2022-2025 Audi A5/S4/S5 Continental Tire Safety Recall 44CT

Why This Matters: Safety Risk

Continental Tire the Americas, LLC (CTA) has initiated a voluntary safety recall, code 44CT, for certain passenger tires due to a manufacturing non-compliance. The design of the affected tires allows for higher flexing in the tread shoulder, which can cause heat buildup. This condition may result in a belt edge separation. With continued use, the tires could experience a partial or full tread/belt loss, significantly increasing the risk of a crash, serious injury, or death. Affected tires may also exhibit localized tread wear on the shoulders, excessive vibrations, and noise.

What's Being Recalled

This recall, initially published on September 13, 2024, for USA vehicles, was updated on September 20, 2024, to include the Canadian market and further clarified on September 24, 2024. It specifically involves Continental ProContact GX AO tires, size 255/35 R19 96H XL, with Article Number 1557369 and DOT Number CP32 WMC9. The affected tires were manufactured between the 19th week of 2021 and the 32nd week of 2024, identified by DOT weeks "1921-3224". These tires may have been installed as original equipment on approximately 33,437 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, sold as replacement tires, or held in dealer inventories.

How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected

Owners of 2022-2025 Audi A5, S4, and S5 vehicles should check if their tires are included in the Audi A5 Continental Tire Recall 44CT. You can identify affected tires by locating the DOT serial number on the tire sidewall. The last four digits of the DOT number indicate the week and year of manufacture. For example, '3821' signifies the 38th week of 2021, and '0324' signifies the 3rd week of 2024. If your tires have a manufacturing date within the "1921" to "3224" DOT week range, they are subject to this recall. Continental Tire will begin notifying owners directly, directing them to contact their tire or car dealer for an inspection.

Important Warnings for Owners and Dealers

It is crucial to understand the implications of this recall, especially concerning vehicle sales and repairs:

• New Vehicles in Dealer Inventory: "It is a violation of federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle or any new or used item of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by this notification under a sale or lease until the defect or noncompliance is remedied." Dealers must correct any non-compliance prior to delivery.
• Pre-Owned Vehicles in Dealer Inventory: "Dealers should not deliver any pre-owned vehicles in their inventory which are involved in a safety or compliance recall until the defect has been remedied." Dealers must ensure this campaign is completed on all affected inventory vehicles before delivery to consumers.
• Owner Notification: Continental will notify consumers and car owners. Owners will be directed to contact their tire or car dealer to schedule an appointment for inspection and replacement.
• Claim Restrictions: Do not claim vehicle wash/loaner under this action.
• Repair Responsibility: Damages resulting from improper repair or failure to follow these work instructions are the dealer's responsibility and are not eligible for reimbursement.

Manufacturer's Remedy

Audi has applied internal code 44CT to help dealers identify vehicles produced with these affected tires. If your vehicle is identified as having potentially affected tires, an authorized dealer will inspect all four tires. If replacement is necessary, the recalled tires will be replaced free of charge. Reimbursement for the replacement tire, mounting, balancing, and handling will be managed directly through the dealer's tire vendor, distributor, or a representative of the Tire Manufacturer.

Repair Procedure Summary

Technicians will follow a multi-step process for the Audi A5 Continental Tire Recall 44CT:

1. Pre-Repair Verification: Technicians must enter the VIN into the Elsa system and access the "Campaign/Action" screen to verify the vehicle's eligibility. The campaign status must show 'open'. If other open actions are present, customers should be informed so the work can be completed simultaneously. The applicable criteria ID (K1 for unsold vehicles, K2 for retail sold units) must be noted to determine appropriate parts.
2. Tire Inspection: All four tires, including any associated tire sets (e.g., snow tires), must be inspected. The DOT number, typically visible on the outside sidewall, will be examined. The last four digits of the DOT number indicate the manufacturing week and year. Tires with a DOT date within the "1921" to "3224" range are affected.
3. Tire Replacement (if necessary): If affected tires are identified, they will be replaced and balanced using standard dealership tire changing equipment, adhering to all safety guidelines. New tires must be inflated to the pressure specified on the vehicle's B-pillar "Tire and Loading Information" label, and wheel bolts must be torqued to 120 Nm. For unsold vehicles (Criteria K1), the exact Continental ProContact GX AO tire model (Article Number 1557369) must be used. For retail sold units (Criteria K2), substitute tire models meeting minimum requirements are permissible.
4. Post-Repair and Documentation: After completing the campaign, the technician must stamp the repair order. Information regarding the handling and return of removed tires will be provided by the dealer's tire vendor, distributor, or manufacturer representative.

Warranty Claim Information

Dealers should use the following details for warranty claims related to recall 44CT:

• Service Number: 44CT
• Damage Code: 0099
• Parts Vendor Code: 002
• Claim Type: Sold vehicle (7 10), Unsold vehicle (7 90)
• Causal Indicator: Mark labor as causal
• Criteria I.D.: K1 or K2
• Labor Operations:
  • 0183 00 99: Inspect all four tires, no tires require replacement (20 Time Units).
  • 4440 50 99: Inspect all four tires, one or more tires require replacement (20 Time Units).
• Important Note: "DO NOT ENTER TIRES ON CLAIM." Reimbursement for the tires, mounting, balancing, and handling will be processed directly through the dealer's tire vendor, distributor, or the Tire Manufacturer's Representative.

NHTSA ID: 11009286