting

Technicians are required to report a range of incidents that fall under the umbrella of a safety-related inquiry. These reporting obligations are critical for Audi's safety monitoring program. Key scenarios that necessitate reporting include:

• Airbag/Seatbelt Deployment: Any instance where an airbag or seatbelt tensioner has deployed, or failed to deploy, regardless of whether the customer perceives it as faulty or is seeking compensation.
• General Accidents: All general accidents involving Audi vehicles.
• Fire and Overheat Damage: Any vehicle fire damage, including those with open flames, smoldering, or overheating. Technicians are specifically instructed not to conduct a pre-analysis in these cases to allow manufacturer experts to perform an unbiased investigation.
• Accidents with Personal Injury or Property Damage: Incidents where the customer or owner intends to pursue legal action against the manufacturer.
• Accident Damage with Media Threat: Cases where the customer or owner does not intend to sue but threatens to contact the media. Reporting enables Audi to investigate and prepare for potential public inquiry.
• Accidents and "Near Miss Accidents": Situations where workshop personnel believe there might be a system fault, even if no direct injury or significant damage occurred.
• Non-Typical Defects: Any unusual defects observed on vehicles that increase safety risk in various traffic conditions, including flowing traffic, stationary traffic, or during accidents.

Reporting Process for Technicians

To report these incidents, technicians must utilize the Audi Technical Assistance Center (TAC) system by creating a WEB ticket. This ensures that the case is directed to the appropriate investigation team for review. When creating the WEB ticket, it is crucial to select the correct concern type: "Safety Related Inquiry per TSB 2052680."

Technicians have two contact options for follow-up: either calling immediately or waiting for a web response, which typically takes up to two business hours. This structured approach ensures that all necessary information for an Audi safety related inquiry is captured efficiently.

Important Warnings for Technicians

This TSB includes critical advisories that technicians must follow to ensure the integrity of the investigation and proper handling of vehicles:

• Report Before Repair: "This information must be reported before the repair!" This instruction is paramount. Technicians should not proceed with repairs until the incident has been officially reported, as early reporting preserves crucial evidence for Audi's investigation.
• Two-Hour Response Rule: "After two hours, if the WEB ticket has not been responded to, proceed with repairing the vehicle as needed. In this scenario, ensure that the case is updated with precise details regarding the exact repair performed before closing the case." This allows for timely vehicle service while still ensuring that Audi receives the necessary information for their records.

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation is essential for any Audi safety related inquiry. Technicians are required to provide comprehensive details and visual evidence:

• Photographic Evidence: Damage documentation must include overall views of the vehicle from all sides, close-up images of damaged or failed components, and photos of the front airbag deployment areas (cross member and side member) if applicable. These images should be taken at several zoom levels to capture all relevant details.
• Detailed Accident Description: A precise and detailed description of the accident or incident is critical for the investigation.
• Data Protection: When submitting photos or videos, technicians must ensure that personal data, such as license plates, vehicle identification numbers (VINs), or billing information, is not visible to protect privacy.

All photos and additional documentation must be included with the Repair Order to create a complete record of the incident.

Parts Handling for Investigation

To facilitate precise damage assessment and product observation, every case is investigated individually by a dedicated team. This often requires the physical examination of damaged parts in a laboratory setting. Therefore, technicians are instructed to:

• Retain All Removed Parts: All removed parts related to the incident must be kept together as a single package.
• Do Not Separate Parts: Individual parts should not be separated from the package.

Audi will request these parts through normal part procurement methods, and a shipping request will be made via the Warranty Parts Portal. This process may be initiated even before a claim is filed, underscoring the immediate need for analysis in these instances.

Warranty Information

It is important for technicians to note that TSB 2052680/5 is purely informational. It outlines reporting obligations and does not directly apply to any Audi Warranty claims. Warranty coverage for repairs related to these incidents will be determined separately based on standard warranty policies and procedures.

Additional Resources

All part and service references mentioned in TSB 2052680/5 are subject to change or removal. Technicians should always consult their Parts Department and/or ETKA for the most current information and parts bulletins. Additionally, the Repair Manual should be checked for any fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws that require replacement during a repair.

---

Source: NHTSA ID: 11029369