2021-2022 Audi MIB3 Star Button Setting Lost

Symptoms

Owners of certain 2021-2022 Audi vehicles equipped with the MIB3 infotainment system may experience an issue where the personalized setting for the 'star button' is lost. Specifically, if the 'star button' is programmed to display front camera views, this setting will revert or be lost after the vehicle undergoes a "bus sleep cycle." This means that each time the vehicle is turned off and then restarted, the owner may need to reprogram the 'star button' for their preferred front camera view function.

This persistent loss of the setting can be inconvenient and frustrating for drivers who rely on this quick access feature for their front camera views.

Technical Background

According to Audi, the root cause of the "Audi star button lost" problem is a software bug within the MIB3 infotainment system. This bug prevents the system from properly retaining the assigned function for the 'star button' through a bus sleep cycle, which is the state the vehicle's electrical system enters when it is shut down for a period of time.

Audi has acknowledged this software defect and is actively working on a permanent solution. The issue is not related to a hardware malfunction, but rather to how the software manages and stores user preferences.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi has provided specific guidance regarding this issue that owners should be aware of:

• Do not replace components: Audi explicitly states, "Do not replace any components for this condition since this will not resolve the customer's concern." This means that attempting to replace parts like the 'star button' or infotainment unit will not fix the underlying software bug and could result in unnecessary costs or delays.
• No immediate repair: As of the bulletin's publication date (September 1, 2021), there is no repair available to permanently address the "Audi star button lost" issue. Owners should be informed that a solution is still under development.

What Audi is Doing

Audi is actively working on a software update to resolve the "Audi star button lost" issue. A solution is anticipated to be available in the first quarter of 2023. In the meantime, Audi is instructing dealerships to take the following actions:

• Inform customers: Explain to affected customers that a solution is forthcoming and that no repairs are currently necessary or effective.
• Create PSS records: Dealerships are required to create a PSS (Pending Service Solutions) record for each customer complaint related to this condition. This is done through the PSS application in AccessAudi, under the Pending Service Solutions link, or via the Technical Assistance page in Elsa. This process helps Audi track the prevalence of the issue and ensures that affected vehicles are noted for future updates.

Next Steps for Owners

If you own a 2021-2022 Audi vehicle with the MIB3 system and are experiencing the "Audi star button lost" symptom, here's what you should do:

• Report the issue: Contact your authorized Audi dealership to report the problem. While there isn't an immediate fix, reporting it ensures that a PSS record is created for your vehicle, documenting the concern.
• Await the software update: Be aware that a permanent solution is expected in the first quarter of 2023. Your dealership should be able to inform you when the software update becomes available.
• Avoid unnecessary repairs: Do not authorize any component replacements for this issue, as Audi has confirmed they will not resolve the software bug.

Source: NHTSA ID 10201510