2011-2026 Audi Headlight Foreign Object TSB

Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2031473/6 addresses a common concern for owners of 2011-2026 Audi vehicles: foreign objects becoming trapped in the headlight area. This TSB provides guidance for technicians on how to handle situations where debris, such as bristles from a car wash, gets lodged between the headlight and the front fender.

Symptoms of a Foreign Object in Your Audi Headlight

Owners may notice various issues related to an Audi headlight foreign object. These can include:

• Visible Contamination: The headlamp or headlamp lens appears dirty or contaminated.
• Foreign Objects Present: You might see foreign objects, such as car wash bristles, stuck between the headlight and the front fender, as described in the TSB's customer states section: "Bristles from car wash stuck between headlight and the front fender."
• Reduced Functionality or Glare: The presence of foreign objects can lead to glare from the low beams or highway lights, affecting visibility.
• Damage: In some cases, the foreign object may cause minor damage to the headlamp components.

Why This Happens: Technical Background

According to Audi, the occurrence of an Audi headlight foreign object is considered normal under certain conditions. The vehicle's design features low gap widths between the headlight(s) and the wing (fender). This design characteristic means that foreign objects can easily become trapped in this area, particularly after a car wash.

Repair Procedure Summary

When a foreign object is found in the headlight area, the repair procedure outlined in TSB 2031473/6 is straightforward. Technicians are instructed to:

1. Remove the foreign object: Carefully remove the foreign object from the headlight(s) and the surrounding area.
2. No further repairs: The TSB explicitly states, "do not carry out any further repairs." This indicates that the presence of such objects is not typically indicative of a defect requiring component replacement or extensive work.

If any fasteners, bolts, nuts, or screws require replacement during the removal process, technicians should consult the Repair Manual for the latest information.

Important Information for Owners

Owners should be aware of specific conditions related to this issue:

• Warranty Coverage: This damage is considered to be due to outside influence and is not covered by any Audi Warranty.
• Repeated Occurrences: If you find that the issue of an Audi headlight foreign object occurs repeatedly, Audi suggests that it may be advisable to use a different car wash facility.
• TSB References: All part and service references provided in this TSB (2031473) are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with your Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins.

Source: NHTSA ID 11017649