2021-2022 Audi A6 Control Unit Return Notice

Audi has released Special Notice SM 02-2022, an important communication primarily directed at parts managers and inventory control. Dated January 14, 2022, this notice outlines a mandatory return program for certain control units with outdated software versions. The goal is to ensure that only the most current parts are available for service and repair for affected 2021-2022 Audi A6 vehicles.

This initiative is part of Audi's ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards for vehicle components and software. By proactively managing parts inventory, Audi aims to prevent the installation of older software versions that may not be compatible with the latest vehicle systems or could lead to suboptimal performance.

What's Being Returned

Special Notice SM 02-2022 specifically targets control units identified by the part number 4K0-906-259-A. This includes variants such as 4K0-906-259-A -4K0 and 4K0-906-259-A -4KA. The critical factor for return is the software version installed on these units.

Only control units with a software version of SW 0009 or greater are considered to be at the latest state of development. All control units with software versions prior to SW 0009, such as SW 0007 shown in an example, are affected and must be returned. This Audi A6 control unit return ensures that any replacement parts used in service are up-to-date.

Why This Matters for Your Audi A6

While this notice is primarily for internal dealer operations, it has direct implications for the quality and reliability of service for your 2021-2022 Audi A6. Control units are vital components that manage various vehicle functions, from engine performance to infotainment systems. Ensuring these units run the latest software is crucial for optimal operation, compatibility with other vehicle systems, and potentially for addressing any known issues or improving functionality.

By removing older software versions from the parts supply chain, Audi is taking steps to guarantee that any future repairs or replacements involving these control units will utilize the most advanced and stable software available. This proactive measure helps maintain the performance and safety standards of your Audi A6.

Important Warnings for Dealers and Owners

Dealers were instructed to return their inventory of the specified control units to their facing Parts Distribution Center (PDC) no later than February 7, 2022. A critical warning was issued: "Items returned after the above-mentioned date WILL NOT be accepted on any type of return/buyback." This highlights the strict timeline for inventory management.

For owners, while you won't be directly involved in this return process, it's important to understand that if your 2021-2022 Audi A6 requires a replacement of the 4K0-906-259-A control unit, the part installed will be guaranteed to have the latest software version (SW 0009 or greater). This Audi A6 control unit return process ensures that only compliant parts are in circulation.

Dealer Return Procedure Summary

To facilitate the return of these control units, Audi provided a specific five-step claims procedure for dealers:

1. File a Claim: Dealers were required to file a separate "Claim with Return," selecting "Dir Sup. Req. Return" as the item type and referencing the Special Notice Number and Parts Circular number.
2. Review Parts On Command: Dealers needed to check "Parts On Command" the following day for the Delivery List document and contact their PDC if there were any issues.
3. Enter Delivery Document Number: The 40000XXXXX delivery document number had to be entered on a YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label.
4. Adhere Return Label: The YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label was to be affixed to the package(s) containing the returned parts.
5. Include Delivery Document: A copy of the Delivery Document was required to be included with the returned part(s).

New materials needed to be re-ordered using the same part number, ensuring that only units with SW 0009 or greater would be supplied.

NHTSA ID: 10206978