Audi recall, there’s a problem with the turbocharger

The carmaker has recalled some A8, RS7, S6, S7, and S8 sedans (from the 2013-2017 model) as there is a problem with the turbocharger. These cars are recalled to be fixed.

The recall has been brought about by a yearlong investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – NHTSA. They looked into reports that these vehicles (A8, RS7, S6, S7, and S8 sedans from the 2013-2017 model) could stall without warning while in motion. The problem is provoked by an oil strainer that can become clogged and restrict oil flow to the turbo. When the turbocharger is denied oil, it can seize internally and eventually break its shaft. Thus, a severe power loss could happen or, possibly, the engine can become stalled, therefore there’s an increased risk of crashing. Deposits may accumulate in the oil system and they clog up the oil strainer, depriving the turbos of oil.

Only those with 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged engines are included in the recall. Since March 2017, Audi introduced an optimized oil strainer into production, with a larger mesh width.

Between April 2017 and March 2022, the company received 1,889 claims and 47 reports in the U.S. alone. As a consequence, the Audi Product Safety Committee didn’t have a choice but to announce a worldwide recall. According to the NHTSA documents, released online : „The recall population was determined by records of the vehicle assembly information. Vehicles not included in the recall were built with an oil strainer with a larger mesh size or already received the oil strainer with a larger mesh width during a prior repair. A defect on the turbochargers and boost pressure system can lead to different warning messages such as the EPC, MIL or oil warning light being displayed. In addition, the customer may notice indications like extended cranking, rough idling or lack of power.”