Audi A6 Hybrid Vehicles Recalled for Short Circuits, Fires

Audi was the first premium brand to develop an extended-wheelbase car with a larger back seat for the Chinese Market, the A6l. Both it and an A4l are produced in Northern China with FAW.

Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 5,471 2019-2020 Audi A6 vehicles equipped with mild-hybrid technology and 2.0TFSI engines. Moisture may enter the starter generator – the inverter inside the belt starter generator is coated with a plastic molding – and cause an electrical short circuit leading to smoldering and a fire.

A fire in a railway container in China last December with 2 new Audi vehicles started a chain of events that lead to this global recall. Audi investigations with Valeo the supplier on the  root cause, possible contributing factors and affected production period ensued.

On 14 February 2020, supplier Valeo of the starter generator introduced measures in production to avoid moisture entry into the high amperage part. The Audi Product Safety Committee on 11 March declares a safety defect and decides on a worldwide safety recall.

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the starter generator, free of charge as required by US law. The recall is expected to begin by May 15, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 27H2. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.safercar.gov. NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V153000.