Volkswagen Group of America has recently announced a safety recall affecting 206 units of the 2019 Audi e-tron quattro. The issue at hand involves a bolt connection from the brake pedal’s input rod to the brake booster’s actuator rod that was not performed according to specifications. This deviation could potentially lead to a complete separation of the mechanical coupling, increasing the risk of a crash. In such a scenario, the vehicle’s braking system would only be operable using the emergency brake.
The blame for this oversight falls on the brake booster supplier, Continental. The malfunction of the screwdriving station during the manufacturing process led to the improper bolt connection. Audi began investigating the problem in February 2024 after receiving complaints from customers in European markets regarding unusual brake noises and brake pedal resets.
After conducting a thorough investigation with external screwjoint experts, Continental, and Audi, the recall condition was confirmed. Fortunately, Audi has not received reports of any accidents or incidents related to this issue. The solution to the problem involves replacing the original brake boosters with new ones, which will be done at no cost to affected customers. Owner notification letters will be sent out by October 18, 2024, to inform owners of the recall.
The affected vehicles were produced between May 28, 2019, and October 23, 2019, and can be identified by the part numbers 4KE 614 100 AC and 4KE 614 100 AF for the brake booster. Continental has since optimized its manufacturing process to ensure that replacement boosters meet the required specifications.
It is important for owners of 2019 Audi e-tron quattro vehicles to check if their vehicle is affected by the recall by running the VIN on Audi’s website or the federal recall portal. Interestingly, the e-tron quattro was also produced in China by the FAW-VW joint venture, where it was rebranded as the Q8 e-tron for the 2024 model year. The Q8 e-tron, available in standard and Sportback versions, falls short in terms of driving range compared to competitors like Tesla’s Model Y.
Despite its shortcomings in range, the Q8 e-tron competes in the luxury electric SUV segment with a price tag of $74,400 before taxes. Its main rival, the Mercedes EQE SUV, offers a similar driving range of up to 307 miles. The electric vehicle market continues to evolve, with new models like the Q6 e-tron quattro, underpinned by a new platform shared with the A6 e-tron and the upcoming Porsche Macan Electric, entering the fray.
In conclusion, the safety recall issued by Volkswagen Group of America for the 2019 Audi e-tron quattro serves as a reminder of the importance of quality control in the manufacturing process. While the issue was identified and addressed promptly, it highlights the need for continuous monitoring and improvement to ensure the safety and reliability of vehicles on the road.