2023-2024 Audi Sill Panel Trim Stains TSB 2073860/1

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 66 24 06 2073860/1 to address customer concerns regarding cosmetic issues on the sill panel trim of various models. This TSB, also identified as 2073860, provides guidance for diagnosing and resolving the appearance of "Stains / marks on the sill panel trim" or "Marks/dirt on sill panel trim."

This bulletin applies to a wide range of Audi vehicles from model years 2021-2024, including the 2023-2024 Audi e-tron, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8, R8, and their Sportback, allroad, and performance variants. The issue is purely cosmetic, affecting the visual appearance of the vehicle's interior entry areas.

Symptoms

Owners may notice various cosmetic imperfections on the sill panel trim. These are commonly described as "Stains / marks on the sill panel trim" or general "Marks/dirt on sill panel trim." These visual blemishes can detract from the vehicle's aesthetic appeal, particularly in high-traffic areas like door sills.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Upon inspection, technicians will confirm the presence of "Dirt on sill panel trim." The TSB clarifies that the root cause of these stains and marks is typically "outside influence." This means the imperfections are not due to a manufacturing defect or a failure of a vehicle component, but rather from external factors such as dirt, scuffs, or other environmental elements encountered during normal use.

Figures 1 and 2 in the TSB illustrate examples of these visible marks, stains, and dirt on the sill panel trim, helping technicians identify the condition accurately. The diagnosis is straightforward, relying on visual confirmation of the cosmetic issue.

Repair Procedure Summary

The recommended service procedure for addressing the "Audi e-tron sill panel stains" and similar issues on other models is a simple cleaning process. The TSB specifies the following step:

1. Clean the sill panel trim with a fine polish. The bulletin states that "The dirt and deposits can be removed with the polish." Figures 3 and 4 within the TSB demonstrate the appearance of the sill panel trim after it has been cleaned with a fine polish, showing a restored finish.

This procedure does not involve replacing parts or complex mechanical work, emphasizing the cosmetic nature of the problem.

Important Warnings

Audi has provided clear guidance regarding warranty coverage and part replacement for this specific issue:

• "Claims for replaced parts will not be reimbursed."
• "This damage is due to outside influence and is not covered by any Audi Warranty."

These statements indicate that if a dealer were to replace the sill panel trim due to these stains, the cost would not be covered under the standard Audi warranty, and the dealer would not be reimbursed by Audi. This reinforces that the issue is considered normal wear and tear or external damage, not a defect.

What Owners Should Know

If you are experiencing "Audi e-tron sill panel stains" or similar marks on your Audi's sill panel trim, it's important to understand that this is considered a cosmetic issue resulting from external factors. As such, it is not covered by Audi's warranty for replacement parts. The recommended solution is a simple cleaning with a fine polish.

Owners can attempt to clean the sill panel trim themselves using appropriate automotive polishes designed for interior trim, or they can consult with their Audi dealership for professional cleaning services. However, be aware that any service performed to address these stains would likely be at the owner's expense due to the warranty exclusion outlined in TSB 66 24 06 2073860/1.