2024-2025 Audi Models 'Check Rear Seats' Warning TSB

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2024-2025 Audi models may observe a specific message in the instrument cluster. This message will read either "Please check rear seats" or "Please check rear seats and be aware of door safelock. See owner's manual". Depending on the vehicle model and country, an accompanying warning tone may also sound.

In addition to the message, one of two specific warning light symbols will appear in the instrument cluster. These visual and auditory cues are part of the vehicle's rear occupant detection system.

Understanding the Rear Occupant Detection System

Audi has equipped many of its 2024-2025 models with a first-generation rear occupant detection system, also known as child presence detection 1.0. This system is designed as a safety feature to help prevent tragic incidents where people or animals might be accidentally left inside a vehicle, especially in high temperatures.

This system acts as a reminder for drivers to check the rear seats before leaving the vehicle. The message "Please check rear seats!" serves as a crucial prompt at the end of a journey.

How the System Triggers the Warning

For the 2025 Audi Q8 check rear seats warning, and other affected models, the system operates based on specific conditions. A warning event is detected if a rear door is opened or closed within 10 minutes before the ignition is switched on, or while the ignition is already on.

Once a warning event is detected, the driver will see the message "Please check rear seats!" in the instrument cluster when the journey ends, typically when the ignition is switched off. A warning tone may also be emitted, depending on the model and country. The warning event is cleared only after both rear doors have been closed for 10 minutes and the ignition is switched off. If the ignition is switched on again within 10 minutes and the vehicle is driven, the warning remains active, even if the rear door was not opened again, and will reappear at the end of the next journey.

For e-tron GT models, a special condition applies: the message may appear if the driver's door is closed and ignition is switched off, or if the driver's door is opened and ignition is switched on. Additionally, the "Please check rear seats!" message might appear on the center display's goodbye screen, irrespective of whether the rear doors were opened.

Important Information for Owners

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 00 24 91 2074943/1) is purely informational. It serves to explain a standard safety feature in your vehicle and is not related to a defect or a repair. As such, this TSB is not applicable to any Audi Warranty claims. Audi is NOT notifying consumers about this informational bulletin, so owners should be aware of this feature and its function.

Owner Action

If you experience the 2025 Audi Q8 check rear seats warning, or similar messages in your 2024-2025 Audi, understand that this is a normal function of your vehicle's safety system. There is no repair needed, as it is not a fault. Owners should familiarize themselves with the rear occupant detection feature as described in their vehicle's Owner's Manual to understand its purpose and operation fully.

Source: NHTSA ID 11007217