1999-2026 Audi Safety Related Inquiry Reporting TSB

Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2052680/4, issued on October 4, 2023, provides crucial guidelines for reporting safety-related incidents across all Audi vehicles manufactured between 1999 and 2026. This bulletin supersedes TSB 21-44 dated May 13, 2021, and emphasizes Audi of America's commitment to monitoring vehicle and part performance in the market to identify and address safety risks early.

This TSB is not about a specific vehicle fault but rather the process for technicians to report potential safety issues to Audi for investigation. The goal is to ensure that all relevant incidents are documented and analyzed to improve vehicle safety.

What is a Safety Related Inquiry?

A "Safety Related Inquiry" refers to any incident or condition that could indicate a potential safety risk with an Audi vehicle. These inquiries are critical for Audi to fulfill its product observation obligation and to investigate incidents thoroughly. The process ensures that the company can prepare for publications or take necessary actions based on findings.

Incidents Requiring an Audi Safety Related Inquiry

Audi mandates reporting for several categories of incidents to ensure comprehensive safety monitoring. These include:

• Airbag/Seatbelt Deployment: Any instance where an airbag or seatbelt has deployed or, conversely, failed to deploy when expected.
• General Accidents: All general accidents involving Audi vehicles.
• Fire and Overheat Damage: Incidents involving fire or overheating damage to the vehicle.
• Accidents with Personal Injury or Property Damage: Specifically, cases where the customer or owner intends to sue the manufacturer.
• Accident Damage with Media Threat: Incidents where the customer or owner does not intend to sue but threatens to contact the media.
• Near Miss Accidents: Situations where workshop personnel believe there might have been a system fault, even if a full accident was avoided.
• Non-Typical Defects: Any unusual defects that lead to an increased safety risk, whether in flowing traffic, stationary traffic, or during an accident.
• Vehicle Fire Damage: Incidents involving open flames, smoldering, or overheating fires.

How to Report an Audi Safety Related Inquiry

All allegations and incidents must be reported through the Audi Technical Assistance Center (TAC) system. Technicians are required to create a WEB ticket, which directs the case to the investigation team. When selecting the concern type in the system, it is crucial to choose "Safety Related Inquiry per TSB 2052680" as shown in the bulletin's Figure 2.

Documentation Requirements

Accurate and detailed documentation is essential for every Audi safety related inquiry. Technicians must provide:

• First Damage Assessment: A preliminary evaluation of the damage.
• Online Attachments: Utilize the online functions to upload attachments and diagnosis protocols.
• Photographs: Include photos of the overall damage from all sides, close-up images of damaged or failed components, and specific photos of front airbag deployment areas like the cross member and side member (as illustrated in Figure 3 of the TSB).
• Detailed Accident Description: A very important aspect is a comprehensive description of the accident or incident.

Important Considerations for Audi Safety Related Inquiry

There are specific instructions for technicians to follow during the reporting process:

• Reporting Before Repair: "This information must be reported before the repair!" This ensures that Audi's experts can conduct an unbiased analysis without interference from prior repair attempts.
• No Pre-Analysis for Fire Damage: For vehicle fire damage, technicians should "Do not make a pre-analysis so that the experts of the manufacturer can conduct an unbiased analysis."
• WEB Ticket Response Time: If a WEB ticket has not been responded to within two hours, technicians may proceed with repairing the vehicle as needed. However, it is critical to update the case with precise details of the exact repair performed before closing it.
• Data Protection: When submitting pictures, photographs, or videos, ensure that personal data such as license plates, VINs, and billing information are not visible to protect privacy.

Parts Handling

For incidents requiring an Audi safety related inquiry, damaged parts are needed for laboratory tests. All removed parts must be retained together as a package and should not be separated. Audi will request these parts through normal part procurement methods via the Warranty Parts Portal. This request may occur before a claim is filed to facilitate immediate analysis.

Warranty Information

It is important for owners and technicians to note that this TSB is purely informational. It outlines reporting procedures and is "not applicable to any Audi Warranty."

NHTSA ID: 10243930