2021-2025 Audi Q8 Headlight Parts Return Notice SM 52-2024

Audi has issued Special Notice SM 52-2024, a parts circular primarily concerning the 2021-2025 Audi Q8 and RS Q8 models. This notice provides instructions to dealers regarding the return of specific headlight part numbers to ensure that only compliant parts are in inventory and available for customers. The primary goal is to improve the quality of parts reaching consumers and manage dealer inventory effectively.

What is Special Notice SM 52-2024?

Special Notice SM 52-2024 is an internal communication from Audi to its parts managers and service centers. It outlines a process for identifying and returning certain headlight units from dealer inventory. This is not a recall for vehicles already on the road but rather an inventory management directive to prevent potentially non-compliant parts from being installed in future repairs or new vehicle builds. The notice aims to streamline the return process for specific headlight components to ensure only approved parts are used.

Affected Headlight Part Numbers

This parts circular specifically targets two headlight part numbers: 4M8-941-113 (Headlight) and 4M8-941-781. Dealers are instructed to review their current inventory for these material numbers. The directive ensures that any stock of these parts that do not meet specific criteria are removed from circulation, preventing them from reaching customers.

Identifying Compliant Headlights

Audi has provided clear criteria for distinguishing between compliant and non-compliant headlight units. Headlights are considered acceptable if their production date is 31.05.2024 (May 31, 2024) or later, or if they feature a distinct "Green Mark." Parts produced before May 31, 2024, and lacking this "Green Mark" must be returned. The production date and "Green Mark" location are typically found on the headlight unit itself, as illustrated in the provided example image.

Important Warnings for Dealers

This Special Notice SM 52-2024 includes critical deadlines and conditions for returns:

• Dealers must return inventory of the listed material numbers to their facing Parts Distribution Center (PDC) no later than 9/24/2024.
• "Items returned after the above-mentioned date WILL NOT be accepted on any type of return/buyback."

This means dealers must act promptly to ensure credit for returned parts and avoid being stuck with non-returnable inventory. For owners, this reinforces that any replacement headlight should be a compliant part.

Dealer Return Procedure

To facilitate the return process and ensure proper credit, dealers must follow these claims procedures:

1. File a separate "Claim with Return" by selecting "Dir Sup. Req. Return" under the item type. Dealer comments must include the Special Notice Number and Parts Circular number referenced in this document.
2. Review "Parts On Command" the following day to obtain the Delivery List document. Any problems or delays should be communicated to the facing PDC.
3. Enter the 40000XXXXX delivery document number onto a YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label.
4. Adhere the YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label securely to the package(s) containing the returned parts.
5. Include one copy of the Delivery Document with the returned part(s) inside the package.

Re-ordering New Parts

After returning non-compliant parts, dealers are instructed to re-order required new materials. These new materials should be ordered using the same part number as the returned items. This ensures that the replacement parts are the correct specification but will be from a compliant production batch.

NHTSA ID: 11009250