2021-2023 Audi Steering Wheel Heating Not Sufficient TSB

Owners of 2021-2023 Audi vehicles may notice that their steering wheel heating does not seem to work as expected, or that it heats unevenly. Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 48 22 34 2065978/2 to address these concerns, clarifying that these observations are often due to the normal operating characteristics of the system rather than a defect.

This TSB, dated July 19, 2022, supersedes an earlier bulletin, Group 48 number 22-17, from February 1, 2022. It applies to all Audi vehicles from model years 2008 to 2024, though the specific vehicles linked by NHTSA range from 2021 to 2023.

Symptoms

Owners have reported the following conditions related to their Audi steering wheel heating:

• The steering wheel does not heat up.
• The steering wheel does not heat up sufficiently.
• The steering wheel heats up unevenly.
• It takes a long time for the steering wheel to heat up.

Audi workshops have confirmed that there are no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to these reported issues, indicating that the system is functioning as designed.

Understanding the Steering Wheel Heating

The perceived issues with the Audi steering wheel heating are often a result of several factors related to its design and operation. The surface temperature of the steering wheel can vary at different locations due to the way heat is distributed. This unevenness can give the impression that the heating is insufficient or not working correctly.

It can take up to 30 minutes for the steering wheel to reach its target temperature of approximately 86°F (30°C), with a tolerance of ±5°F (±3°C). The actual time required depends significantly on the vehicle's interior temperature and the settings of the heater/air conditioner. Heat may also dissipate into the spokes, causing the leather near them to feel cooler than other parts of the steering wheel.

External factors also play a role. Sunlight can warm the top part of the steering wheel (12 o'clock position), creating a noticeable temperature difference. Additionally, a driver's hands will warm the steering wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions. When the driver then touches the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, these areas may feel cooler because they haven't been warmed by hand contact. The NTC temperature sensor, located in the foam underneath the cover, measures 93°F (34°C) when the desired surface temperature is reached, which can also contribute to a perceived difference in heating.

Important Information for Owners

Audi explicitly states that replacing parts will not resolve the issues described in this TSB. Claims for replaced parts will be subject to review, indicating that such replacements are unnecessary and will not be covered under warranty if the concern is merely a characteristic of the Audi steering wheel heating system's normal operation. If a critical case is identified that goes beyond these normal characteristics, technicians are instructed to open a Technical Assistance Center (TAC) case for further instructions.

This TSB is informational only and is not applicable to any Audi Warranty claims. Owners should understand that the observed behavior of their steering wheel heating is likely normal for their vehicle.