2021-2023 Audi Driving Disc Parts Return SM 01-2023

Audi has issued an internal communication, Special Notice SM 01-2023, aimed at its parts managers and inventory staff. This notice, dated January 25, 2023, outlines a mandatory return program for a specific vehicle component, the Driving Disc, to ensure that only high-quality parts are supplied to customers.

This Special Notice SM 01-2023 is not a recall affecting vehicles already on the road but rather a proactive measure to manage dealership inventory. It helps to maintain the quality and reliability of parts used in service and repairs for various 2021-2023 Audi models, including the A4, A5, A6, A7, Q5, Q7, and Q8.

Affected Component: Audi Driving Disc Part Number 059-105-323-BN

The core of this parts circular concerns the Driving Disc, identified by part number 059-105-323-BN. A driving disc is a critical component, typically found within the powertrain system, responsible for transmitting power. Issues with this part could potentially affect vehicle performance or longevity, though the specific nature of the defect prompting this return is not detailed in the notice.

This Audi Driving Disc parts return ensures that any potentially substandard parts are removed from the supply chain before they can be installed in a customer's vehicle. The notice emphasizes the importance of this return for improving the overall quality of parts reaching Audi customers.

Identifying Affected Production Dates

Only Driving Discs with specific production dates are affected by this Special Notice. Parts managers must check their inventory for the 059-105-323-BN Driving Disc bearing the following production dates:

• 4512
• 4513
• 4812
• 4813
• 4814
• 4815
• 0221
• 0222
• 0224

It is crucial to note that all other production dates for the 059-105-323-BN Driving Disc are considered acceptable and do not need to be returned. This precise identification process helps to streamline the return effort and minimize unnecessary disruptions.

Important Warnings and Deadlines

Audi has set a strict deadline for the return of these affected parts. Dealerships must return their inventory of the listed material numbers to their facing Parts Distribution Center (PDC) no later than February 15, 2023. This deadline is critical because items returned after this date WILL NOT be accepted on any type of return/buyback.

This notice is directed at dealerships and parts managers; Audi is not directly notifying vehicle owners about this internal parts management action. Owners should understand that this process is designed to prevent potential issues by ensuring that only compliant parts are used for service and repair.

Dealership Return Procedures

For dealerships, the process for returning the affected Audi Driving Disc parts return involves several steps to ensure proper credit and inventory management:

1. File a separate "Claim with Return" using the "Dlr Sup. Req. Return" item type, including the Special Notice Number and Parts Circular number in the dealer comments.
2. Review "Parts On Command" the following day for the Delivery List document and contact the PDC for any issues.
3. Enter the 40000XXXXX delivery document number on a YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label.
4. Adhere the YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label to the package(s) containing the returned parts.
5. Include one copy of the Delivery Document with the returned part(s).

Ensuring Quality Replacements

After returning the affected Driving Discs, dealerships are instructed to re-order any required new materials using the same part number, 059-105-323-BN. This confirms that the issue is specific to certain production batches, and newly manufactured parts under the same part number are expected to meet Audi's quality standards. This proactive inventory management helps ensure that any future service involving a Driving Disc will utilize a part free from the identified production anomaly.

NHTSA ID: 10230990