Software glitch keeps Q3 lights dark in emergency braking situation; 24,745 vehicles recalled

Audi has announced the recall of 24,745 2016-17 Q3 crossovers to fix a problem with the parking brake software.

Software problem keeps brake lights dark

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there is a glitch with the software that activates the brake lights when the parking brake activates as an emergency brake. Instead of activating the brake lights, the lights remain dark, failing to warn following vehicles that the parking brakes have been applied. In turn, “this can lead to a rear-end crash,” the safety agency said in documents on its website, www.safercar.gov.

It is not that the parking brake system fails to work, it is that the brake lights fail to illuminate that is causing the problem in an emergency braking situation. “This issue makes the braking system non-compliant with regulatory requirements,” NHTSA said. More Audi Q3 Recall Information Outlined

The problem occurred during the product improvement cycle of the Q3. The cause of the issue is a software “error in the gateway control unit.”

Audi will notify owners of the affected vehicles so that dealer service visits can be scheduled by Q3 crossover owners. Dealers will apply a free update to the vehicle software free of charge.

Audi, NHTSA contact numbers listed

For further information, Audi owners can contact Customer Service at 800-253-2834 and ask for information on recall number 45G6. Also, you can contact NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 and ask about recall number 17V4000. Or, you can go to the agency’s website for more information.

Source: NHTSA