Recall 16V642 covers 79,895 2015-2017 Audi vehicles with side marker lights that fail to illuminate. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 79,895 2015-2017 A4 Allroad, Q3, Q7, A3 Cabriolet, and Tt Roadster vehicles because a software update can leave the side marker lights off when the parking lights or headlights are on. That makes the vehicle less visible at night and increases crash risk; Audi dealers will correct the software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The side marker lights on the 2015-2017 Audi A4 Allroad, Tt Roadster, A3 Cabriolet, Q3, and Q7 are small exterior lamps on the sides of the vehicle. They help show the vehicle's position and outline when the parking lights or headlights are on, especially from an angle.
On affected Audi vehicles, a lighting software update changed how those side marker lights behave. The update was meant to reduce energy used by the lighting system, but it also turns the side marker lights off when the vehicle is locked with the parking lights on. That means the vehicle does not display all required exterior lighting in that condition.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners are not expected to hear, feel, or see a dashboard warning before the side marker lights stop working in that lighting mode.
Who's affected?
Covers 5 Audi nameplates across the 2015-2017 model years, with exterior lighting and electrical system software listed for each model group.
| 2017 Audi A4 Allroad | Exterior lighting |
|---|---|
| 2017 Audi A4 Allroad | electrical system software |
| 2017 Audi Tt Roadster | Exterior lighting |
| 2017 Audi Tt Roadster | electrical system software |
| 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet | Exterior lighting |
| 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet | electrical system software |
| 2016 Audi Tt Roadster | Exterior lighting |
| 2016 Audi Tt Roadster | electrical system software |
| 2015 Audi Q3 | Exterior lighting |
| 2015 Audi Q3 | electrical system software |
| 2016 Audi Q3 | Exterior lighting |
| 2016 Audi Q3 | electrical system software |
| 2017 Audi Q7 | Exterior lighting |
| 2017 Audi Q7 | electrical system software |
| 2017 Audi Q3 | electrical system software |
| 2017 Audi Q3 | Exterior lighting |
| Units affected | 79,895 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
When side marker lights fail to illuminate, other drivers have less chance to see the vehicle at night, which increases crash risk. Use extra caution after dark and schedule the software repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2017 Audi A4 Allroad, Tt Roadster, A3 Cabriolet, Q3, or Q7 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free software update that restores side marker light operation with the parking lights or headlights.
- Bring the recall notice if Audi mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V642 and Audi recall 97CB when you call.
- Call Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 with questions about scheduling or recall eligibility.
- Use extra caution at night until the update is complete, since the side marker lights can stay off with the parking lights or headlights.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician uploads revised vehicle software so the side marker lights work with the parking lights and headlights as required. The software update and labor are free under the recall. Audi has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid out of pocket for a related repair before the recall work was performed. Bring repair invoices, proof of payment, and any service notes to the Audi service desk so the claim can be reviewed.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 6, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V642?
Recall 16V642 covers 79,895 2015-2017 Audi vehicles with software that can make the side marker lights stop working with the parking lights or headlights. That makes the vehicle less visible at night and increases crash risk. Audi dealers will upload revised software for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2017 Audi A4 Allroad, Tt Roadster, A3 Cabriolet, Q3, or Q7 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V642. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free software update. Reference recall 16V642 or Audi recall 97CB when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Audi's remedy says dealers will upload revised software free of charge. The free repair applies at any franchised Audi dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced visibility at night. If the side marker lights do not illuminate with the parking lights or headlights, other drivers see the vehicle later than expected, increasing crash risk. The dealer software update corrects the lighting issue.
What if I bought my Audi used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Audi is included, then contact a franchised Audi dealer and reference recall 16V642 or Audi recall 97CB.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V642000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V642 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V642000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →