2022-2024 Audi e-tron GT Airbag Warning Lamp TSB

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2078986/1, released on August 19, 2025, to address an issue affecting the passenger-side seat occupied recognition system in certain 2022-2024 Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT models. Owners may notice that the Audi e-tron GT airbag warning lamp is illuminated on their instrument cluster, signaling a potential problem with the vehicle's occupant protection system.

This TSB specifically targets irregularities in the passenger airbag deactivation and occupant detection system, which can prevent the system from functioning correctly. Understanding the symptoms, associated fault codes, and the recommended repair procedure is crucial for owners experiencing this issue.

Symptoms

The primary symptom reported by vehicle owners is the illumination of the airbag warning lamp is on in the instrument cluster. This warning indicates that there is a fault within the vehicle's occupant protection system, specifically related to the passenger seat's ability to detect an occupant.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When diagnosing this issue, technicians may find specific event memory entries logged in the airbag control unit (diagnostic address 0015). These diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) pinpoint the nature of the fault within the passenger seat occupied recognition system:

Code	Description	Module
B12251B	"Seat Occupied Recognition Sensor Mat Resistance too High"	Airbag Control Unit
B1225F1	"Seat-occupied recognition sensor mat, shield wire, open circuit"	Airbag Control Unit

These codes indicate an irregularity in the signal characteristics from the passenger detection system's sensors.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The seat-occupied recognition system uses sensors embedded in the seat mat to determine if the passenger seat is occupied and whether the airbag should be activated. Irregularities in the resistance value of these sensors can lead to the system registering a fault, which triggers the Audi e-tron GT airbag warning lamp.

To diagnose the issue, a technician will first check the vehicle's event memory for the presence of DTCs B12251B and/or B1225F1. Following this, a visual inspection of the passenger seat surface will be performed to check for any damage caused by fluids. Fluid damage can impact the sensor mat's functionality and may affect warranty coverage.

Repair Procedure Summary

If no third-party damage, such as fluid exposure, is found, the repair involves replacing the affected components. Technicians are instructed to order the repair kit for the passenger-side seat heating system according to the Electronic Parts Catalog (ETKA) and to follow the detailed replacement steps outlined in the Workshop Manual. This procedure aims to restore the correct function of the passenger seat occupied recognition system and resolve the Audi e-tron GT airbag warning lamp issue.

Required Tools or Parts

The primary component required for this repair is the specific repair kit for the seat heating on the passenger side. Technicians must consult ETKA for the correct part numbers and refer to the Workshop Manual for detailed instructions on fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws that may require replacement during the repair process.

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware of specific conditions regarding this Technical Service Bulletin:

• "If the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only."
• "If any signs of exposure to fluids are detected, billing under warranty is not possible."

This means that if the fault is due to fluid damage, or if the vehicle is no longer under warranty, the repair costs may not be covered by Audi.

Owner Action

If your 2022-2024 Audi e-tron GT or RS e-tron GT is displaying an airbag warning lamp is on message, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi service center. Provide them with the symptom description and mention Technical Service Bulletin 2078986/1. The service center will perform the necessary diagnostics, including checking for fault codes B12251B and B1225F1, and carry out the appropriate repair to ensure the proper functioning of your vehicle's occupant protection system.

NHTSA ID: 11022690