2025 Audi A5, Q5, S5, SQ5 MMI Display Issue TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2079974/2, titled "91 MMI system: translucent rectangle covering center display," to address a specific software-related display anomaly. This bulletin, released on December 19, 2025, as Revision 2, supersedes the previous Pending Service Solution (PSS) TSB 2076905, which was titled "91 PSS MMI system: Translucent rectangle covering center MMI display." It provides guidance for diagnosing and resolving instances where a dark, translucent rectangle obstructs the MMI center display in certain 2025 Audi vehicles.

This TSB is critical for owners of affected 2025 Audi A5, S5 (FU), A6 Sportback e-tron, S6 Sportback e-tron (GH), Q5, Q5 Sportback e-tron, SQ5, SQ5 Sportback e-tron (GU), Q6 e-tron, Q6 Sportback e-tron, SQ6 e-tron, and SQ6 Sportback e-tron (GF) models experiencing this visual defect. The issue is purely software-based and can be resolved through a prescribed update process.

Symptoms

Owners of affected vehicles may observe a significant portion of their MMI center display being obscured. The specific customer complaint describes this as: "A large part of the MMI center display is covered by a dark, translucent rectangle." This visual obstruction can interfere with the usability and readability of the infotainment system, including navigation and other MMI functions, particularly when the MMI front passenger display is present.

Technical Background

The root cause of the Audi MMI translucent rectangle is identified as a software issue. This means no physical component is faulty, and the problem can be corrected through a software update.

Fault Codes / Damage Codes

While no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are explicitly listed in TSB 2079974/2, the issue is associated with Damage Code KD02. This code helps Audi dealerships categorize and track the specific nature of the software fault during warranty claims. The Service Number associated with this bulletin is 9196.

Diagnosis and Reproducibility

Workshop findings indicate that the complaint, the Audi MMI translucent rectangle, can be consistently reproduced in the workshop. This consistency aids in confirming the diagnosis without extensive troubleshooting, allowing technicians to quickly verify the presence of the translucent rectangle on the MMI screen.

Repair Procedure Summary

To resolve the Audi MMI translucent rectangle issue, technicians must update the vehicle software. This involves following the directions outlined in a related bulletin, TSB 2079690, which covers the "00 Combined software update 03.10.00/C (28.13.01) KD2." The update process requires connecting a battery charger to the vehicle to ensure stable power during the software flashing procedure. The TSB specifies several labor operations for this process:

• 0151 0010: Software update, including connecting a battery charger. This operation refers to the Service Reference Table (SRT) for associated operations.
• 0151 0040: Fixed rate for the software update, which includes all required preliminary and follow-up work. This encompasses tasks such as managing the bus sleep cycle, performing calibration drives, and other additional work, allocated for 130 Time Units (TU).
• 0150 9999: In cases where additional attempts are needed due to a flash abort, an additional lump sum of 50 TU can be claimed per flash cancellation, per each documented attempt.

When performing this combined software update, time stamps are not required for billing under warranty, allowing technicians to work on other vehicles concurrently or for non-productive personnel to perform the update.

Required Tools or Parts

The primary requirement for performing this repair is a reliable power source. Technicians must connect a battery charger to the vehicle throughout the software update process to prevent any power interruptions that could lead to complications. No specific replacement parts are needed as this is a software-only correction.

Warranty Information

All warranty claims related to TSB 2079974/2 must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty. The Claim Comment for this issue is "As per TSB 2079974/2." If the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only, meaning the repair may not be covered free of charge.

Important Warnings

Audi explicitly states that "If the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only." This crucial detail means that while the TSB provides a clear solution, owners of vehicles no longer covered by warranty may be responsible for the cost of the software update. It is highly recommended to discuss your warranty coverage with your authorized Audi dealership before any service is performed.

Owner Action

If you own a 2025 Audi A5, Q5, S5, or SQ5 and are experiencing the "translucent rectangle" display issue, you should contact your authorized Audi dealership. Inform them about the symptom and specifically mention Technical Service Bulletin 2079974/2. The dealership will be able to perform the necessary software update to resolve the Audi MMI translucent rectangle problem. Audi notes that this issue will no longer occur in vehicles manufactured in week 42/25 or later, indicating a production-line software correction has been implemented.

Source: NHTSA ID 11027418