[비즈한국] Consumer complaints are rising as Audi Korea's vehicle around-view system defects persist even after a large-scale recall. Following a series of cases where the same errors reoccurred in vehicles that had already undergone recall procedures, critics are pointing out that this may not be a temporary glitch, but a fundamental technical issue.
Early this year, Audi conducted a voluntary recall of approximately 70,000 vehicles related to defects in the around-view and rearview camera systems. This was due to the confirmation of potential temporary malfunctions of the around-view or rearview cameras in some vehicles caused by software errors. The recall included major models such as the Audi A6, A7, and e-tron (Related article: [Exclusive] Audi to Recall 70,000 Vehicles... Largest Scale Ever Due to 'Rearview Camera Blackout').
However, some Audi owners claim that the same symptoms recurred even after receiving the recall service. A, an Audi owner residing in Seoul, stated that even after the recall, the 360-degree camera screen would suddenly turn off, or parts of the video display would repeatedly fail to appear. Expressing frustration, A said, "Even after getting the recall, the screen keeps turning off and the camera doesn't work. Is this even a repair, or just a temporary measure?"
B, an Audi owner living in Gyeonggi-do, also pointed out, "I haven't been able to drive my car with peace of mind since I bought the Audi," adding, "I use public transportation or taxis when driving through narrow alleys or during peak traffic hours." Besides A and B, posts claiming that the same symptoms are recurring after the recall continue to appear on online communities.
The issue with Audi's rearview cameras has been ongoing for years. Back in 2022, Audi already recalled approximately 23,000 vehicles due to software errors in the rearview camera. Similar controversies have emerged in the U.S. as well; Volkswagen Group of America announced earlier this year that it would recall approximately 356,000 Audi vehicles due to rearview camera problems.
Audi is reportedly placing significant expectations on the recent launch of 'The New A6.' However, the A6 is a model that was included in the recall list due to around-view issues earlier this year. If the same problem occurs in The New A6, it will be difficult for the company to avoid consumer criticism.
Audi emphasized trust when launching the A6. During 'The New Audi A6 Media Conference' in April, Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi, stated, "While there were difficulties in customer trust due to past product issues and temporary sales suspensions, these experiences have become an opportunity for Audi to further strengthen our responsibility, trust, and long-term commitment to the Korean market," adding, "Audi Korea is currently back on track, and customer trust is gradually recovering."
However, critics argue that Audi's recent situation is far from trustworthy. When the same symptoms recurred after the recall, owner A inquired at an Audi service center, only to be frustrated by the lack of a clear explanation for the cause or any measures to prevent recurrence. A said, "I only heard that they would check it, but I didn't receive any answers regarding actual repairs."
Bizhankook reached out to Audi for comment on the matter but did not receive a response.