Recall 18V862 affects 845 2015-2016 Audi A6 and A7 vehicles for an overheating auxiliary heater connector. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 845 2015-2016 Audi A7 and A6 vehicles because the auxiliary heater electrical connector has an insertion defect, creating extra resistance at the heater. That resistance can overheat the connector and increase the risk of a fire, and Audi dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The auxiliary heater in affected Audi sedans is an electric cabin-heating part. It uses a wiring connector to carry power into the heater, so the connector has to sit firmly in the heater housing and make clean electrical contact.
On certain 2015-2016 Audi A6 and A7 vehicles, that connector was inserted incorrectly during assembly. A loose or poorly seated connection increases electrical resistance, which turns power into heat at the connector instead of sending it cleanly through the heater. That heat can damage the connector area and lead to smoldering.
The recalled component and the repair component are the same part; the problem is the factory installation, not a redesigned heater. If this issue is present, occupants can notice a burning odor. That smell is the warning sign that the connector area is overheating.
Who's affected?
The included A6 and A7 model-year combinations all name the same wiring component.
| 2015 Audi A7 | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2016 Audi A6 | wiring |
| 2015 Audi A6 | wiring |
| Units affected | 845 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
Extra resistance at the auxiliary heater connector can overheat the connector and increase the risk of a fire. If you notice a burning odor, stop using the vehicle and contact an Audi dealer for recall guidance. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Audi A7 or A6 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free auxiliary-heater-connector inspection and replacement that fixes the overheating connector.
- Bring the recall notice if Audi mailed one, or reference recall number 18V862 when you call.
- Ask the Audi dealer whether any driving or heater-use precautions apply until the inspection is complete.
- Call Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 with questions, and reference recall number 18V862 or Audi recall 82C1.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician inspects the auxiliary heater connector to confirm how it is seated and whether heat damage or electrical resistance has affected the connection. If the connector or heater is affected, the technician replaces the auxiliary heater and connector. The inspection and any required replacement are free under the recall. Audi is not offering reimbursement for this campaign, so prior out-of-pocket repairs are not covered through a recall reimbursement program.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| December 5, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 1, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| February 1, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 1, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 15, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V862?
Recall 18V862 covers 845 2015-2016 Audi A6 and A7 vehicles with an auxiliary-heater electrical connector that was inserted incorrectly. The extra resistance can overheat the connector and increase fire risk. Audi dealers will inspect the connector and replace the auxiliary heater and connector for free when needed.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Audi A6 or A7 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V862. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the auxiliary-heater connector inspection. Reference recall 18V862 or Audi recall number 82C1 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix this defect at no cost to the owner. A franchised Audi dealer will inspect the auxiliary heater connector and replace the auxiliary heater and connector for free when the inspection shows replacement is needed.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. The incorrectly inserted auxiliary-heater connector can create extra electrical resistance, which can overheat the connector. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection and repair before relying on the heater system.
What if I bought my Audi A6 or A7 used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Audi is included, then call a franchised Audi dealer with recall 18V862 or Audi recall number 82C1.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V862000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V862 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V862000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →