2015-2026 Audi Windshield Streaking TSB 2020552/14

Revision History

Technical Service Bulletin 2020552/14 has undergone several revisions to update its scope and details:

• Revision 14: The most recent revision, with no specific date provided, revised the header to include model year 2026.
• Revision 13: Dated November 22, 2024, this revision updated the header by removing model years 2010–2014, adding model year 2025, and refining model codes.
• Revision 12: Dated July 20, 2023, this revision also updated the header to include model year 2024.

Symptoms and Complaint Types

Owners of affected 2015-2026 Audi vehicles may notice their windshield streaking, exhibiting a "snakeskin appearance," or feeling rough to the touch. These conditions are often linked to specific complaints related to exterior glass and wiper system functionality, indicating a need for thorough exterior glass cleaning to address the underlying cause of Audi windshield streaking. The TSB identifies various complaint types and their associated positions on the vehicle:

• Vehicle Front: Complaints include the vehicle areas appearing "crooked" on both the right and left sides, suggesting a visual distortion or misalignment related to the glass surface.
• Wiping Pattern Irregularity: The wiper/washer system control operation may exhibit an "irregular" wiping pattern, affecting the left front, front, right front, and rear sections of the windshield.
• Damaged Wiper Blades: Wiper blades themselves may be reported as "damaged" on the right, left, and left front positions, potentially contributing to poor wiping performance.
• Contamination: The windshield crossmember, entire vehicle areas, and window frame/windshield frame may show signs of "contamination" or appear "dirty."

These issues collectively contribute to poor visibility and an unsatisfactory driving experience.

Technical Background

The primary cause of the streaky or rough windshield condition, leading to Audi windshield streaking, is the accumulation of residue from industrial fallout and normal road dirt and grime on the glass surfaces. This buildup can be persistent and difficult to remove with standard cleaning methods, requiring a specialized approach to restore clarity and smoothness. The TSB notes that there is no specific production solution applicable to prevent this accumulation.

Important Warnings and Owner Advisories

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2020552/14 includes several critical advisories for both technicians and owners to ensure proper resolution and manage expectations:

• Warranty Claims for Wiper Blades: The cleaning procedure outlined in this TSB must be performed and verified before any wiper blade replacement. All warranty claims for wiper blade replacement will be rejected if a defect is not found after this cleaning process. This emphasizes that the issue is typically surface contamination, not a faulty wiper blade.
• Product Usage: Do not use the 3M™ Glass Polishing Compound to clean the wiper blades themselves; it is intended solely for the glass surface.
• Warranty Coverage: This TSB is informational only and is not applicable to any Audi Warranty. Owners should be aware that any costs associated with this cleaning procedure will not be covered by Audi's standard warranty.
• Drying Time: Drying time for the cleaning compound is dependent on ambient temperatures. If temperatures are 60°F (15°C) or lower, expect the drying time to extend significantly, requiring patience to achieve optimal results.

Repair Procedure Summary

To effectively address the Audi windshield streaking and rough surface, a comprehensive 10-step exterior glass cleaning process is recommended, as detailed in TSB 2020552/14. This procedure aims to remove stubborn residue and restore windshield clarity.

1. Initial Wash and Dry: Begin by thoroughly washing and drying all affected exterior glass surfaces of the vehicle. This removes loose dirt and prepares the surface for deeper cleaning.
2. Wiper Service Position: Place the windshield wipers into their service position. This step, illustrated in Figure 1 of the TSB, ensures that the wipers are moved away from the windshield surface, providing unobstructed access for cleaning.
3. Wiper Blade Cleaning: Using a household glass cleaner, such as Windex® or 3M™ Glass Cleaner, carefully clean any residue from the wiper blades themselves. Figure 2 provides a visual guide for this step, showing the proper technique for cleaning the blades.
4. Prepare Polishing Compound: Shake the bottle of 3M™ Glass Polishing Compound (Part No. 60150) thoroughly to ensure the product is evenly mixed. Figure 3 shows the product container, highlighting the importance of proper preparation.
5. Apply Polishing Compound: Apply the glass polishing compound directly to the outside of the windshield, covering both the driver and passenger sides. Figure 4 demonstrates the proper application pattern, typically in a wavy or serpentine line across the glass.
6. Vigorous Cleaning: Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth, specifically a 3M™ Microfiber Detail Cloth - Yellow (Part No. 39016), to vigorously clean the windshield. Employ long, horizontal strokes as shown in Figure 6, ensuring even coverage and pressure. It is crucial to take care and avoid applying the product to the window trim, as illustrated by Figure 5 which displays the recommended detailing cloths.
7. Allow Drying: Let the compound dry on the windshield until a fine film layer, or haze, forms on the glass. The TSB notes that drying time is influenced by ambient temperatures, with cooler temperatures (60°F or 15°C and below) extending the required drying period.
8. Rinse Windshield: Use a garden hose to thoroughly rinse the windshield. This step is critical for removing the dried compound. Additionally, rinse off any product that may have inadvertently come into contact with the trim, as depicted in Figure 7.
9. Final Dry and Buff: With a fresh, clean, and dry microfiber cloth, dry and buff the glass until it achieves a clean, streak-free shine. Figure 8 illustrates this final drying step, aiming for a perfectly clear finish.
10. Trim Wipe-Down: Dampen a separate microfiber cloth with warm water, wring it out, and use it to meticulously wipe off any remaining residue that may have made contact with the trim or rubber seals around the windshield. This ensures no product is left behind to cause future issues.

This detailed process aims to eliminate the underlying causes of Audi windshield streaking and restore optimal visibility and glass clarity.

Required Tools and Parts

To perform the exterior glass cleaning procedure outlined in TSB 2020552/14, the following specific parts are required. These items are essential for effectively removing industrial fallout and grime from the windshield:

Part Number	Part Description	Quantity
60150	3M™ Glass Polishing Compound	01
39016	3M™ Microfiber Detail Cloth - Yellow	01

These items should be ordered through the Audi Top Service Supplies & Touch Up Paint eStore, or checked with your Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and availability.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing Audi windshield streaking or a rough, snakeskin-like texture on your windshield, it is recommended to consult with an authorized Audi service center. While this TSB provides a clear procedure, it is an informational document and the service is not covered under warranty. Discuss the symptoms with your technician and refer to TSB 2020552/14 to ensure the correct cleaning procedure is followed before considering any wiper blade replacements. Attempting to replace wiper blades without addressing the underlying glass contamination may not resolve the issue and could lead to rejected warranty claims.

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Source: NHTSA ID 11025322