2021-2022 Audi Optical Defects, Scratches, Chrome Peeling

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 66 21 68 2046229/2 to provide guidance on handling warranty claims for various optical defects, scratches, and chrome peeling on certain 2021-2022 Audi models. This TSB clarifies the types of cosmetic issues that qualify for warranty reimbursement under damage code 0030.

Symptoms

Owners may notice various cosmetic imperfections on their vehicle's interior or exterior components. These are generally referred to as optical defects that affect the visual appearance of a part.

Common examples include dents, shrink marks, flaking paint, or chrome peeling in the passenger compartment or on trim strips. Discolored or wavy components can also be considered an optical defect. Specific instances mentioned are peeling radiator grilles, peeling start-stop buttons, and peeling armrest door pulls.

Damage Code 0030

Audi uses damage code 0030 to categorize these specific optical defects for warranty purposes. This code is crucial for dealers when submitting claims for qualifying cosmetic issues.

It is important to note that damage code 0030 is not to be used for repairs involving components that are separated, broken, loose, or deformed. For example, a loose seat back cover or a deformed center armrest would not fall under this code. Additionally, damages resulting from negligence, customer driving habits, or other external influences are not eligible for warranty reimbursement.

Diagnosis and Warranty Claim Procedure

For an optical defect to qualify under damage code 0030, the issue must align with the descriptions provided in this TSB. Audi Warranty requires specific documentation to process these claims effectively.

To ensure proper claim submission and reduce the need to ship parts for validation, photographic evidence is mandatory. This process streamlines the claim reimbursement for issues like Audi e-tron optical defects.

Repair Procedure Summary

When a customer reports an optical defect, the dealer's service team must follow a specific process for warranty claims:

1. Qualification Check: Verify that the reported issue meets the criteria for damage code 0030 as described in the TSB's Technical Background section.
2. Photographic Documentation: Take a series of clear, well-lit photographs. These include an overview photo showing the component's location on the vehicle (Figure 1 in the TSB), a close-up photo clearly showing the optical defect (Figure 2), a photo of any applicable data sticker on the component, and a photo of the vehicle's VIN.
3. Submission: Log into Audi Warranty Online and upload all required photographs to DOC-IT, along with the repair order (RO) number and VIN. This ensures that the claim for the Audi e-tron optical defects is properly documented.

This TSB is informational, guiding technicians on the correct warranty procedures. It supersedes a previous bulletin, 17-60, and was revised to include additional model years and service notes.

Owner Action

If you notice any optical defects, scratches, or chrome peeling on your 2021-2022 Audi vehicle, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi dealership. Describe the issue clearly to the service advisor. The dealership will assess the defect to determine if it qualifies for repair under damage code 0030 and initiate the warranty claim process as outlined in this TSB. This ensures that issues such as Audi e-tron optical defects are handled correctly.

Source: NHTSA ID 10185672