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The most important thing in brief: Audi TTRS recall (30E3) shortly:
- recall (30E3) for the Audi TT RS due to an update for the engine control unit, which should deactivate the exhaust flap control.
- Audi initially asked kindly, to carry out the update, but later the tone became more definite.
- Some owners report, that Audi tried, to perform the update without their knowledge.
- The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) has issued an official recall, which says, that the update by the end of January 2024 must be carried out, otherwise there is a risk of shutdown.
- It is believed, that the exhaust flap control was originally not approved, otherwise no callback would be possible.
- Legal protection insurance could cover the costs of legal action against the dealer or manufacturer, to claim compensation for the damage caused.
- There are increasingly similar reports from Audi R8 owners, who are affected by a similar scenario.
Recall campaign for Audi TTRS: Suddenly too loud?
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) ordnet an, that Audi has to recall TT models up to seven years old - due to changed software for the sound settings. The regularly registered sports cars with the characteristic 5-cylinder suddenly no longer meet the noise regulations?
The KBA identified in Germany 1.677 Audi TTRS, at them “a functional adjustment” is required. The recall is carried out as part of coordination with the type approval authority and requires a software update of the engine electronics, as the manufacturer reports.
The affected vehicles come from the years of production 2015 to 2018 before the facelift, which gave the coupé an Otto particle filter and thus a less extroverted sound. The update is intended to ensure, that the sound setting “Standard” is retained in certain vehicle settings. It concerns the transmission selection position D in conjunction with DriveSelect 'Auto’ or ‘Comfort’ and the gearbox selection position S in conjunction with DriveSelect ‘Comfort’. The measure takes about an hour and is free of charge.
After the update, the exhaust flaps can be set to Comfort mode, No longer open the car or individual. In addition, there is no longer a loud exhaust noise when starting. The rumor is circulating, that the update may overwrite existing software resulting from chip tuning measures and could have a negative impact on the manufacturer's warranty.
The recall campaign with the code 30E3 from the manufacturer and the reference number 009359 at the KBA is mandatory by the KBA. Owners must have the defect corrected, Otherwise there is a risk of an operating ban and decommissioning of the vehicle.
There is uncertainty about this, whether the risk, that the recall is intended to eliminate, should be classified as serious. The KBA lists criteria for a serious risk, but the assessment remains unclear.
The KBA statistics show a decline in recalls of 2019 to 2020, However, subjectively an increase can be observed. The fulfillment rate is usually only checked afterwards 18 months instead.
For drivers of the Audi TTRS model years 2015 to 2018 there is not necessarily cause for concern, as the KBA procedures progress slowly and priorities have to be set.
What can be done about the Audi TTRS recall??
Unfortunately, nothing can be done about the recall, otherwise there is a risk that the vehicle will be decommissioned.
But there is a possibility, downgrade to the previous version and provide it with the new software numbers and diagnostic data.
Or in other words: Thanks to our special adjustment, we maintain the old data stream while still displaying the new software revision.
This means there would be no problems with a TÜV test. However, this modification leads toExpiry of the operating license and is therefore only for use inRacing suitable!
A similar scenario with a software update exists with the Audi R8.