2021 Audi e-tron Engine Shaft Seal Special Notice SM 56-2020

Audi has issued Special Notice SM 56-2020, a Parts Circular, for the 2021 Audi e-tron. This notice highlights a potential manufacturing issue involving an incorrectly installed engine shaft seal. The primary goal of this communication is to ensure that dealers inspect new engines and return any parts that do not meet specifications, preventing potential issues for customers.

This special notice is crucial for maintaining the quality and reliability of the 2021 Audi e-tron engine shaft seal components before they reach owners.

Symptoms

This special notice is primarily a pre-delivery and parts inventory management directive, meaning it aims to prevent issues before they manifest in vehicles driven by owners. Therefore, there are no direct symptoms an owner would typically observe related to this notice.

However, the core issue identified is an incorrectly installed radial shaft seal, specifically the OEF-901-302-B part. The notice indicates that if this incorrect seal is present, a "green seal is visible (should not be)" on the engine. If an incorrect seal were to remain in an engine, it could potentially lead to premature wear or leaks, though the notice does not specify these outcomes.

Fault codes / DTCs

This Special Notice, SM 56-2020, does not list any specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) or fault codes. Instead, it refers to specific part numbers and a visual inspection criterion.

The relevant identifiers mentioned in the notice are:

• Special Notice Number: SM 56-2020
• Affected Engine Part Numbers for Return: 0EF-901-091-AF (Engine), 0EF-901-091-BB
• Incorrect Radial Shaft Seal: OEF-901-302-B (identified by a visible green seal)

What the service bulletin says

Special Notice SM 56-2020 is a Parts Circular issued by Audi to its dealers. It instructs parts managers and inventory personnel to inspect certain engine components. The notice specifically targets engines that might have an incorrectly installed radial shaft seal, identified as OEF-901-302-B.

Dealers are advised to visually inspect engines to determine if this specific shaft seal is present. The incorrect installation is characterized by a visible green seal, which should not be present. If an engine has this visible green seal, it indicates an incorrect installation.

The bulletin directs dealers to return inventory of the specified material numbers (0EF-901-091-AF and 0EF-901-091-BB) to their facing Parts Distribution Center (PDC) by October 16, 2020. The process for returning these parts involves specific claim procedures, including filing a "Claim with Return" and using a YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label. Items returned after the deadline will not be accepted. Dealers are also instructed to re-order new, correct materials using the same part numbers.

What to do

If you own a 2021 Audi e-tron, it's important to understand that Special Notice SM 56-2020 is primarily an internal communication for Audi dealerships regarding parts inventory and quality control. This notice aims to identify and rectify potential manufacturing defects related to the Audi e-tron engine shaft seal before vehicles are sold or during routine service.

While this notice does not require immediate action from owners, if you have concerns about your 2021 Audi e-tron engine shaft seal or any other aspect of your vehicle's performance, you should contact your authorized Audi dealership. They can confirm if your vehicle's engine was inspected and if any corrective actions were taken in line with this special notice.

Source: NHTSA ID: 10180348