2021-2022 Audi/VW Control Unit Software Return SM 15-2022

This Special Notice, identified as SM 15-2022, is a Parts Circular issued by the manufacturer to manage inventory and ensure that customers receive the most up-to-date components. It specifically addresses certain control units used in various Audi and Volkswagen models, including the 2021-2022 Audi A3. The primary goal is to standardize the software versions of these critical parts across the dealer network.

What this Notice is About

Special Notice SM 15-2022 directs dealers to return specific control units from their inventory. The affected parts are identified by part numbers 5WA-959-436-H and 5WA-959-436-J. This proactive measure aims to improve the quality of parts available to customers by ensuring only the latest versions are in circulation.

The notice clarifies that only control units with software version SW 0725 or greater are considered to be at the latest state of development. Any control units with software versions prior to SW 0725 are deemed outdated and must be returned to the manufacturer's parts distribution center (PDC).

Affected Control Units and Software

The core of this notice revolves around the software version of the control units. All control units with software versions earlier than SW 0725 are considered affected. This includes any 5WA-959-436-H or 5WA-959-436-J control unit that does not meet the minimum software requirement.

This inventory update impacts vehicles such as the 2022 Audi A3, 2022 Volkswagen Golf R, and 2021-2022 Volkswagen ID.4. By ensuring that only the most current software is present on these control units, the manufacturer aims to prevent potential issues and enhance the overall reliability and performance of the vehicle's systems, including those connected via the AirWave CAN/US CANbus.

Important Warnings for Dealers and Owners

This notice includes critical instructions regarding the return process. It explicitly states that "All previous software versions are affected and must be returned." This means dealers were required to purge their stock of older units.

Furthermore, the notice sets a strict deadline for returns: "Items returned after the above-mentioned date [March 8, 2022] WILL NOT be accepted on any type of return/buyback." This deadline underscores the urgency for dealers to comply with the inventory update. For owners, this implies that any replacement control unit installed after this date should inherently be the updated version, ensuring your Audi A3 control unit software is current.

Return Procedure Summary

For dealers, the process involved filing a separate "Claim with Return" and selecting "Dlr Sup. Req. Return" under the item type. They were instructed to complete dealer comments with the Special Notice Number and Parts Circular number. Dealers also needed to review Parts On Command for delivery list documents and contact their PDC if any problems arose.

Crucially, dealers were required to enter their delivery document number on a "YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label" and adhere this label to the package(s) containing the returned parts. A copy of the Delivery Document also needed to be included with the returned part(s). Dealers were also advised to re-order new materials using the same part number to receive the updated versions.

Why This Matters for Your Vehicle

While this Special Notice primarily targets dealer inventory management, it directly benefits owners of affected vehicles like the 2021-2022 Audi A3. By ensuring that only control units with the latest software (SW 0725 or greater) are available, the manufacturer is proactively addressing potential software-related issues and improving overall component quality. This means that if your vehicle requires a replacement control unit, or if you purchase a new vehicle from this model year range, it will be equipped with the most current and stable software version, contributing to a better ownership experience and ensuring your Audi A3 control unit software is up-to-date.

Source: NHTSA ID: 10208277