2021-2025 Audi Black Trim Discoloration TSB

Symptoms of Discoloration

Owners of certain 2021-2025 Audi models may observe a noticeable discoloration on the black exterior trim strips, particularly those included in the black styling package. This discoloration typically manifests as red or purple hues, though it can also appear as grey or metallic tints. This aesthetic issue affects the visual appeal of the vehicle's exterior.

Technical Background: Why It Happens

Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2078651/4 identifies the root cause of this discoloration as a specification issue with the paint used on these trim components. The paint, in its original formulation, lacked optimal UV resistance. Over time, exposure to sunlight and environmental factors causes the paint to degrade, leading to the observed color shifts.

To address this manufacturing defect, Audi implemented a production solution. The painting process for these trim strips was changed, with a new wet painting process introduced in series production starting October 24, 2024. This change aims to ensure that newer vehicles are equipped with trim strips that possess adequate UV resistance, preventing future occurrences of this discoloration.

Identifying Affected Vehicles

This technical service bulletin applies to a wide range of 2021-2025 Audi models. Owners of vehicles such as the Audi A5, S5, RS 5, A6, S6, RS 6, A7, S7, RS 7, Q3, Q7, Q8, and SQ8, particularly those fitted with the black styling package, should be aware of this potential issue. The specific year ranges for various models are detailed in the official bulletin.

Repair Procedure Overview

For vehicles experiencing this discoloration, the service procedure outlined in TSB 2078651/4 involves replacing the affected components. The decision to replace parts is based on a visual assessment, where the discoloration observed on the vehicle must correspond to example photos provided in the bulletin (Figures 1-3). These figures illustrate the typical appearance of the discoloration, helping technicians confirm the complaint.

The repair process is straightforward: once the discoloration is verified, the black exterior trim strips exhibiting the defect are replaced. This ensures that the vehicle's aesthetic integrity is restored with new components that meet the updated paint specifications.

Documentation Requirements for Service

To facilitate warranty claims and ensure proper analysis of the issue, specific documentation is required when submitting a complaint related to this discoloration. Technicians must attach clear photos or videos that prominently display the complaint to the DOC-IT system. These images are crucial for verifying the issue and linking it to the vehicle.

Key requirements for the photographic evidence include:

• VIN and Date: The images or video must clearly show the vehicle's VIN and the date the media was captured.
• No Editing: The photographic evidence must not be edited in any way.
• Focus and Lighting: Images should be in focus and taken with sufficient light to clearly show the discoloration. High resolution is not strictly necessary, but clarity is paramount.

If applicable, technicians are also advised to mark the exact location of the problem on the vehicle to provide a clear reference for parts analysis. It is important to ensure that the photo documentation does not include any personal data, such as people, faces, license plates, or customer information. Notably, sending the damaged parts themselves is not required for this process.

Warranty Information and Service Codes

Warranty claims related to the black trim discoloration are processed according to Audi's Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. It's important for owners to note that if their vehicle is outside of its warranty period, Technical Service Bulletin 2078651/4 serves as informational guidance only, and repair costs may not be covered.

The bulletin specifies several service numbers and a damage code for processing these repairs:

• Damage Code: 0030
• Service Numbers:
  • 6475 (Rear side window)
  • 6633 (Roof trim strip)
  • 6448 (Front window slot seal)
  • 6468 (Rear window slot seal)

Various labor operations are detailed for the replacement of specific trim components, each with its corresponding labor code. Examples include:

• Renew side window: 6475 55xx (Avant/Coupe, Sportback)
• Replace 2 side windows: 6475 56xx (Avant/Coupe, Sportback)
• Removed and installed roof trim strip (4K, 4MN, F5): 6633 19xx (Avant/Coupe, Sportback)
• Removed and installed 2 roof trim strips (4K, 4MN, F5): 6633 20xx (Avant/Coupe, Sportback)
• Remove and install front window slot seal: 6448 19xx
• Remove and install rear window slot seal: 6468 19xx
• Remove and install rear trim strip: 6641 1999 (10 TU)
• Remove and install front trim strip: 6621 1999 (10 TU)

All claims must reference TSB 2078651/4 in the claim comment. Audi Warranty reviews or audits all submitted claims.

Bulletin Revision History

Technical Service Bulletin 2078651/4 has undergone several revisions to refine its content and scope:

• Revision 4 (Current): This revision updated the 'Condition' section by adding a model table, documentation requirement image, and caption. It also revised the 'Warranty' section to include additional labor operations.
• Revision 3 (October 17, 2025): This revision focused on updating the header by adding a model code.
• Revision 2 (September 12, 2025): This revision also updated the header, specifically by removing PR criteria.

This revision history demonstrates Audi's ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive and updated information regarding this specific issue.

NHTSA ID: 11027333