Bulletin de service

2021-2023 Audi/VW Wiring Set Return SM 36-2023

Audi and Volkswagen have issued Special Notice SM 36-2023, instructing dealerships to return specific wiring sets, part number 3Q0-971-013-D, if they were produced before July 1, 2023. This measure ensures that all vehicles are equipped with parts reflecting the latest state of development.

ByAhmet Topcu — Founder & Editor-in-ChiefAutomated summary2023 Audi A3
2023 Audi A3 — manufacturer_communication document image 1
Source: NHTSA manufacturer_communication 10239663
SM 36-20233Q0-971-013-DWiring SetAudi A3Volkswagen ArteonVolkswagen GolfParts CircularParts return noticeAudi/VW wiring set return3Q0-971-013-D wiring set return
Audi A3
2022
Volkswagen Arteon
2021–2023
Volkswagen Golf
2021

Understanding Special Notice SM 36-2023

Audi and Volkswagen have issued a crucial directive, Special Notice SM 36-2023, aimed at maintaining the highest quality standards for vehicle components. This notice specifically addresses inventory management for a particular wiring set, ensuring that only the most up-to-date version of the part is used in service and repair. The primary goal of this Audi/VW wiring set return is to prevent older revisions of the component from being installed, thereby upholding vehicle reliability and performance.

This type of manufacturer communication is vital for dealerships to manage their stock effectively and for vehicle owners to be confident that any replacement parts meet current specifications. It reflects an ongoing commitment to product improvement and customer satisfaction.

Affected Wiring Set and Production Dates

The Special Notice SM 36-2023 targets a specific component: wiring set part number 3Q0-971-013-D. The critical factor determining whether a part is affected is its production date. Any wiring sets with this part number that were produced prior to 01.07.2023 (July 1, 2023) are considered affected and must be returned to the manufacturer. Parts produced on or after this date are deemed to correspond to the latest state of development and are therefore compliant.

Dealers are instructed to carefully check the production date stamped on their inventory of these wiring sets. This date is typically found on the component itself, as illustrated in the notice, to facilitate easy identification of the affected stock. This proactive Audi/VW wiring set return ensures that only the most current version of the part is available for use.

Why This Matters for Vehicle Owners

While this notice is primarily directed at dealerships, it has direct benefits for Audi and Volkswagen owners. When a manufacturer issues a parts circular like SM 36-2023, it signifies a commitment to providing the best possible components for their vehicles. Parts that are not at the

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Special Notice SM 36-2023?
Special Notice SM 36-2023 is a manufacturer communication from Audi and Volkswagen instructing dealerships to return specific wiring sets (part number 3Q0-971-013-D) that were produced before July 1, 2023, to ensure only the latest version of the part is used.
Which specific part is affected by this Audi/VW wiring set return notice?
The notice specifically affects wiring set part number 3Q0-971-013-D. Dealers must check the production date of this part in their inventory.
How can dealers identify the affected wiring sets?
Dealers need to check the production date stamped on the wiring set. Any part number 3Q0-971-013-D produced prior to 01.07.2023 (July 1, 2023) is affected and must be returned.
What is the deadline for returning the affected parts?
The deadline for returning the affected wiring sets to the facing PDC (Parts Distribution Center) is August 10, 2023. Items returned after this date WILL NOT be accepted for return or buyback.
What should dealers do after returning the affected parts?
After returning the affected parts, dealers should re-order required new materials using the same part number (3Q0-971-013-D) to ensure they receive the updated version of the wiring set.

What Audi A3 owners report

Counted from the records in our database across 22 model years.

905
Owner complaints
31
Recalls
2,982
Service bulletins
22
Crashes reported
7
Fires reported
13
Injuries reported

The 2023 model year

7 complaints, the 16th most of 22 model years on file. Owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries for this year, which also has 2 recalls on file.

Equipment and Electrical System, the system this article covers, accounts for 107 of 905 complaints (12%), including 4 for 2023.

Complaints by model year

Model years with the most complaints for the Audi A3
2006123
200752
200948
201050
201243
2015180
2016121
201771
201845
20237

Most-reported systems

  1. Air Bags — 418
  2. Power Train — 137
  3. Electrical System — 105
  4. Fuel/Propulsion System — 92
  5. Engine — 79

Latest recalls for the 2023 model year

  • 24V251000 — Air Bags (Apr 2024)
  • 22V901000 — Equipment (Dec 2022)
All 2023 recalls →

Recent owner reports about equipment and electrical system

BSG/alternator faulty. Started displaying “electrical malfunction!” Had to stop immediately before immediate shut down on road. Problem had been known on hybrid models of Audi specially larger models. Recall/TSB have been opened for those vehicles.

2023 Audi A3 owner, Sep 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Audi A3. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the contact observed a RED triangle icon, and the message "Electrical System Malfunction Defect - Low Charge" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle then lost motive power.

2023 Audi A3 owner, Feb 2025
Read owner complaints →

Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.

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