NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10210672: 2008-2012 Audi A4

Official manufacturer communication context for 2008-2012 Audi A4, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10210672 summary graphic for 2008-2012 Audi A4
10210672NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
6affected product rows
6source 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

The ignition key cannot be removed even though the gear shifter is in Park (P). The vehicle is mechanically in the Park position, but this is not recognized electronically. The gear shifter cannot be moved from the Park position. On vehicles with Audi advanced key, the vehicle cannot be locked by remote control after the engine has been switched off.The Park position of the gear shifter is sporadically not recognized, which causes the ignition key to not be cleared and prevents the vehicle from being locked.

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
AudiA42009-2012Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
AudiA4 Cabriolet2009Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
AudiA52008-2012Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
AudiA5 Cabriolet2010-2012Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
AudiQ52009-2012Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
AudiQ72009-2012Ask 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 10210672?

The ignition key cannot be removed even though the gear shifter is in Park (P). The vehicle is mechanically in the Park position, but this is not recognized electronically. The gear shifter cannot be moved from the Park position. On vehicles with Audi advanced key, the vehicle cannot be locked by remote control after the engine has been switched off.The Park position of the gear shifter is sporadically not.

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.

Get Full Report