2020-2023 Audi e-tron External Sound Warning TSB

Owners of certain 2020-2023 Audi e-tron models may encounter an Audi e-tron external sound warning message in their vehicle's instrument cluster. This issue is detailed in Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 93 24 42 2071352/2, which supersedes an earlier bulletin, Group 93 number 23-20, dated August 29, 2023. This updated bulletin, published on February 23, 2024, includes revised header information and an updated condition regarding the expected availability of a fix.

This TSB applies to a range of Audi e-tron vehicles, including the A8 e quattro and Q5 e quattro (2020-2021), A7 e quattro (2021-2022), e-tron quattro and e-tron Sportback quattro (2021-2023), and e-tron S, e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron, and Q5 Sportback e-tron (2022-2023). The bulletin acknowledges the concern and provides guidance for both customers and dealerships while a permanent solution is being developed.

Symptoms

Owners will typically notice a specific warning message displayed in their instrument cluster. The verbatim message reported is: “Vehicle sound: Malfunction! Pedestrians cannot hear vehicle. Please contact Service”. This Audi e-tron external sound warning may appear sporadically, often when starting the vehicle or when the vehicle's speed exceeds or drops below approximately 40 mph.

Despite this warning message, the external sound system, which is designed to alert pedestrians to the presence of the electric vehicle, typically functions correctly. This discrepancy between the warning and the actual operation of the sound system is a key characteristic of the issue.

Diagnosis and Workshop Findings

When technicians investigate this Audi e-tron external sound warning, they typically find that no relevant Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are stored in the vehicle's system. Furthermore, tests confirm that the external sound system is working as intended, despite the persistent warning message. The intermittent nature of the message, appearing at specific speed thresholds or upon startup, has also been observed. Audi notes that this concern is currently under analysis.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi explicitly states that “No repairs are necessary at this point for any affected vehicle. Do not replace any components for this condition since this will not resolve the customer's concern.” This means owners should not authorize any component replacements related to this warning, as it will not fix the underlying issue and may result in unnecessary costs. The TSB is informational only and is not applicable to any Audi Warranty claims.

What Owners Should Do

Audi advises customers that a solution is expected to be available for Q4 e-tron, A8 e quattro, A7 e quattro, and Q5 e quattro models by the end of the 3rd quarter of 2024. For e-tron GT models, a solution is anticipated by the end of the 4th quarter of 2024. These timelines are subject to change.

In the meantime, owners should contact their authorized Audi dealer. The dealer's service department will create a PSS (Pending Service Solutions) record in the PSS application through the AccessAudi portal. This process helps Audi track affected vehicles and ensures that customers are notified when the permanent software update or solution becomes available.

Warranty Information

Technical Service Bulletin 93 24 42 2071352/2 is classified as informational only. It does not provide for warranty claims or repairs under standard Audi Warranty provisions, as the issue does not involve a defective part requiring replacement.

NHTSA ID: 2071352/2