2021-2026 Audi Steering Wheel Heating Not Sufficient TSB

Owners of 2021-2026 Audi vehicles may experience concerns regarding their Audi steering wheel heating, specifically that it does not heat up sufficiently or heats unevenly. Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 48 25 77 2065978/4, issued on January 9, 2025, addresses these observations by providing technical background information.

This TSB supersedes an earlier bulletin, Group 48 number 23-53, dated August 4, 2023, and includes updated information on the condition and technical background, as well as added model years.

Symptoms

Owners may notice one or more of the following conditions related to their Audi steering wheel heating:

• "The steering wheel does not heat up."
• "The steering wheel does not heat up sufficiently."
• "The steering wheel heats up unevenly."
• "It takes a long time for the steering wheel to heat up."

Audi notes that there are no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) associated with these symptoms.

Technical Explanation

The perceived issues with Audi steering wheel heating are often due to the inherent design and environmental factors rather than a malfunction. The surface temperature of the steering wheel may vary across different locations due to uneven heat distribution. This can lead to the impression that the heating is insufficient or not working at all.

It can take over 30 minutes for the steering wheel to reach its target temperature of approximately 30°C (86°F). The actual time required is heavily influenced by the vehicle's interior temperature and the settings of the heater/air conditioner. The leather surface near the spokes might feel cooler because some heat dissipates into the spokes.

Furthermore, direct sunlight on the top part of the steering wheel (12 o'clock position) can create a noticeable temperature difference. If a driver holds the steering wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions, their hands warm the leather. When they then touch the 12 and 6 o'clock positions, these areas may feel cooler because they haven't been warmed by their hands. The NTC temperature sensor, embedded in the foam beneath the cover, can also contribute to how the complaint is perceived. When the desired surface temperature of 30°C (86°F) is reached, the sensor measures 34°C (93°F) due to its location underneath the cover.

What Owners Should Know

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 2065978/4) is informational only. It does not describe a repair procedure or a production solution for the described conditions. Importantly, this TSB is not applicable to any Audi Warranty. Owners should be aware that the observed characteristics of the Audi steering wheel heating are often within normal operating parameters as explained by the technical background.

NHTSA ID: 11013697