The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, if a driver's knees push against the knee bolster (crash element) located under the dashboard, it can contact the headlight switch wiring harness, and an electrical short could occur.
The risk
A fire could originate in the left dashboard area.
The fix
Dealers will install a protective covering on the knee bolster (crash element). In addition, the wiring harness as well as the felt protector on the left side of the dashboard carrier will be checked, and replaced if necessary. The recall began on July 26, 2004. Owners should contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 04V-133 (04V133000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Electrical system |
| Report date | March 18, 2004 |
| Owners notified | July 26, 2004 |
| Vehicles affected | 172,866 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
- 1998 Audi A6
- 1999 Audi A6
- 2000 Audi A6
- 2001 Audi A6
- 2002 Audi A6
- 2003 Audi A6
- 2004 Audi A6
- 2001 Audi Allroad
- 2002 Audi Allroad
- 2003 Audi Allroad
- 2004 Audi Allroad
- 2003 Audi RS6
- 2002 Audi S6
- 2003 Audi S6
Plus 5 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the electrical system
- 1998 Audi A6 electrical problems 8
- 1999 Audi A6 electrical problems 37
- 2000 Audi A6 electrical problems 36
- 2001 Audi A6 electrical problems 14
- 2002 Audi A6 electrical problems 15
- 2003 Audi A6 electrical problems 14
- 2004 Audi A6 electrical problems 3
- 2001 Audi Allroad electrical problems 2
- 2002 Audi Allroad electrical problems 3
- 2003 Audi Allroad electrical problems 5
- 2004 Audi Allroad electrical problems 1
- 2003 Audi RS6 electrical problems 1
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 04V-133 repair free?
Yes. Audi dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install a protective covering on the knee bolster (crash element). In addition, the wiring harness as well as the felt protector on the left side of the dashboard carrier will be checked, and replaced if necessary.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 172,866 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.