2010-2023 Audi Steering Wheel Leather Damage TSB

Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2028220/9, issued on August 25, 2021, addresses instances of Audi steering wheel damage related to the leather finish. This bulletin, which supersedes previous TSB 19-79 from July 12, 2019, provides important information for owners of 2010-2023 Audi vehicles regarding the cause and warranty coverage of such damage.

Recognizing Steering Wheel Damage

Owners may observe various forms of cosmetic damage to their steering wheel's leather surface. The TSB describes this as "Steering wheel appearance damaged due to external impact." Figures 1 through 6 in the bulletin showcase various manifestations of this damage, including localized abrasions, indentations, scuffs, and even minor tears or peeling of the leather material. These images clearly depict wear patterns consistent with external contact rather than material failure.

Understanding the Cause of Damage

According to Audi, this type of Audi steering wheel damage is typically caused by "external impact." This means the damage is not due to a defect in the material or workmanship of the steering wheel itself. Common sources of external impact include contact with fingernails, rings, watches, zippers, or other accessories that can rub against or press into the leather during normal use. Numerous investigations have confirmed that these issues stem from external influences rather than manufacturing faults, indicating "no fault in material or workmanship."

Important Warnings for Owners

This TSB delivers a crucial message for Audi owners: "This damage is due to outside influence and is not covered by any Audi Warranty." This means that if your 2010-2023 Audi experiences steering wheel leather damage from external impact, the cost of repair or replacement will not be covered by your vehicle's factory warranty. Owners should be aware that dealers will not perform repairs under warranty for this specific type of damage.

TSB Revision and History

TSB 2028220/9 is the latest revision concerning this issue, superseding Technical Service Bulletin Group 48 number 19-79, which was dated July 12, 2019. The revision history details the updates made to the bulletin over time:

• Revision 9 (August 25, 2021): The header was revised to include updated model years, and the Technical Background section was updated with additional photos to better illustrate the types of damage.
• Revision 8 (July 12, 2019): The header was revised to include updated model years.
• Revision 7 (November 1, 2018): The header was revised to include updated model years.

This continuous revision highlights Audi's consistent stance on the non-warrantable nature of external Audi steering wheel damage.

No Repair Procedure or Production Solution

Because the damage is attributed to external influence rather than a manufacturing defect, the TSB explicitly states "Production Solution: Not applicable" and "Service: Not applicable." This means Audi has not issued a specific repair procedure or a production change to address this condition under warranty. Owners seeking to rectify such cosmetic damage would need to explore out-of-warranty repair options or replacement at their own expense.

Source: NHTSA ID 10200703