Hopefully no Audi owners in Malaysia have had any major issues so far
Audi announced a huge recall recently affecting 44,387 vehicles from the 2021 model year due to a serious issue with the digital instrument panel. The problem stems from a software defect that can cause the digital gauge cluster to go completely blank, which leaves drivers guessing as to what is going on with their car and that is actually a huge problem.
This large-scale recall includes a wide range of sedans, wagons and SUVs. Although no accidents or injuries have been linked to the issue so far, Audi has received thousands of complaints from owners concerned about the safety implications of the malfunction. This situation highlights the growing reliance on complex digital systems in modern vehicles.
Moreover, the root cause of the Audi recall is a software glitch triggered by minor electrical fluctuations. Specifically, irregular power flow through a cable connected to the display system can cause the instrument panel to shut off as a built-in safety precaution. Unfortunately, this leaves drivers without critical real-time data, increasing the risk of accidents.
The recall affects multiple 2021 model year Audi cars as stated below:-
Sedans & Wagons:
- Audi A6, A6 Allroad, RS6 Avant, A7, RS7, A8, S6, S7, S8
SUVs:
- Audi Q7, Q8, RS Q8, SQ7, SQ8
Owners of these vehicles are urged to schedule a service appointment as soon as possible to receive the necessary update. Given how there are many AP recon Audi cars here in Malaysia, it will be a bit more difficult compared to buyers who chose to buy directly from Audi but hopefully, this issue does get fixed soon.
On top of that, Audi will fix the digital instrument panel issue with a free software update available at authorized dealerships. This update recalibrates the system to better handle minor electrical resistance changes, reducing the chance of the display shutting down unnecessarily. Instead of turning off completely, the system will display a warning if it detects any issues.
Notification letters will be mailed to affected Audi owners starting 30 May 2025. In the meantime, Audi owners can either call Audi Customer Service at 800-253-2834 (Recall Number: 90VC), contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (in the U.S) or simply visit the NHTSA recall lookup website and enter your VIN for specific recall details (also in the U.S).
