Volkswagen Group has recalled over 44,000 Audi vehicles due to a software error that can cause the instrument panel to turn off while driving, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports. The malfunction can cause the loss of key information, including the speedometer, RPM gauge, and gearshift indicator, increasing the risk of accidents.
The recall affects several 2021 Audi models, including the A6, A6 Allroad, S6, A7, RS7, A8, RS6 Avant, Q7, Q8, S7, SQ7, S8, and RSQ8. Dealers will update the affected vehicles’ software free of charge. Audi owners will receive notification letters by May 30.
According to the NHTSA, the issue stems from a flex-foil cable that powers the digital instrument display. Over time, the cable can become damaged, causing small electrical fluctuations that may trigger the software to shut off the display.
Volkswagen first identified the problem in April 2024 after a report from a non-U.S. market about a customer’s Audi experiencing a black screen. Complaints of similar issues were also reported in the U.S. across various Audi models, prompting an investigation.
In collaboration with cable supplier Bosch, Volkswagen’s investigation in September and October 2024 revealed that age-related wear to the flex-foil cable could lead to increased electrical resistance. This was confirmed in further testing conducted between December 2024 and February 2025.
As a result, Audi’s Product Safety Committee issued the recall on March 24, 2025. The software update aims to prevent the instrument panel from powering off if the issue occurs. Additionally, if the condition is detected, a “visit a workshop” message will appear on the screen.
Volkswagen has received 2,285 complaints regarding the issue but has reported no injuries or crashes related to the defect. The NHTSA estimates that only about 2% of the recalled vehicles are affected by the issue.
The investigation also confirmed that 2022 Audi models are not affected, thanks to a new flex-foil cable design introduced in July 2021.
In a separate recall in March, Volkswagen addressed a software issue affecting nearly 61,000 ID.4 SUVs and Audi e-tron models, where the gearshift indicator failed to display the neutral position.
