Recall 22V861 covers 50,883 2019-2022 Audi sedans, wagons, and hatchbacks for gateway module shutdown. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
Audi is recalling 50,883 2019-2022 A6, A7, S6, S7, A6 Allroad, RS 6 Avant, and RS 7 vehicles because spilled liquid in the rear seat can reach the gateway control module. If that module shuts down, engine power drops suddenly and crash risk increases; Audi dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The gateway control module in these 2019-2022 Audi S6, A6 Allroad, A7, S7, RS 6 Avant, RS 7, and A6 vehicles is an electrical communication hub. It lets major vehicle systems exchange information, so warnings and controls reach the systems that need them. Audi built the affected vehicles without a protective cover over that module.
When liquid spills onto the rear seat, it can reach the module area. In the known cases Audi reviewed, liquid from the cabin reached the gateway control module and caused it to shut down. Once that happens, communication between systems is interrupted, and the vehicle reports faults even when each system named by the message is not affected.
If the module shuts down, warning messages will appear. Those messages come from the interrupted communication between systems, so the dashboard can show multiple malfunctions at once. Use those warnings when you call the Audi dealer for recall service.
Who's affected?
Spans seven Audi car lines across the 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 model years, all tied to the gateway control module protective cover.
| 2020 Audi S6 | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Audi A6 Allroad | electrical system |
| 2022 Audi A6 Allroad | electrical system |
| 2021 Audi A7 | electrical system |
| 2021 Audi S7 | electrical system |
| 2022 Audi S7 | electrical system |
| 2021 Audi S6 | electrical system |
| 2020 Audi S7 | electrical system |
| 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant | electrical system |
| 2022 Audi RS 6 Avant | electrical system |
| 2022 Audi A7 | electrical system |
| 2021 Audi A6 Allroad | electrical system |
| 2021 Audi RS 7 | electrical system |
| 2022 Audi RS 7 | electrical system |
| 2022 Audi S6 | electrical system |
| 2020 Audi A6 | electrical system |
| 2020 Audi A7 | electrical system |
| 2021 Audi A6 | electrical system |
| 2019 Audi A6 | electrical system |
| 2019 Audi A7 | electrical system |
| 2022 Audi A6 | electrical system |
| Units affected | 50,883 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific car.
What's the safety risk?
A gateway control module shutdown can suddenly reduce engine power and increase the risk of a crash. Several warning messages will appear because communication between vehicle systems is interrupted, even when every system named in the messages is not affected. If warnings appear, slow down, move out of traffic, and schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Audi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2022 Audi S6, A6 Allroad, A7, S7, RS 6 Avant, RS 7, or A6 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the free protective-cover installation for the gateway control module, which helps keep rear-seat liquid spills from shutting it down.
- Bring the recall notice if Audi mailed one. If not, reference recall number 22V861 when you call.
- Keep drinks and other liquids away from the rear seat area until the dealer installs the cover.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Audi technician installs a protective cover for the gateway control module area. The cover is meant to keep liquid spilled in the rear seat from reaching the module and shutting it down. The recall repair is free at the dealer now, with parts and labor covered. Audi is not offering reimbursement under this campaign. If you already paid for a related protective cover or gateway control module repair, the recall filing does not provide a reimbursement path for that prior expense.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| November 21, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 19, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 20, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| January 20, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 20, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V861?
Recall 22V861 covers 50,883 2019-2022 Audi S6, A6 Allroad, A7, S7, RS 6 Avant, RS 7, and A6 vehicles. Liquid spilled in the rear seat can reach the gateway control module and shut it down, which can suddenly reduce engine power. Audi dealers install a protective cover for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2022 Audi S6, A6 Allroad, A7, S7, RS 6 Avant, RS 7, or A6 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Audi is included in recall 22V861. If it is, contact a franchised Audi dealer to schedule the protective-cover installation. Reference Audi recall number 90V2 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Audi's remedy says dealers install the protective cover free of charge. Schedule the repair with a franchised Audi dealer and reference Audi recall number 90V2 or NHTSA campaign 22V861.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a sudden reduction in engine power. If liquid reaches the gateway control module and the module shuts down, the vehicle can lose power without normal driver control over the timing, increasing crash risk. The fix is the dealer-installed protective cover.
What if I bought my Audi used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the owner who bought the vehicle new. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Audi dealer with recall number 90V2 if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V861000 |
|---|---|
| Audi customer service | 1-800-253-2834 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V861 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V861000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →