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Audi A4 B8: Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins

With so many safety recalls and technical service bulletins issued across the automotive industry, it can difficult to determine if your B8 Audi A4 is at risk for a safety-related defect. Let's go over the information you'll want to know about this very popular compact executive car.

By Charlie Gaston - March 23, 2016

This article applies to the B8 Audi A4 (2008-2015).

When it comes to safety recalls and technical service bulletins, you will want to know the differences, and there are some major differences between the two. For instance, did you know that only repairs that are made as a result of a safety recall will be paid for by the manufacturer? So, if you foot the bill for a malfunctioning component that the manufacturer has not found to be a safety-related defect, you will be held responsible for that cost, without the possibility for reimbursement. If, on the other hand, a component is found to be unsafe, then you are 100% entitled to have the component repaired at absolutely no charge to you. And, as for technical service bulletins, well, those should not be confused with recalls, as they are considered recommended procedures for a vehicle. You ultimately have the right to choose whether you deem the repair to be necessary for you. Let's take a look at the various recalls and technical service bulletins that have been issued for the B8 Audi A4.

B8 Audi A4

Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and Repairs

Whenever an automotive manufacturer or a federal vehicle safety agency issues a safety recall (or, strictly in the case of a technical service bulletin, the automotive manufacturer), that issuing authority must publicly identify to which model years the recall or TSB apply. Those vehicles are then identified by their vehicle identification number (VIN), a unique 17-digit number that is assigned to all vehicles. B8 Audi A4 owners can located their VIN on the driver's side windshield of their car.

Figure 1. Your VIN is located on your driver's side windshield.

Emissions Service: Take Action Immediately

The crankcase pressure regulating valve in certain 2011 to 2014 model year Audi cars came equipped with a 2.0-liter Turbo Fuel Stratisfied Injection (TFSI) engine have been recalled. The damage to the crankcase could cause some vehicles to fail Inspection/Maintenance testing due to poor emissions ratings. The only way to repair the damaged valve is with a repair kit, which a local Audi dealer can install in approx. an hour or less.

Figure 2. Emissions Service Action 17F9.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

A number of technical service bulletins have been issued for the 2009 to 2016 B8 Audi A4, including issues pertaining to the steering wheel and handle bar, engine (and cooling system), fuel system and power train. Software and equipment issues were also reported, and proved to be easy fixes for most Audi owners. (All updates were made available to the public as well as nationwide Audi dealers.) When it comes to newer model years, such as those of the past five years, some vehicles have experienced sensor-related problems (in one case causing the adaptive cruise control function to deactivate), display issues on the multimedia interface (MMI), warning lights and exterior lights also produced some intermittent failings. Overall, B8 Audi A4 owners are encouraged to keep an eye on their braking system (e.g., damage to the anti-lock brake speed sensor could cause your steering wheel not to lock), fuel system (e.g., low fuel pressure could cause your system to throw trouble codes), and your cooling system (e.g., elevation of engine temperature).

Figure 3. This is the engine coolant temperature sensor in your B8 Audi A4.

Common Questions

Where can I obtain recall information?

Audi will contact you direct by mail if your Audi is part of a recall campaign. As well, you may contact your local Audi dealership by mail or calling Audi (available 24 hours a day seven days a week) at (800) 822-AUDI (2834).

Where can I verify my vehicle identification number (VIN) against current recalls?

Visit the AudiUSA.com website. There you can run your VIN against recalls currently in the system to determine if you should make a service appointment to have your Audi repaired at absolutely no cost to you.

Do I have to complete a recommended service?

No. However, it is strongly recommended that you do in order to prevent the problem from occurring in your Audi later on down the line, which might be sooner than you realize. This is particularly true for emissions-related issues. So, don't delay. Comply with all technical service bulletins immediately, as they pertain to your vehicle.

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