Audi recalls 127,000 cars over emissions cheat device discovery

The Audi emissions recall covers the Audi A4, A5, A6, A7, Q5 and Q7 with the majority of vehicles said to be in Germany

Audi A4

Audi is recalling 127,000 cars following the alleged discovery of emissions cheat devices by German authorities.

The recall affects the Audi A4, A5, A6, A7, as well as the Audi Q5, SQ5 and Q7 SUVs. It was imposed by the Federal Motor Transport Agency, or KBA – the equivalent to our Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA).

According to German newspaper Bild am Sontag (BaS), the recall was ordered after the KBA detected “unacceptable shut-off devices” on several new V6 diesel engines meeting Euro 6 emissions standards. While the large Audi A8 is also being recalled, it’s not clear if the new model, or the outgoing one is affected – though BaS reported the engines affected were all made after 2015.

• VW emissions scandal: Dieselgate fix is causing breakdowns

This latest recall follows a voluntary recall in 2017 of 850,000 Audis – though it is understood the 127,000 cars currently affected were included in that earlier recall.

Commenting on this latest recall, an Audi spokesman said: “The Federal Motor Transport Agency has now also issued a distinction for Audi models with V6 TDI engines”, adding: “The engine control software for the vehicles in question will be completely revised, tested and submitted to the KBA for approval.”

Audi is said to have until 2 February to find a solution for the affected cars.

Audi A7 and A8 2017 recall 

Back in June2017, the German transport ministry accused Audi of cheating in emissions tests with its top-line models, the A7 and the A8

At the time, Audi was asked to recall around 24,000 A7 and A8 models fitted with V6 and V8 cylinder Euro 5 diesels that were built between 2010 and 2013 over irregularities in emissions testing, the German media is reporting. 

The affected models were said to pollute between 20 per cent and 100 per cent over the legal limit for nitrogen oxides (NOx) under certain driving conditions. A statement from Audi said the issue lies with the cars' transmission software: "The reason is that in some situations, engine speed is unfavourably influenced by the transmission software, which can have a negative impact on the engine's emissions. 

Death of diesel: car industry hits out

"Audi has agreed with Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority that it will actively approach the relevant customers and recall the affected cars." 

Audi's German headquarters were subject to a Government raid in March 2017, in connection with emissions fraud. The raid was part of an investigation by the German prosecutors into the emissions of 80,000 diesel cars sold with 3.0-litre diesel engines sold in the US between 2009 and 2015. 

The company has previously said it will work with the authorities over its investigations into emissions cheating. 

How long will the diesel emissions scandal continue? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below...

Recommended

UK firm fitting ‘pop bang’ aftermarket exhausts fined in landmark court case
MINI Hatch exhaust
News

UK firm fitting ‘pop bang’ aftermarket exhausts fined in landmark court case

A successful court action against a workshop advertising and fitting non-standard exhaust parts is ‘a lesson for businesses’ from the DVSA
23 Nov 2023
Why is electric car insurance so expensive? EV vs ICE cost analysis
BMW iX3
News

Why is electric car insurance so expensive? EV vs ICE cost analysis

We look into claims that electric cars face higher insurance premiums than ICE equivalents
22 Nov 2023
No help for electric car buyers in Autumn budget statement
Parliament
News

No help for electric car buyers in Autumn budget statement

Chancellor resists calls from industry to fund EV purchase grants or reduce VAT on public charging
22 Nov 2023
What’s in the 2023 Autumn Statement for drivers? EV incentives, fuel duty or VAT on charging?
News

What’s in the 2023 Autumn Statement for drivers? EV incentives, fuel duty or VAT on charging?

We look at some of the options for chancellor Jeremy Hunt when he announces his plans on 22 November
21 Nov 2023

Most Popular

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates
Renault 5 EV concept at 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed
News

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates

Renault’s reborn Renault 5 will start from €25,000 in Europe, suggesting a circa-£30k price in the UK. It's due on sale in the summer of 2024. Here's …
1 Dec 2023
New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash
BMW Neue Klasse SUV exclusive image - front
News

New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash

BMW’s first Neue Klasse electric SUV could carry the iX3 nameplate and our exclusive images preview how it might look
30 Nov 2023
New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed
Dacia Duster - front
News

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed

Dacia has taken the wraps off the latest Duster, which arrives with a new look and fresh technology
29 Nov 2023