NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10174395: 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-tron

Official manufacturer communication context for 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-tron, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10174395 summary graphic for 2016 Audi A3 Sportback E-tron
10174395NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
1affected product rows
1source rows grouped

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

It is possible that the high-voltage battery housing bonded seam was made in a non-optimal position. If this condition is present, moisture can enter the high-voltage battery housing. The driver may be alerted to this condition by the illumination of a high-voltage system warning indicator on the instrument cluster display. Updated claiming instructions: o Added coolant in the event the high-voltage battery is replaced o Added seal, part number 5Q0121809A Updated work instructions: o Added examples of possible normal oxidation o Added instruction to place insulating mat over an open battery o Clarified steps when moving high-voltage battery o Added steps to take if the vehicle arrives with faults Updated instructions to clarify the battery module return process

What this bulletin may mean before buying

Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.

Affected products listed in this communication

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
AudiA3 Sportback E-tron2016Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 10174395?

It is possible that the high-voltage battery housing bonded seam was made in a non-optimal position. If this condition is present, moisture can enter the high-voltage battery housing. The driver may be alerted to this condition by the illumination of a high-voltage system warning indicator on the instrument cluster display. Updated claiming instructions: o Added coolant in the event the high-voltage battery is.

Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?

No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.

How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?

Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.

Check the exact VIN before you buy

Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.

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