2021-2024 Audi Q7/Q8 Hood Release Lever Color Mismatch TSB

Owners of 2021-2024 Audi Q7, Q8, SQ7, SQ8, and RS Q8 models may notice that the color of their vehicle's hood release lever handle does not perfectly match the adjacent A-pillar lower trim panel. This observation is addressed by Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 55 23 77 2054719/4, which clarifies the reason behind this perceived discrepancy.

This TSB is crucial for any owner concerned about the appearance of their vehicle's interior, particularly if they observe an Audi Q8 hood release lever color mismatch.

Symptoms: Hood Release Lever Color Mismatch

The primary symptom reported by customers is that the hood release lever handle's color is different from the A-pillar lower trim panel. This is purely an aesthetic concern, as the function of the hood release lever remains unaffected.

Technical Explanation of the Color Difference

Audi implemented a change in production beginning with the 2019 model year. The range of available color variants for the hood release lever handle was reduced from four to two. Originally, the colors included:

• 4PK (Black)
• SF3 (Pistachio Beige)
• DS2 (Granite Grey)
• MG6 (Rock Grey)

After the change, only two colors remained available for the hood release lever handle: 4PK (Black) and SF3 (Pistachio Beige). However, the number of interior colors for the A-pillar lower trim panel remained the same. This difference in available component colors can result in the hood release lever handle not perfectly matching the A-pillar lower trim panel, leading to the Audi Q8 hood release lever color mismatch that owners might observe.

Important Information for Owners

Audi explicitly states in TSB 55 23 77 2054719/4 that this color difference is an intended change in production. Therefore, it is not considered a defect requiring repair.

Owners should note:

• "Do not replace the hood release lever handle for this appearance issue. Hood release lever handles replaced for this appearance reason will be denied."
• This TSB is informational only and "not applicable to any Audi warranty." This means any attempt to replace the part due to color mismatch will not be covered under warranty.

Bulletin History and Revisions

This Technical Service Bulletin, 55 23 77 2054719/4, was issued on June 13, 2023. It supersedes a previous bulletin, Group 55 number 22-68, dated April 7, 2022. The revisions primarily involved updating the header to include additional model years. Earlier revisions also added model years to the scope of the bulletin.

What This Means for Your Audi

If you own a 2021-2024 Audi Q7, Q8, SQ7, SQ8, or RS Q8 and have noticed an Audi Q8 hood release lever color mismatch, rest assured that this is an intentional design outcome from a production change. No action is required on your part, and attempting to have the part replaced for this reason will not be covered under warranty.

NHTSA ID: 10238166