2021-2023 Audi USB Interface Damage: No Media or Charging

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2066315/1 to address issues with damaged USB sockets in various 2021-2023 models, including the Audi e-tron. This TSB outlines common symptoms experienced by owners and the necessary repair procedure for the affected USB interface assembly. Owners experiencing Audi e-tron USB socket damage or similar issues in other models should be aware of this bulletin.

Symptoms of USB Interface Damage

Owners may notice several problems indicating a damaged USB interface. These symptoms directly impact the functionality of USB-connected devices in their vehicle:

• "No media playback via USB"
• "USB drive not recognized"
• "Cell phone not recognized via USB"
• "Cell phone not charging via USB"
• "Apple CarPlay / AndroidAuto not working via USB"

These issues point to a failure in the USB connection, preventing proper data transfer or power delivery.

Diagnosis and Causes of Damage

Upon inspection, technicians typically find that one or both USB sockets in the USB interface assembly are either loose, missing, or pushed back into the housing. In more severe cases, the USB socket may be sheared off the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) entirely, as illustrated in the original bulletin's Figure 1.

The TSB identifies several common causes for this Audi e-tron USB socket damage:

• Improper Insertion: The USB connector was inserted at an incorrect angle.
• Excessive Force: Too much force was applied when plugging in a USB connector.
• Non-Standard USB Connectors/Cables: Using low-quality or non-USB-standard compliant cables can damage the socket due to incorrect connector size or poor manufacturing.
• "USB-Killer" Devices: Certain malicious devices designed to destroy electronics can damage the internal components of the USB interface.

Repair Procedure Summary

The primary solution for this issue is to replace the entire USB interface assembly. This is necessary because the damage typically involves physical deformation or breakage of the socket components or their connection to the PCB. The bulletin does not describe a repair for the individual sockets, only replacement of the whole unit.

Required Parts

To perform the repair, technicians will need the following parts:

• USB Interface: Quantity 01 (Part number to be sourced via ETKA)
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As needed per the repair manual (Part numbers to be sourced via ETKA/ELSA)

Technicians are advised to consult ETKA and/or ELSA for the latest part information and any specific fasteners required for the replacement procedure.

Important Warranty Information

Audi explicitly states that this type of damage is considered to be due to external influence and/or misuse. Therefore, repairs for Audi e-tron USB socket damage or similar issues are not applicable to Audi Warranty and will likely be at the owner's expense. Owners should be aware of this policy before seeking repair.

What Owners Should Do

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms related to USB port malfunction in your 2021-2023 Audi, it is recommended to have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Audi service center. They can diagnose the exact cause of the problem and perform the necessary replacement of the USB interface assembly. Be prepared for potential out-of-pocket expenses, as this issue is typically not covered under warranty.

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NHTSA ID: 10208908