Starter / Alternator 'recall' dealership experience

[Twotonicnite]

Anyone else get the mail notification from Audi regarding the well known alternator failure?

I took my 19 A6 in yesterday to dealership (with appointment) and had it replaced. I'm at 40K, and have yet to have the dreaded failure. While I was there, I asked for a quote to change the trans fluid, and the service advisor told me that my A6 has Audicare through 70K! I bought it CPO from an Audi dealership a little over a year ago, and I can't believe they didn't mention this as a selling point! That being said, they did a brake fluid flush, the trans service, and gave me a set of spark plugs since I had just replaced them myself last weekend, and did the rest of the 40K inspection/service.

I told them about my coding for Matrix lighting, etc. and both the tech and service writer were very interested in the mods, and lamented the U.S. restrictions.

All told, car was there for 4.5 hrs to get all of this done, with a wash. Big shout out to Team VW/Audi in NW Indiana for the exemplary service. I loathe dealers, and prefer doing my own repairs/maintenance but this was a good experience.

[parthpmp]

Anyone else get the mail notification from Audi regarding the well known alternator failure?

I took my 19 A6 in yesterday to dealership (with appointment) and had it replaced. I'm at 40K, and have yet to have the dreaded failure. While I was there, I asked for a quote to change the trans fluid, and the service advisor told me that my A6 has Audicare through 70K! I bought it CPO from an Audi dealership a little over a year ago, and I can't believe they didn't mention this as a selling point! That being said, they did a brake fluid flush, the trans service, and gave me a set of spark plugs since I had just replaced them myself last weekend, and did the rest of the 40K inspection/service.

I told them about my coding for Matrix lighting, etc. and both the tech and service writer were very interested in the mods, and lamented the U.S. restrictions.

All told, car was there for 4.5 hrs to get all of this done, with a wash. Big shout out to Team VW/Audi in NW Indiana for the exemplary service. I loathe dealers, and prefer doing my own repairs/maintenance but this was a good experience.

I got a letter as well around two weeks ago. But… On my S7 it failed at 43k. Which was about three months ago. Bad luck for me. I told the tech in Ohio all the mods, CETE, matrix coding, wheels, intake etc and they just nodded in approval. Have factory warranty but they said the part itself is under a special warranty so no cost whatsoever regardless of the letter.

Forgot to mention. My repair took a week as parts not in stock and another 2days to install as they couldn’t get the software to load for the battery/ alternator from Audi. (Idk what that means but coding wouldn’t load to my vehicle so it took an extra day is what I understood from it) either way. Audi Dayton was great as I’m not from the area and only visiting so they took care of it last second.

Here’s my Reddit post on it
https://www.reddit.com/r/Audi/s/F0uCbhxfgl


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[bobamoo]

My 2019 A6 has 82k miles, got the letter, took it in and they replaced. I usually cringe at taking my car to the Audi dealer (I work at a VW/Audi indy shop). Took all day but they replaced (not bad to get this replaced at 82k miles! Thank you EPA!). My cars' mods are APR tune, HR sport springs and wheels/tires. They respected my request to not mess with tire pressure and to not wash. I felt my car was not performing as well, so next morning my shop refreshed the tune. First, I was right, performed much better, I think they corrupted the tune files when they flashed the modules. But after refreshing, my car started popping a "Audi adaptive headlight failure") message that would not clear. I have matrix headlights, but not adaptive. I'm thinking whatever they updated included the software to enable adaptive lights. VCDS kept asking for a code to enable, which of course we do not have. Our master master Audi tech had to reconfigure the headlights, and the failure warning went away. When I took it in last year for the control module cover recall, they refreshed everything and I lost all the coding changes I did with OBDEleven and Carista. Thinking this may be when they corrupted the tune, but no way to know. Oh well, I got an expensive part replaced at high mileage, so I'll deal with the small stuff myself!

[snohman]

While it sucked to occur and had me stranded a mile from my local dealership, they were nothing but great in working with me. May have been cuz they damaged one of my stock wheels pretty badly, but they fully repaired it, detailed my car (not the standard wash) and even noted I had some code modifications just in case I wasn't aware (lowered by factory scan tool being most obvious). They are tune friendly and will always recommend to flash to stock - but have acknowledged its easy for them to see if anything is adjusted or changed.

[winreboot]

Do you guys have pdf version of the doc or article number for reference? I have 19A6 but didn't receive any letter in the mail. Thanks!

[Fast001]

2021 S6 with 35,350km. Got a call from my dealer (Pfaff Audi in Vaughan, ON) about a recall. Everything done in a day. Paperwork states: “Scanned vehicle and checked software level on generator and found it to be below specification.”
No prior symptoms that I noticed. Part number for the new alternator is listed as 4N0-903-028-S


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[RLCree]

Ours failed at 52k. Free tow, took 2 days to get the parts in and get the car back. Easy peasy.

[Backorder]

Wait, are all you saying it’s a formal recall now and not just an extended warranty item and you can go in to have it replaced even if it hasn’t gone out!? Am I living under a rock?

[Fast001]

Wait, are all you saying it’s a formal recall now and not just an extended warranty item and you can go in to have it replaced even if it hasn’t gone out!? Am I living under a rock?

Yes, mine was perfectly fine and the dealer reached out for a recall.


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[snopyro]

Have a 2020 A7 and received the recall letter. Made an appointment to have the alternator replaced at my local service shop. They provided me with a loaner during the alternator replacement and I just picked up the car today. Never had any issues beforehand, but car is only at 15,000 miles.

[Backorder]

Yes, mine was perfectly fine and the dealer reached out for a recall.


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Good to know! I’ll actually be at my local dealer tomorrow for an unrelated warranty item…definitely going to ask about this! I like to take long trips in my car and it’s always at the back of my mind if or when it’ll happen.

[winreboot]

Good to know! I’ll actually be at my local dealer tomorrow for an unrelated warranty item…definitely going to ask about this! I like to take long trips in my car and it’s always at the back of my mind if or when it’ll happen.

How did it go at the dealer? Did they ackloledge the issue with those alternators?

[FXR]

My has been seating at the dealer for over 3 with alternator issue 21 Rs6 19k miles and they trying to denied warranty due to APR tune , fucking comedy at this point

[winreboot]

My has been seating at the dealer for over 3 with alternator issue 21 Rs6 19k miles and they trying to denied warranty due to APR tune , fucking comedy at this point

Oh, wow. That is crazy, for RS6 they should not even question it, it's their top tear car. I looked up the part and it's about $700, I thought it would be couple of thousands, but it's not that bad. Now knowing there is potential issue makes me think about it all the time on long trips. I don't know if there is any way to test it or is it that all units can go bad. Will be going to a dealer next month, will def ask about it.

[6smith]

‘19 A6 55k miles. For those with tunes facing backlash, I’m tuned as well and the dealer gave me zero issues. They only questions they had were whether or not to wash the car, which I always decline.

I got the notification Monday morning on my drive to work. I was able to make it to my office and call Audi. Made an appt for Tuesday Morning, but after reading the forums and this issue over the last few months, midway through the day I decided to risk driving the car to the dealership (less than 5miles) on a mostly strait road with shoulder access. I figured I’d be close if the car did die but could save myself a tow, I made it a game. I ended up making it to Audi and initially faced pushback for showing up before my appt, but when I explained the issue and how I was not going to risk driving my car home and back to the dealership tomorrow morning with this error, they understood and were fantastic.

In the dealerships defense, there service systems were down and every throng was back to pen and paper, so showing up unexpected threw them off a bit. I’m not that old, but seeing some of the younger service advisors confused without computers was entertaining.

Long story short, they’ve been nothing but good. They ordered the parts first thing Tuesday and I should have the car back Friday, even with the Holiday and their systems down.

Update:
Got the car back today. All in it took 5 business days but nothing out of pocket. 5 days without a loaner wasn’t ideal but with the 4th of July being directly in the middle, the delay with parts was in the back of my mind and expected.

Overall a simple experience and would recommend doing asap if you haven’t already had to :)


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[JWebb_C7_Comp]

My has been seating at the dealer for over 3 with alternator issue 21 Rs6 19k miles and they trying to denied warranty due to APR tune , fucking comedy at this point

Crazy. Like the APR tune, bumping up boost, advancing timing and fuel delivery (among other tweaks to ECU) has anything to do with alternator/starter… Rather, it could argued this is an emissions issue. EPA won’t be happy at some point.


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[JWebb_C7_Comp]

So, what is Audi actually replacing? Alternator? Starter? 48 volt anything? 12 volt anything?


We just paid $2k for a “starter” on 2017 q7 and have a 2021 RS7.

Plan to investigate both!!


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[drugdealer]

I got the mailer myself right when I was about to take it in for a very rattly subwoofer on the driver side door. They said they had the alternator/starter in stock and ready to go and I could bring it on for the recall to as well to address the subwoofer. All in all, 4 days total, but the delay was the woofer flying in from Germany. They did identify aside from the subwoofer being blown, that the B&O trim on the speaker was loose and would rattle as well, so they took all the B&O trim pieces out and 3M'd taped them down to avoid any further noise. Love my dealer, Sewell Sugarland!

[1BadTundra]

I just picked up my s7 about a month ago. Its a 2021, bought it CPO from an Audi Dealership. How would I know if this service was performed before I bought it?

[1BadTundra]

I just picked up my s7 about a month ago. Its a 2021, bought it CPO from an Audi Dealership. How would I know if this service was performed before I bought it?

To answer my own question here, I just got a mailer notice telling me my vehicle needs this service. Crap...

[jungy4]

For the A6, does anyone know which of the two engines (2.0 vs. 3.0) has more risk than the other. My understanding is the hybrid system voltage is different between the two engines.

[barbear1978]

Wow, these complimentary alternator replacement stories have got me all in a tiffy! I tried getting mine done proactively ('21 RS6) and both the dealer AND Audi of America denied me. My original was replaced in 2023 (via previous owner), albeit with a latter revision of the faulty part (4N0-903-028). The new part (4N1-903-028)is what everyone is getting now. This is what I know as of now:

FACTS:
- Faulty part is Belt-Start Generator (BSG)/Alternator #4N0-903-028x (x= part revision B-R, that I know of)
- New replacement part as of April 2024 is BSG/Alternator #4N1-903-028x
- Service campaign 27BQ started in April 2024.
- This is a service campaign and not recall/extended warranty/TSB, that was initiated by Audi and NOT NHTSA.
- This affects multiple models from Audi's lineup: A6/S6/RS6, A7/S7/RS7, A8/S8, Q8/SQ8/RSQ8 (also includes other VAG platform-shared vehicles, i.e. Porsche Cayenne/Panamera, other 4.0TT powered cars).
- There IS an extended warranty on the BSG/Alternator (4N0-903-028), which is 7-years/unlimited miles from original in-service date. This is not to be confused with service campaign 27BQ; they are 2 separate initiatives.
- Owners/VINs with affected BSG units with get notified either by mail or thru the myAudi app to schedule a replacement.

STORIES:
- EVERYONE with a 2021, 2022, or 2023 MY-affected vehicle gets a complimentary BSG replacement ahead of failure. FALSE! According to my local dealer and AoA, they hold a super-secret list of VINs that they are contacting/replacing proactively.

I am compiling a list of affected vehicles/VINs with either zero or multiple replacements. This is info I am going to take back to Audi when my latest BSG decides to shit the bed. If you would like to be included in the list/spreadsheet, please send me a DM and I will send you what info I am looking for.

[JWebb_C7_Comp]

My BSG was replaced yesterday. I had received notice by mail but had the car booked for service to address the driver’s rear door latch/locking issues.

Long story short, I picked up the car and drove it home last evening. There’s a message on the dash saying i have a starter malfunction. And, despite new door latch installed, the car will not unlock unless i physically press the button on key fob.. once for drivers door twice for all doors.

It’s back at the dealer now and I’ll know more next week.

Certainly not “important”in the grand scheme of life. But it seems Audi missed the boat on the auto start/stop and door lock functions on the C8.

I have a 2018 A6. Locks work as expected - and have done so for almost 7 years - and the auto start stop feature works when I don’t have it disabled. I default to off. I’m


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[Corgiman30]

My BSG was replaced yesterday. I had received notice by mail but had the car booked for service to address the driver’s rear door latch/locking issues.

Long story short, I picked up the car and drove it home last evening. There’s a message on the dash saying i have a starter malfunction. And, despite new door latch installed, the car will not unlock unless i physically press the button on key fob.. once for drivers door twice for all doors.

It’s back at the dealer now and I’ll know more next week.

Certainly not “important”in the grand scheme of life. But it seems Audi missed the boat on the auto start/stop and door lock functions on the C8.

I have a 2018 A6. Locks work as expected - and have done so for almost 7 years - and the auto start stop feature works when I don’t have it disabled. I default to off. I’m


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I have intermittent failure of my entire keyless entry system requiring me to use the key fob to unlock. I’m convinced it’s a soft ware issue but who knows. Happens about 30% of the time. Dealer can’t find anything wrong.

[JWebb_C7_Comp]

Had mine at the dealer. An antenna wire was not well seated. Cleaned contacts tightened and good to go. Finding the right connection must have been a challenge.

BSG seems in order as well. Hope the new design is better than the old units.


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[wwhan]

There are a lot of charging, battery & electrical system TSBs listed for Audi 2022 S7. Many are software related.

48V MHEV Electrical System Fault with DTC U046900 / 34763; U002900/U002800, 2073284/3 July 31, 2024
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...05866-0001.pdf

Q5, A7, A8 TFSIe: preferred charging time cannot be set, software 1191, 2073891/1 May 10, 2024
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...02170-0001.pdf

Multiple Warnings, DTC P0ADB00 Stored In Battery Management 2 Control Module, 2066205/2 March 13, 2024
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...51969-0001.pdf

Electrical or drive system fault, Battery management 2 (48V battery) DTC P0AA100, 2070813/1 July 3, 2023.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...39681-0001.pdf

48V Vehicle electrical system warning, DTC P0CA700 and/or U046900 stored in the starter/generator control module/ECM
2058831/7 March 30, 2023
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...33488-0001.pdf

48V Reference: Charging 48V Battery with 12V Charger DTC P0A7D00, 2067906/4 October 23, 2023
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...44476-0001.pdf

Engine: start/stop system - system fault shown and start/stop system not working; mileage below 50 km/32 miles, 2074810/1 July 31, 2024.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...05861-0001.pdf

[Sline6]

I got the letter and put it off due to my closest Audi dealer being an hour away from me. I own a 2021 Audi A6 55 TFSI well that was a mistake because the car finally stranded me. Luckily half in my driveway after coming home from work one night. Took Audi a month to get my car in with no loaner so that sucked a** but they were great nonetheless when they did get my car in.

[JFW//S4]

Well, phoned my Dealer booked an appointment Saturday, earliest I could get was December 3.

And then on Sunday………..


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[Corgiman30]

Well, phoned my Dealer booked an appointment Saturday, earliest I could get was December 3.

And then on Sunday………..


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No good deed unpunished.

[winreboot]

Another hits the dust today, this time it's my 2019 A6 (51k miles on it). Few months ago I had an argument with dealer that my software version of alternator is below what the TSB mentions and should be replaced, but dealer said my car is not on recall. Then 3 weeks ago I get a letter from Audi USA that my car is on alternator recall list, I immediatly called my local Audi dealer and schedule appointment for this Friday. Well, luck have it the car broke down on a long trip 4 days before scheduled alternator replacement. First give warning, then it said to pull over, then it just died on side of the road. Called tow and got it towed to my house first as it was out of state, now on Friday need to have it tow to my local Audi dealer.

Question, does anyone know if Audi USA or Audi dealer will cover towing or that is all on the owner?

[funclub@caseyha]

Anyone else get the mail notification from Audi regarding the well known alternator failure?

I took my 19 A6 in yesterday to dealership (with appointment) and had it replaced. I'm at 40K, and have yet to have the dreaded failure. While I was there, I asked for a quote to change the trans fluid, and the service advisor told me that my A6 has Audicare through 70K! I bought it CPO from an Audi dealership a little over a year ago, and I can't believe they didn't mention this as a selling point! That being said, they did a brake fluid flush, the trans service, and gave me a set of spark plugs since I had just replaced them myself last weekend, and did the rest of the 40K inspection/service.

I told them about my coding for Matrix lighting, etc. and both the tech and service writer were very interested in the mods, and lamented the U.S. restrictions.

All told, car was there for 4.5 hrs to get all of this done, with a wash. Big shout out to Team VW/Audi in NW Indiana for the exemplary service. I loathe dealers, and prefer doing my own repairs/maintenance but this was a good experience.

Wish I was having as easy if a time as some of you. My dealer in Rockville MD booked my appointment 2 weeks ago for today, they me the alternator would be swapped same day, the recall letter says half a day, and all the parts were supposed to be in..

Here I am, sitting at my house after they have had the car for 9 hour and just found out they didn't even touch it because they don't have a gasket they need, and service isn't open on Saturdays so I have to leave me car with them for until next tuersday

pretty pissed

[korfu]

Wish I was having as easy if a time as some of you. My dealer in Rockville MD booked my appointment 2 weeks ago for today, they me the alternator would be swapped same day, the recall letter says half a day, and all the parts were supposed to be in..

Here I am, sitting at my house after they have had the car for 9 hour and just found out they didn't even touch it because they don't have a gasket they need, and service isn't open on Saturdays so I have to leave me car with them for until next tuersday

pretty pissed

I took mine to the dealer in Annapolis on Dec 5th and they ordered the parts. I called about a week ago since I hadnt heard and they said they were still waiting on parts. The service writer then said something like "this is for a o-ring replacement right?" I said something like "this should be for a whole new alternator/generator." She said she was going to have them reorder all the parts and it should take a week. I havent called back yet since I have had a gnarly stomach bug.

[Sline6]

Another hits the dust today, this time it's my 2019 A6 (51k miles on it). Few months ago I had an argument with dealer that my software version of alternator is below what the TSB mentions and should be replaced, but dealer said my car is not on recall. Then 3 weeks ago I get a letter from Audi USA that my car is on alternator recall list, I immediatly called my local Audi dealer and schedule appointment for this Friday. Well, luck have it the car broke down on a long trip 4 days before scheduled alternator replacement. First give warning, then it said to pull over, then it just died on side of the road. Called tow and got it towed to my house first as it was out of state, now on Friday need to have it tow to my local Audi dealer.

Question, does anyone know if Audi USA or Audi dealer will cover towing or that is all on the owner?

The towing is going to be on the owner. I was in a similar boat as you although luckily mine broke down half in my driveway and then had it towed an hour away a month later to finally be done as my dealer was booked a month out at that time. Then they had it for about another 4 days lol.

[Sline6]

I took mine to the dealer in Annapolis on Dec 5th and they ordered the parts. I called about a week ago since I hadnt heard and they said they were still waiting on parts. The service writer then said something like "this is for a o-ring replacement right?" I said something like "this should be for a whole new alternator/generator." She said she was going to have them reorder all the parts and it should take a week. I havent called back yet since I have had a gnarly stomach bug.

They can 100% overnight the parts they’re just choosing not to. I went through the same BS with my dealer I was down my car for over a month. When I started to act out of character he said no worries we can overnight the parts. Apparently these aren’t parts that they have in stock because they have to be ordered VIN specific.

[korfu]

They can 100% overnight the parts they’re just choosing not to. I went through the same BS with my dealer I was down my car for over a month. When I started to act out of character he said no worries we can overnight the parts. Apparently these aren’t parts that they have in stock because they have to be ordered VIN specific.

Yeah I know I could fight them on it but the car is tucked away in the garage and the RS4 is blocking it in covered in snow so I havent cared enough to follow up with it. I am planning on making more calls and making a stink about it next week though because it would be convienent if it gets dealt with in the next couple weeks. Luckily its still working fine never had any symptoms of it going bad... yet...

[Marsh01]

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