Coolant Leak may cause Engine Stall – 2010-2013 Audi A8 – VolksWagen & Audi

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V619
Manufacturer Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Potential Number of Units Affected 9,067

Coolant Leak may cause Engine Stall

A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.

Summary

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Audi A8 vehicles manufactured May 15, 2010, to May 14, 2012.

The affected vehicles have a coolant valve that may leak, allowing coolant to enter the engine control module causing a loss of power or the engine to stall.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the coolant valve and inspect for coolant that has leaked through the electrical connector, free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin October 19, 2016.

Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Notes

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.

Check if your Audi has a Recall

Date: October 5, 2016

To: Audi Dealer Principal, Service Manager, Warranty Administrator, Sales Manager, General Manager & Parts Manager

From: Audi Customer Protection

Subject: Upcoming Safety Recall 80B9 – Coolant Shut-Off Valve (N488)

USA: Certain 2011-2012 Model Year Audi A8 Vehicles

Canada: Certain 2010-2012 Model Year Audi A8 Vehicles

We would like to inform you of an upcoming Safety Recall. Please refer to the attached Campaign Data Sheet for additional information.

Dealers must ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before delivery to consumers.

IMPORTANT REMINDER ON VEHICLES AFFECTED BY SAFETY & COMPLIANCE RECALLS

New Vehicles in Dealer Inventory: It is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle or any new or used item of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by this notification under a sale or lease until the defect or noncompliance is remedied. By law, dealers must correct, prior to delivery for sale or lease, any vehicle that fails to comply with an applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard or that contains a defect relating to motor vehicle safety.

Pre-Owned Vehicles in Dealer Inventory: Dealers should not deliver any pre-owned vehicles in their inventory which are involved in a safety or compliance recall until the defect has been remedied.

If you have any questions or require additional assistance, please contact Warranty. As always, any press inquiries should be directed to Audi Public Relations.

Audi Customer Protection

Attachment: Campaign Data Sheet (1)

CAMPAIGN DATA SHEET

CAMPAIGN TYPE	Safety Recall
SAGA CODE	80B9
MARKET(S)	United States and Canada
AFFECTED VEHICLES	USA: Certain 2011-2012 Model Year Audi A8 Vehicles Canada: Certain 2010-2012 Model Year Audi A8 Vehicles
TOPIC	Coolant Shut-Off Valve (N488)
PROBLEM DESCRIPTION	Over time, it is possible for coolant to leak through a coolant valve wire connection, causing coolant migration into the engine control module. If this happens, it can cause a short circuit, placing the vehicle into “limp-home mode”, or possibly even cause a stall without warning. Stalling can lead to a vehicle crash.
CORRECTIVE ACTION	Replace affected coolant valve and inspect for coolant leak through the valve electrical connector.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION DATE	October 2016
ELSA/OMD Web VISIBILITY DATE	On or about October 6, 2016
TOTAL AFFECTED VEHICLE COUNT	USA: 9,102 CANADA: 454
APPROXIMATE REPAIR TIME	Up to 110 TU
SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED?	SEE CAMPAIGN WORK PROCEDURE
PARTS REQUIRED	SEE CAMPAIGN WORK PROCEDURE
EXPIRATION DATE	NONE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION	IMPORTANT REMINDER ON VEHICLES AFFECTED BY SAFETY & COMPLIANCE RECALLS New Vehicles in Dealer Inventory: It is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle or any new or used item of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by this notification under a sale or lease until the defect or noncompliance is remedied. By law, dealers must correct, prior to delivery for sale or lease, any vehicle that fails to comply with an applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard or that contains a defect relating to motor vehicle safety. Pre-Owned Vehicles in Dealer Inventory: Dealers should not deliver any pre-owned vehicles in their inventory which are involved in a safety or compliance recall until the defect has been remedied. Dealers must ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before delivery to consumers.

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

Audi of America, Inc.

This notice applies to your vehicle: <VIN>

NHTSA: 16V619

Subject: Safety Recall 80B9 – Coolant Shut-off Valve (N488)

Certain 2011-2012 Model Year Audi A8 Vehicles

Dear Audi Owner,

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Audi has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2011-2012 model year Audi A8 vehicles. Our records show that you are the owner of a vehicle affected by this action.

What is the issue?	Over time, it is possible for coolant to leak through a coolant valve wire connection, causing coolant migration into the engine control module. If this happens, it can cause a short circuit, placing the vehicle into “limphome mode”, or possibly even cause a stall without warning. Stalling can lead to a vehicle crash.
What will we do?	To help identify/correct this defect, your authorized Audi dealer will replace affected coolant valve and inspect for coolant leak through the valve electrical connector. This work will take about two hours to complete and will be performed for you free of charge.
What should you do?	Please contact your authorized Audi dealer without delay to schedule this recall repair. For your convenience, you can also visit www.audiusa.com and click on the “Find a Dealer” link to locate a dealer near you and schedule this service.
Lease vehicles and address changes	If you are the lessor and registered owner of the vehicle identified in this action, the law requires you to forward this letter immediately via first-class mail to the lessee within ten (10) days of receipt. If you have changed your address or sold the vehicle, please fill out the enclosed prepaid Owner Reply card and mail it to us so we can update our records.
Reimbursement of Expenses	If you have previously paid for repairs relating to the condition described in this letter, the enclosed form explains how to request reimbursement. We would be pleased to review your reimbursement request.
Can we assist you further?	If your authorized Audi dealer fails or is unable to complete this work free of charge within a reasonable time, please contact Audi Customer Experience at 1-800-253-2834 or via our “Contact Us” page at www.audiusa.com.
Checking your vehicle for open Recalls and Service Campaigns	To check your vehicle’s eligibility for repair under this or any other recall/service campaign, please visit the tool at www.audiusa.com and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

If you still cannot obtain satisfaction, you may file a complaint with: The Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590; or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to https://www.safercar.gov.

We apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause; however we are taking this action to help ensure your safety and continued satisfaction with your vehicle. Thank you for your continued loyalty!

Sincerely,

Audi Customer Protection

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2016/RCMN-16V619-9858.pdf