2011-2023 Audi Headlight Bristle Trapping TSB

Symptoms

Owners of various 2011-2023 Audi models may notice "Bristles from the car wash are discovered between the headlight and the front fender". These bristles are typically from automatic car wash brushes and can become lodged in the small gap between the vehicle's headlight assembly and the front fender panel. Figure 1 in the bulletin visually illustrates a car wash bristle stuck in this body gap.

Technical Background

Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 00 21 47, also identified as 2031473/3, explains that the design of the vehicle in the area around the headlights features a specific gap. When the vehicle is washed in car washes that use a particular bristle angle and type, these bristles can become trapped in this area. They can tear away from the washing mechanism and lodge themselves in the gap between the headlight and fender, leading to the issue of Audi headlight bristles.

Bulletin History

This Technical Service Bulletin, 00 21 47 2031473/3, was issued on June 23, 2021. It supersedes an earlier bulletin, Group 00 number 19-29, dated December 9, 2019. The supersession was due to revisions that included additional models and model years being covered.

• Revision 3: June 23, 2021 - Revised header (Additional models and model years).
• Revision 2: December 9, 2019 - Revised header (Additional models and model years).
• Revision 1: October 31, 2012 - Initial publication.

Production Solution

Audi states that there is no specific production solution applicable to prevent this issue, as it stems from external factors related to car wash equipment.

Repair Procedure Summary

If you discover Audi headlight bristles trapped in the headlight to the fender seam, the recommended service procedure is straightforward. Technicians are instructed to:

1. Remove the bristle fragments: Carefully extract any trapped bristle fragments from the gap between the headlight and the fender.
2. Explain the cause to the customer: Inform the customer that the issue is caused by the type of car wash used and suggest they change their car wash facility.

No complex disassembly or part replacement is typically required for this specific issue, and no specific tools or parts are listed as necessary for this repair.

Important Warnings

Audi has clarified that this type of damage is considered to be due to outside influence. Consequently, the presence of car wash brush bristles trapped in the headlight to the fender seam is not covered by any Audi Warranty.

Owner Action

If you notice Audi headlight bristles stuck in the gap of your Audi headlight or any other affected Audi model, you should remove them carefully. To prevent recurrence of this issue, it is strongly advised to change the automatic car wash facility you use. Opting for touchless car washes or hand washing your vehicle can help avoid this specific problem, as the damage is not covered under warranty.

Additional Information

All part and service references provided in this TSB (2031473) are subject to change and/or removal. Technicians are advised to always check with their Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins, and to consult the Repair Manual for any fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws that require replacement during repairs.

Source: NHTSA ID 10198246