2025 Audi A3/S3 Mirror Heating Inoperative in Efficiency Mode

Owners of 2025 Audi A3 and S3 models may observe that their exterior rear view mirror heating is not functioning. This concern specifically arises when the vehicle's Audi Drive Select system is engaged in efficiency mode. Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 66 24 14 2076087/1, dated November 22, 2024, to address this customer inquiry, clarifying that this behavior is by design and not a malfunction. TSBs like this provide crucial information to dealerships for proper diagnosis and customer communication.

Symptoms

Customers typically report that "The exterior rear view mirror heating is not working." This symptom is most commonly noticed during colder weather conditions when mirror heating would normally be expected to activate. Upon investigation, workshop technicians can reproduce the customer's statement, confirming that the mirror heating remains inoperative specifically when Audi Drive Select is set to efficiency mode. This observation helps differentiate it from an actual fault.

Technical Background

Audi TSB 66 24 14 2076087/1 explains that the inoperative mirror heating is a direct result of efficiency requirements implemented as part of the Audi A3 product improvement. To optimize fuel economy and reduce overall energy consumption, non-essential comfort functions like mirror heating are intentionally deactivated when the vehicle is operating in efficiency mode. This design choice helps the vehicle achieve its maximum efficiency potential and contributes to better fuel economy ratings.

Important Warnings

Audi explicitly states that this condition is normal and no repairs should be performed to address the Audi S3 mirror heating inoperative state in efficiency mode. The TSB warns that "Any repairs for this concern may be denied" under warranty. This critical advisory means that attempting to "fix" the mirror heating while the vehicle is in efficiency mode will not resolve the perceived issue, as it is not a fault, and could lead to unnecessary costs for the owner or dealership.

Service Information for Technicians

The TSB provides clear instructions for service technicians. They are directed to "Please instruct the customer that this condition is normal." Furthermore, technicians are advised to "Do not perform any repairs" for this specific concern. This guidance ensures that dealerships understand the operational characteristic and avoid misdiagnosing a normal system behavior as a fault.

Owner Action

If you own a 2025 Audi A3 or S3 and find the Audi S3 mirror heating inoperative, first check your Audi Drive Select setting. The exterior rear view mirror heating can be activated as described in your Owner's Manual when Audi Drive Select is set to comfort, auto, or dynamic mode. Switching out of efficiency mode should restore the mirror heating function promptly. There is no need to visit a dealership for this specific concern, as it is not a malfunction but rather a characteristic of the vehicle's efficiency-focused design.

Warranty Information

Audi states that TSB 66 24 14 2076087/1 is "informational only and not applicable to any Audi Warranty." This means that while the bulletin provides important technical guidance to dealerships, it does not authorize warranty claims for repairs related to the mirror heating being inoperative in efficiency mode. Since the condition is considered normal operation, no warranty coverage applies for this specific behavior.

Source: NHTSA ID: 11011265, Audi Technical Service Bulletin 66 24 14 2076087/1