Audi Recall Issued After Thousands of Customers Report Vehicle Dashboards Suddenly Went Dark

Certain 2021 Audi vehicles are being recalled following more than 2,000 complaints of the display panels failing, resulting in the visual loss of critical safety information.

Federal highway safety officials have announced a recall affecting 44,387 Audi vehicles due to a potential software error, which could cause the instrument display panel to fail while the vehicle is being operated.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the Audi recall on April 8, warning that certain 2021 model year vehicles may be equipped with a faulty virtual cockpit, which could suddently shut down and prevent the dashboard display from showing critical safety information.

The Audi virtual cockpit is a digital instrument panel that has replaced traditional analog gauges, using a high-resolution display to present driving information, such as speed, RPM, navigation and more.

However, if a malfunction or software error occurs, the display may fail to show the gear indicators, speedometer, warning lights, date, time or mileage, which can significantly increase the risk of an auto accident.

While there have been no reports of any accidents or injuries related to the issue, the NHTSA report indicates there have been at least 2,285 customer complaints that describe the problem.

Audi first became aware of the issue in April 2024, after receiving an inquiry from a foreign agency regarding customers experiencing a black display screen.

Between April and October, Audi investigated the issue, focusing on the root cause, failure pattern and customer complaints. The analysis pointed to age-related damage to the flex-foil cable in the virtual cockpit as a likely cause.

In November, the supplier reported that 2022 and newer models were not affected, thanks to an improved flat cable introduced by a new sub-supplier.

Further long-term testing, conducted from December 2024 through February 2025, confirmed that the flex-foil cable degradation increased resistance over time and was the primary cause of reported problems in the U.S.

On March 24, 2025, Audi’s parent company, Volkswagen, initiated a voluntary safety recall for the following model year 2021 Audi vehicles:

Customers will receive notification letters starting May 30, 2025, with instructions on how to obtain a free software update for the instrument panel. This update ensures that relevant warnings and gauges continue to be displayed when the vehicle detects a damaged flat cable

A reimbursement plan will not be offered, as the affected vehicles are still covered under the Audi New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Audi’s number for this recall is 90VC. Customers may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 or the company’s contact for this recall, Dusty Gardner, via email at dusty.gardner@dot.gov.

Owners with any additional questions can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.