Audi Recalls Cars Because a Liquid Spill Can Shut Down the Engine

Aug 25, 2023

A rear-seat mishap can cause a computer control module to short-circuit

Audi is recalling certain midsized cars from the 2019 to 2022 model years because a liquid spill in the back seat can cause the engine to enter an emergency mode, with reduced power.

The included vehicles include certain A6 and A7 sedans and wagons, including S and RS versions. A total of 50,883 vehicles are included. This is a similar action to a previous Audi Q5 recall that involved 288,991 SUVs.

The problem stems from a safety protocol intended to protect the vehicle from "unwanted reactions" due to problems with a control unit. Short circuits due to liquid intrusion can cause the engine to go into an emergency mode, with reduced power. Audi says that the "vehicle remains steerable, and the brake system is fully operable."

An unexpected reduction in engine power creates a crash risk. Audi says that the cases it is aware of were all due to liquid spills in the back seat, whereas with the Q5, some problems were caused by liquid outside the vehicle.

The automaker says that "even though several systems are displaying a malfunction, not all of these systems are impacted." There have been 46 potentially related claims due to this problem.

Models built since April 4, 2022, included the new protective cover and are not expected to have this issue.

Audi plans to notify owners in late January 2023.

The company is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to this condition.

Vehicles Recalled • 2019 to 2022 A7 and A6 sedan.• 2020 to 2022 Audi S7, S6 sedan, A6 Allroad.• 2021 and 2022 RS7, RS6 Avant.

The problem: Liquid spilled in the rear seat may cause a control module to shut down, affecting engine operation.

The fix: Dealerships will install a protective cover, free of charge.

How to contact the manufacturer: Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 800-253-2834.

NHTSA campaign number: 22V861000. Audi's number for this recall is 90V2.

Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA's website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.

If you plug your car's 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA's website and a recall doesn't appear, it means your vehicle doesn't currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.

Stay informed about recalls that might affect your vehicle by using our Car Recall Tracker. Create a free account now to become a CR member.

Jeff S. Bartlett

A New England native, I have piloted a wide variety of vehicles, from a Segway to an aircraft carrier. All told, I have driven thousands of vehicles—many on race tracks across the globe. Today, that experience and passion are harnessed at the CR Auto Test Center to empower consumers. And if some tires must be sacrificed in the pursuit of truth, so be it. Follow me on Twitter (@JeffSBartlett).