2021-2024 Audi Muffler Part Number Update (SM 17-2024)

Audi has issued Special Notice SM 17-2024, a parts circular dated March 5, 2024, to its dealerships. This notice primarily concerns the management of muffler part inventory for several 2021-2024 Audi models, including the Audi e-tron. The goal is to ensure that customers receive the most current and correct parts.

The circular directs dealers to return specific older muffler part numbers from their stock. Following this, they are instructed to re-order new, updated part numbers to fulfill future service and repair needs. This is a standard inventory update and not a recall related to a defect or safety issue for the Audi e-tron muffler.

What This Parts Circular Means for Inventory

Special Notice SM 17-2024 identifies two specific muffler part numbers that dealers must return to their Parts Distribution Center (PDC). These older parts are:

• 80A-616-010 (Muffler)
• 4M0-616-010-C

Dealers are required to return this inventory no later than March 26, 2024. After this date, any returns of these specific part numbers will not be accepted for credit or buyback. This ensures a timely transition to the updated parts.

Once the older inventory is returned, dealerships are instructed to re-order new materials using the following updated part numbers:

• 80A-616-010-A (Muffler)
• 4M0-616-010-D

This update ensures that all future installations and replacements, including for the Audi e-tron muffler, will utilize the latest available components.

Important Warnings for Dealers

The Special Notice SM 17-2024 includes a critical warning regarding the return process. "Items returned after the above-mentioned date WILL NOT be accepted on any type of return/buyback." This emphasizes the strict deadline for dealers to manage their inventory of the superseded muffler parts.

Dealer Claim Procedures

To facilitate the return and credit process, Audi has outlined specific claims procedures for dealers:

1. Dealers must file a separate "Claim with Return" selecting "Dir Sup. Req. Return" under the item type. This claim must include dealer comments referencing the Special Notice Number SM 17-2024 and the Parts Circular number.
2. The day after filing, dealers should review "Parts On Command" for the Delivery List document. Any issues or delays should be reported to their facing PDC.
3. Dealers are required to enter their 40000XXXXX delivery document number on a "YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN" label.
4. This "YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN" label must be adhered to the package(s) containing the returned parts.
5. Finally, one copy of the Delivery Document must be included with the returned part(s).