Audi recalls over 44,000 vehicles due to dashboard software issue

Audi is recalling approximately 44,387 vehicles from the 2021 model year due to a software issue that can cause the instrument panel display to fail, leading to the loss of critical information such as the speedometer and warning lights, thereby increasing the risk of crashes. The recall affects various models, including the A6, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, and several RS and S variants. Audi identified that age-related damage in a flex-foil cable was the cause of the malfunction after receiving over 2,285 complaints. Owners will be notified by mail starting May 30, and dealers will provide a free software update to rectify the issue. Additionally, Volkswagen Group's Porsche brand is recalling over 18,000 vehicles for separate software-related problems. This series of recalls highlights growing concerns about safety-related software issues in the automotive industry as digital features become more prevalent.