2021 Audi Backrest Remote Release Mechanism Service

Owners of certain 2021 Audi e-tron, RS 6 Avant, and A6 allroad vehicles might encounter an issue with their rear seat backrest. This problem, identified by Audi as Service Action 72M1, relates to a manufacturing discrepancy in the backrest remote release mechanism. This can lead to the rear seat backrest being difficult to lock into its upright position.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of this issue is that "it may only be possible to lock the seat backrest back in place (when restoring it to an an upright position) by exerting more force than usual." If the backrest is not locked correctly, you may also observe a "red indicator on the backrest latch."

Diagnosis

To diagnose the 2021 Audi backrest remote release issue, technicians will perform a specific inspection procedure:

1. Prepare for Inspection: The rear seat backrest remote release lever is operated to fold the backrest down.
2. Initial Lock Check: The backrest is then folded back up until it locks into place.
3. Indicator Check: Both the left and right lock indicators are checked. When the backrest is fully locked, the indicator should be flush with the backrest latch trim, and no red section should be visible.
4. Repeat Test: This check is repeated five times, folding the backrest down and then back up, ensuring it locks properly each time.

If both backrest remote release mechanisms lock correctly and the indicators are flush without any red showing, no further work is necessary. However, if either indicator does not lock flush, the affected release cable requires rework.

Repair Procedure Summary

If the inspection reveals a problem with the 2021 Audi backrest remote release, the repair involves reworking the backrest remote release cable. The general steps are as follows:

1. Remove Rear Seat Bench: The rear seat bench is removed according to the ELSA Repair Manual.
2. Fold Down Backrest: The backrest remote release lever is operated to fold the rear seat backrest down.
3. Access Cable: The cable cover is opened, and the Bowden cable for the rear seat backrest is released from its connector point.
4. Remove Connector Point: The cable connector point is pulled off its retaining pins from the vehicle body.
5. Rework Cable Connection Point: The top groove in specific marked areas (A and B) of the cable connection point must be reworked using a needle file. The goal is to achieve a specification of 1.4 to 1.6 mm.
6. Reassembly: After the rework, the Bowden cable is reattached, ensuring it is fitted properly and free of kinks. The cable cover is then closed. The Bowden cables are reinstalled and routed according to specific instructions for e-tron models versus A6 Allroad/RS6 Avant models.
7. Final Check: The backrest remote release mechanism is rechecked on both sides by repeating the five-time lock test. The vehicle is then reassembled in the reverse order of disassembly.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this service action, specific tools and parts may be required:

• Removal Tool -T40445-: Required for e-tron models only. If unavailable, two tire irons can be used simultaneously.
• Needle File: A locally sourced needle file is needed for reworking the cable connection point.
• GROMMET (e-tron only): Part Number 80A-886-373 (x3)
• GROMMET (A6/RS6): Part Number 5G0-886-373 (x3)

Important Warnings

Owners and dealers should be aware of the following critical information regarding this service action:

• "This service action will be available for you free of charge only until June 15, 2026. If you wish to have this service performed after that date, your dealer's normal costs associated with this repair will apply."
• "Dealers must ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before delivery to consumers."
• Technicians are warned that "Before opening the cover for the backrest release mechanism for repair work, the rear seat backrest must be unlocked. If the rear seat backrest is locked, the Bowden cable will jump out of the idler roller at the connector point and will be damaged."
• It is also critical that "The rear seat backrest may only be locked again once the Bowden cable has been fitted in the idler roller."

Owner Action

If you own a 2021 Audi e-tron, RS 6 Avant, or A6 allroad and experience difficulty locking your rear seat backrest or notice a red indicator on the latch, you should contact your authorized Audi dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. This service action, 72M1, will be performed free of charge until June 15, 2026. After this date, you will be responsible for the repair costs. You can also check your vehicle's eligibility for this or any other recall/service campaign using the Recall/Service Campaign Lookup tool on the Audi USA website with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).