2021 Audi e-tron Driver Airbag Noise TSB

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2021 Audi vehicles may experience creaking or rattling noises emanating from the driver airbag while driving. These noises can occur both with and without steering wheel movements. The issue is internal to the driver airbag assembly and does not affect its proper function.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

To accurately diagnose the source of the noise, a technician will first perform a test drive with the customer to reproduce the creaking or rattling noises from the driver airbag. Attempts to temporarily alleviate the noise by holding the driver airbag or applying felt tape have not resulted in a permanent improvement.

The definitive diagnostic step involves cross-swapping the suspected driver airbag with an airbag from a known good vehicle. If the noise disappears after this swap, it confirms that the driver airbag is indeed the root cause of the Audi e-tron driver airbag noise.

Repair Procedure Summary

If the driver airbag is confirmed as the source of the creaking or rattling noise, the repair involves replacing the driver airbag assembly. The general procedure is as follows:

1. Verify Complaint: Conduct a test drive with the customer to confirm the presence of the driver airbag noise.
2. Initial Check: Observe that temporary fixes like holding the airbag or applying felt tape do not permanently resolve the issue.
3. Confirm Root Cause: Perform a cross-swap of the driver airbag with a known good unit to verify the airbag is the source of the noise.
4. Replace Airbag: If the airbag is confirmed to be the cause, replace the driver airbag according to the detailed instructions in the repair manual.

Required Tools or Parts

For the repair procedure, specific parts and tools are required. Technicians should always consult their Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and part bulletins.

• Driver airbag: One (01) unit. Part number to be determined via ETKA.
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As needed, per the repair manual. Quantities and specific types to be determined via ETKA/ELSA.

Owner Action

If your 2021 Audi e-tron, A6, A7, S6, S7, or RS 7 is experiencing a creaking or rattling noise from the driver airbag, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi service center. This Audi e-tron driver airbag noise is addressed by Technical Service Bulletin 2058923/3.

This repair is typically covered under Audi's New Vehicle Limited Warranty for up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, coverage may also apply under claim type G10. If your vehicle is outside of warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance, and repair costs may apply.

NHTSA ID 10183458