Audi to recall over half a million 2017-2020 hybrids: Generator can overheat and catch fire

19/05/2020

Audi has announced a recall involving around 530,000 mild-hybrid A4, A5, A6, A7, and Q5 models worldwide. Moisture can penetrate the BSG (Belt-Starter-Generator), which can lead to a short circuit and overheating of the generator. Subsequent fire in the engine compartment is not excluded.

According to KBA (German Federal Motor Transport Authority), 53,250 cars out of a total of approximately 530,000 are registered in Germany. Models A4, A5, A6, A7, and Q5 with the production period between May 2017 to March 2020 are affected. Both the European Rapex system and the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) state that the vehicles are equipped with a mild-hybrid system and a two-liter TFSI petrol engine (EA888).

The recall code is “27H2” and the generator should be replaced in an authorized workshop. Audi states that no property damage or injuries are yet known in connection with this defect.

Latest Audi Recalls

What is the BSG (Belt-Starter-Generator)

The system replaces a conventional starter pinion and is driven by a belt connected to the engine crankshaft. Together with a lithium-ion battery, the belt-starter generator forms the heart of the mild-hybrid (MHEV) system. When the driver applies the brakes during everyday driving, the system converts a large percentage of the braking energy – normally lost in the form of heat – into electrical energy for future use.

-rb-

Where now?

What should an owner do if there's a recall?

Please note that the recall may not apply to all vehicles produced in a given period. If you think your car might be affected, you should immediately contact an dealer or workshop officially authorised to perform repairs on behalf of the manufacturer and ask for the details. You can use our sample request text. After reporting the vehicle's VIN code, you will find out if the defect is present on your car, or if it has already been resolved by the previous owner if the car was purchased second-hand.

More about

Recalls and Reliability

If you wish to know more about the eventual problems of a specific car (e.g. real mileage, potential traffic accident damages, odometer rollback, repairs, etc.), in that case, we suggest going to this page.

Check the vehicle's history