2023-2025 Audi Rear Seat Reminder Message TSB

Symptoms

Owners of certain 2023-2025 Audi models may observe a specific message in their instrument cluster. The Audi rear seats message can appear as either "Please check rear seats" or "Please check rear seats and be aware of door safelock. See owner's manual".

Depending on the vehicle model and country, this message may also be accompanied by an audible warning tone. Additionally, one of two specific warning light symbols, depicting a seated person with a seatbelt or a child seat, may illuminate.

Understanding the Rear Occupant Detection System

This informational Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 2074943/2) clarifies the function of Audi's rear occupant detection system, sometimes referred to as "Child presence detection 1.0". This system is a crucial safety feature designed to prevent tragic incidents where children or animals are inadvertently left inside vehicles, especially in high temperatures.

Globally, statistics show repeated cases of fatal injuries from occupants being left in hot vehicles. To combat this, Audi has equipped many of its models with this first-generation rear occupant detection system as a standard feature since model year 2024.

How the System Works

The rear occupant detection system operates based on specific conditions related to the vehicle's rear doors and ignition status. A warning event is triggered if a rear door is opened or closed within 10 minutes before the ignition is switched on, or while the ignition is already on.

Once a warning event is detected, the Audi rear seats message "Please check rear seats!" is displayed to the driver at the end of the journey, typically when the ignition is switched off. This notification serves as a reminder to check the rear seats before exiting the vehicle.

The warning event is cleared only when both rear doors have been closed for a continuous 10 minutes AND the ignition has been switched off. If the ignition is switched back on within this 10-minute window and the vehicle is driven, the warning event remains active, even if the rear door was not opened again. In such cases, the message will reappear in the instrument cluster at the end of the next journey.

For most models, the end of a journey is defined by the ignition being switched off. However, for the e-tron GT, a special exit concept applies: the driver's door is closed AND ignition is switched off, or the driver's door is opened AND ignition is switched on. Depending on the model and country, the "Please check rear seats!" message might also appear on the center display's goodbye screen, regardless of whether the rear doors were opened.

Owners can find additional information and a video on the first-generation rear seat occupant recognition system within the Audi Knowledge Tank (AKT) by searching for the term STV_0757.

Important Information for Owners

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 2074943/2) is purely informational. It serves to explain the functionality of the rear occupant detection system and the associated instrument cluster messages. This bulletin is not related to any repair procedure and is not applicable to any Audi Warranty claims.