Audi A5 and S5 rear light wiring may chafe
medium How serious is it? About this label
The notice does not tell owners to stop driving, and the problem only shows up after a rear-end crash, but being unable to open the doors from outside is serious enough to get the fix promptly.
What's wrong, in plain English
The wires that feed the rear lights run near the spare tire well, and on these cars the protective covering that keeps them from rubbing may be missing. If the car is hit from behind, those unprotected wires can be damaged. When that happens, the doors may not open from the outside and the hazard lights may quit working, which can make it harder for help to reach you after a crash. A dealer adds the missing protection.
What you should do
2. Call your Audi dealer or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 (recall 97EU) and book an appointment.
3. Have the scuff protection applied — the repair is free.
Affected vehicles (4)
Who to contact
Audi — official Audi recall lookup
Customer service: 1-800-253-2834
The bigger picture
- Why do Audi lighting recalls involve software, not just bulbs? · all 3 Audi recalls in this area
Official notice
- Component
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
- Summary
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Audi RS5 Sportback, 2020-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, and S5 Sportback vehicles. The wiring harness for the rear lights could be missing the anti-abrasion protection in the area of the spare wheel well.
- Safety risk
- Without the scuff protection, the wires may become damaged during a rear crash, disabling the doors from being opened from the outside, causing a loss of hazard lights, and increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Audi will notify owners, and dealers will apply scuff protection, free of charge. The recall began January 21, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EU.
Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.