2023-2025 Audi Black Trim Discoloration TSB 2078651/3

Owners of various 2023-2025 Audi models, including the A5, A6, A7, Q3, and Q8, may observe an aesthetic issue with their vehicle's black exterior trim. This concern, specifically involving the "black styling package," manifests as a noticeable discoloration of the trim strips. Audi has addressed this with Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2078651/3, which provides guidance for diagnosing and resolving the problem of "Audi black trim discoloration."

This TSB, identified as Transaction No. 2078651/3, details a condition affecting the appearance and surface quality of exterior trim components. It offers a comprehensive overview of the issue, its technical background, the production solution implemented, and the service procedure for affected vehicles.

TSB Details and Revision History

Technical Service Bulletin 2078651/3 is categorized with a Level of EH and is currently released for publishing. Its official release date is October 17, 2025. The bulletin has undergone several revisions to refine its scope and instructions:

• Revision 3: The header was revised to add model codes, ensuring clearer identification of affected vehicles.
• Revision 2: Dated September 12, 2025, this revision also updated the header, specifically to remove PR criteria.
• Revision 1: The initial publication of this bulletin occurred on July 21, 2025.

Object of Complaint and Complaint Type

The primary object of complaint for TSB 2078651/3 is related to "body attachments and installations," specifically targeting "trim components, protective molding, decoration, dirt deflector." The complaint type is classified under "appearance" and "surface," indicating that the issue is primarily cosmetic and affects the visual integrity of these exterior parts.

Symptoms of Discoloration

Customers have reported a distinct change in the appearance of their vehicle's black exterior trim. The verbatim customer complaint states: "There is red/purple (sometimes also grey or metallic) discoloration on the black exterior trim strips (trim strips in black styling package)." This "Audi black trim discoloration" can appear as a faded, mottled, or distinctly off-color hue, deviating from the intended deep black finish. This visual defect is particularly noticeable on vehicles equipped with the black styling package, where the contrast with other body elements is more pronounced.

Technical Background

Audi has identified the underlying cause of this "Audi black trim discoloration." The issue stems from a specification deficiency in the paint used on these exterior trim components. The original paint formulation no longer possesses optimal UV resistance. Over time, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight and other environmental factors causes the paint to degrade, leading to the observed color shift and discoloration.

Production Solution

To prevent this discoloration issue in future vehicles, Audi has implemented a significant change in its manufacturing process. A new wet painting process has been introduced for series production. This updated painting method is designed to enhance the UV resistance of the black exterior trim strips, thereby preventing the "Audi black trim discoloration" from occurring on newly manufactured vehicles. This improved process was integrated into series production starting from October 24, 2024.

Service Procedure: Addressing the Discoloration

For vehicles already affected by the discoloration, the service procedure outlined in TSB 2078651/3 involves replacing the discolored components. Technicians are instructed to carefully compare the vehicle's complaint with example photos provided in the TSB (Figures 1-3) to confirm that the observed discoloration matches the described condition. These figures visually demonstrate the typical appearance of the red/purple discoloration on the black trim strips, serving as a reference for accurate diagnosis. If the discoloration aligns with these examples, the affected components can be replaced in accordance with Audi's warranty guidelines.

Documenting the Complaint

When a repair is performed under this TSB and submitted for billing, precise documentation is crucial. Dealerships must attach clear photos that visibly show the complaint to the DOC-IT system. These images are essential for referencing the specific vehicle and validating the repair claim. The photo documentation must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Include VIN and Date: Each image or video must clearly show the vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the date the photo was taken.
• No Editing: The photographic evidence must not be edited or altered in any way.
• Focus and Lighting: Photos should be in focus and captured with sufficient light to clearly show the discoloration. A high-resolution image is not strictly necessary, but clarity is paramount.
• Location Marking: If appropriate, the location of the problem on the vehicle should be marked in the photos. This helps parts analysis teams accurately understand the complaint and its context.
• Privacy: Photo documentation must not include any identifiable personal information, such as people, faces, license plates, or customer data.
• No Part Return: Importantly, sending damaged parts back to Audi is not necessary for this particular complaint.

Warranty Information and Labor Operations

TSB 2078651/3 provides detailed warranty claim information for authorized Audi dealerships, ensuring proper processing of repairs. The claim type specifies that if the vehicle is outside of any applicable warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only, implying that owners of out-of-warranty vehicles may bear the cost of repair.

Key codes for warranty claims related to this "Audi black trim discoloration" issue include:

• Damage Code: 0030
• Service Numbers:
  • 6475: Pertains to the rear side window trim.
  • 6633: Relates to the roof trim strip.
  • 6448: Covers the front window slot seal.
  • 6468: Addresses the rear window slot seal.

Labor Operations are meticulously specified for various replacement scenarios, each referencing the Service Repair Time (SRT) with associated operations. These codes ensure consistent billing and repair times:

• Renew side window: Labor operation code 6475 55xx, applicable to Avant/Coupe and Sportback models. This refers to the process of replacing a single side window trim.
• Replace 2 side windows: Labor operation code 6475 56xx, also for Avant/Coupe and Sportback models. This covers the replacement of two side window trims simultaneously.
• Removed and installed roof trim strip (4K, 4MN, F5): Labor operation code 6633 19xx, applicable to Avant/Coupe and Sportback models. This procedure involves removing and installing a single roof trim strip on specific vehicle types (4K, 4MN, F5).
• Removed and installed 2 roof trim strips (4K, 4MN, F5): Labor operation code 6633 20xx, for Avant/Coupe and Sportback models. This covers the removal and installation of two roof trim strips on the specified vehicle types.
• Remove and install front window slot seal: Labor operation code 6448 19xx. This operation specifically addresses the replacement of the front window slot seal.
• Remove and install rear window slot seal: Labor operation code 6468 19xx. This operation covers the replacement of the rear window slot seal.

All warranty claims must strictly adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty. The required claim comment for these repairs is: "As per TSB 2078651/3."

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware of critical information regarding this Technical Service Bulletin. While TSB 2078651/3 outlines a solution for the "Audi black trim discoloration," the repair will only be covered under warranty if the vehicle is still within its applicable warranty period. If your vehicle falls outside of any active warranty, this TSB is provided for informational purposes only, meaning you may be responsible for the full cost of parts and labor associated with replacing the affected trim components. Additionally, please note that sending damaged parts is not necessary for this complaint.

Owner Action

If you own a 2023-2025 Audi A5, A6, A7, Q3, or Q8 and have observed red, purple, grey, or metallic discoloration on your vehicle's black exterior trim strips, you should contact your authorized Audi dealership. Clearly describe the symptoms you are experiencing. The dealership will be able to inspect your vehicle, confirm the issue against the guidelines provided in TSB 2078651/3, and advise on the appropriate repair under warranty if your vehicle qualifies. Addressing this issue promptly can help maintain the aesthetic integrity and value of your vehicle.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11025352