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Audi drivers can worry about a simple spill causing their car to lose power, according to the latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) report. Audi has issued a recall that affects over 50,000 vehicles, and there have been 46 reports in the US of sedans and wagons losing power. No official injuries or crashes have been reported, according to Audi.
Why are Audis being recalled?
According to Audi, there’s a risk that liquid spilled in the back seat area could cause a gateway control module to shut off and reduce the engine power unexpectedly, which can increase the chances of a car accident. The NHTSA report says the module is located under the rear middle seat, and the vehicles were produced without a protective cover over the module. If liquids get into the area, it could cause a short circuit and the gateway to switch off, putting the vehicle in a limp-home mode. If this happens, the car will alert you with several messages and will still be steerable, and the brakes will still work, but the power will be reduced.
This problem isn’t exactly new to Audi. Back in 2021, over 280,000 Audi, Q5 SUVs were recalled because the engine could enter an emergency mode with reduced power if liquids were spilled in the rear seat, the vehicle is caught in a rainstorm, or by driving over deep water, according to Consumer Reports.
What Audi models are being recalled?
Audi, A6 2019-2022Audi, A7 2019-2022Audi, A6 Allroad 2020–2022Audi, S6 2020–2022Audi, S7 2020–2022Audi, RS6 2021–2022Audi, RS7 2021–2022What to do if your Audi was recalled
Audi will be contacting owners by January 20, 2023 to bring in their vehicles to install a protective cover for the gateway control module at no cost to the owners. If you bought your Audi after April 4, 2022, your vehicle should come with a protective cover already. Audi owners can keep an eye on the NHTSA recalls site for updates. Audi’s number for this recall is 90V2, and 22V-861 for the NHTSA.
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