Many people have been loyal to Audi over the years as their cars are classically good-looking, reliable, a blast to drive, and not overly ostentatious. This is why we believe the new massive recall for certain Audi models will have its customers reeling. Audi is renowned for its advanced safety technology, advanced infotainment systems, and driver-assistance features, so this new risk related to certain models is certainly one that no one could have predicted.
This is what led to the massive recall of certain Audi models
44,387 vehicles in the United States and 3,905 in Canada have been recalled by the Volkswagen Group, Audi. The reason behind the massive recall is due to cars and sports utilities that may display an unexpected failure of the instrument panel display, more commonly referred to as the “virtual cockpit” in Audi jargon. The virtual cockpit might shut down without prior notice, which results from a combination of inadequate software and a specific cable.
Per Audi, the infamous flex-foil cable becomes damaged quite easily as it ages. When this occurs, the virtual cockpit detects increased contact resistance, a phenomenon that triggers the instrument panel software to shut down the display to protect it. When the virtual cockpit shuts down, drivers lose access to essential features like the speedometer, warning lights, speed and gear indicators, mileage, and more.
An investigation of the problem was initiated in April 2024. Audi stated that they were only aware of 2,285 complaints related to the issue before they filed the recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They did not declare whether the number of complaints represented the US market exclusively or included the Canadian market as well. Thankfully, no injuries or crashes were reported.
The Audi models that were affected
Only specific 2021 Audi models were recalled due to virtual cockpit failure, which include the following:
- 2021 Audi A6
- 2021 Audi A6 Allroad
- 2021 Audi A7
- 2021 Audi A8
- 2021 Audi Q7
- 2021 Audi Q8
- 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant
- 2021 Audi RS 7
- 2021 Audi RS Q8
- 2021 Audi S6
- 2021 Audi S7
- 2021 Audi S8
- 2021 Audi SQ7
- 2021 Audi SQ8
Owners of the abovementioned recalled models can take their vehicles to a Volkswagen or Audi dealership to receive the free remedy to the instrument panel module software. We would not recommend you delay getting the issue sorted out.
Audi plans on rectifying the issue
Audi wants to rectify the issue as soon as possible, and all US and Canadian Audi dealers have already received instructions to remedy the software with an update. There will be no additional costs involved with the software update. If you own a recalled model, Audi Dealer Communication will inform you by first-class mail before or on May 30, 2025. Audi owners may also contact customer service at 1-800-253-2834 about recall number 90VC.
According to Audi, the software update will not be as sensitive to contact resistance variations as the original, faulty software. The software update will be performed via the OBD-II port. The flat cable was optimized by the sub-supplier in 2021. In July 2021, the updated flat cables were instituted for the MLB Evo vehicle production. The remedy should be swift, which means you can hop onto the open road sooner rather than later.
Anyone else who might still be concerned regarding the status of their cars, car parts, or car accessories may enter their information into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall database or view USA Today’s recall database for a list of specific car and motor vehicle recalls. As for all you Audi lovers out there feeling a bit melancholic, do not fret, your classically good-looking, reliable, a blast to drive, and not overly ostentatious car will be back to its normal self soon!