Emissions Recall
Code: 26M7
Subject
Release Date
REVISION SUMMARY

REVISION

Catalytic Converter & Engine Control Module (ECM) Software
March 31, 2020
Added work and claiming instructions in the event muffler flange studs break

Affected Vehicles

Country

Beginning
Model Year

Ending
Model Year

Vehicle

USA
CAN

2011
2011

2012
2012

Q7
Q7

Check Campaigns/Actions screen in Elsa on the day of repair to verify that a VIN qualifies for repair under this
action. Elsa is the only valid campaign inquiry & verification source.

Problem Description
Corrective Action
Code Visibility



Campaign status must show “open.”



If Elsa shows other open action(s), inform your customer so that the work can also be completed at
the same time the vehicle is in the workshop for this campaign.

Under certain high load and/or highway driving conditions vehicle exhaust temperatures may
increase catalyst aging, due to thermal stress, which could lead to elevated tailpipe emissions.
Install an improved catalytic converter and updated Engine Control Module (ECM) software.
On February 27, 2020, the campaign code was applied to affected vehicles.

Owner Notification

Owner notification took place in February 2020. Owner letter examples are included in this
bulletin for your reference.

Emissions Campaigns
Requirements
(CALIFORNIA ONLY)

The California Air Resources Board and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) require
emissions-related campaigns to be completed prior to vehicle registration renewal. When
campaign work is done you must provide the owner with a signed “Vehicle Emission Recall –
Proof of Correction” certificate (RC EMISCAVWAU). Order certificates online via the
Compliance Label Ordering portal at www.accessaudi.com.

Additional Information

Please alert everyone in your dealership about this action, including Sales, Service, Parts
and Accounting personnel. Contact Warranty if you have any questions.
Dealers must ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before
delivery to consumers.
Fill out and affix Campaign Completion Label (CAMP 010 000) after work is complete.
Labels can be ordered at no cost via the Compliance Label Ordering portal at
www.accessaudi.com.

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2020 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
March 2020

26M7 Page 1 of 17

Parts Information

Parts Control Type:
VIN to order

Due to the small number of affected vehicles there will not be
a parts allocation. Please reference the Repair Projection
Tool (below) to view your potential VIN population.
If parts are needed to support a vehicle repair:
 US Dealers - use AVA
 CAN Dealers - contact the Parts Specialists via phone
(800-767-6552), email
(VWoAPartsSpecialists@vw.com), or chat/text with
the VIN to order

Repair Projection Tool:
Right click to open
Criteria

Part Number

P.O.C. Part Description

Ordering Method

1

7L8-254-301-QX

Catalyst

VIN to Order

1

7L8-254-350-SX

Catalyst

VIN to Order

2

8K0-253-115-A

Gasket

VIN to Order

2

7P0-253-115

Gasket

VIN to Order

12

N -911-308-01

Nut

VIN to Order

2

1K0-253-141-T

Clamp

VIN to Order

Qty

01

NOTE
The specified part numbers reflect the status at the start of this recall. Interim updates
made in ETKA can cause a listed part number to become unavailable. In this case, the
new part number specified in ETKA should be used.

The information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures
are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether
this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2020 Audi Group of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
March 2020

26M7 Page 2 of 17

Claim Entry Instructions
After campaign has been completed, enter claim as soon as possible to help prevent work from being duplicated
elsewhere. Attach the Elsa screen print showing action open on the day of repair to the repair order.
If customer refused campaign work:
 U.S. dealers: Submit the request through Audi Warranty Online under the Campaigns/Update option.
 Canada dealers: Upload the repair order [signed by customer] to Audi WIN/Operations/Campaign Closure.
Service Number

26M7

Damage Code

0099

Parts Vendor Code
Claim Type

002
Sold vehicle: 7 10
Unsold vehicle: 7 90

Causal Indicator
Vehicle Wash/Loaner

Mark left catalyst* as causal part
Do not claim wash/loaner under this action

Vehicles may have more than one criteria. Complete and claim all applicable criteria
on one claim.
Criteria I.D.

01
LABOR
Labor Op

Time Units

2673 20 99

200

Description
Replace left and right catalysts
PARTS

Criteria I.D.

Quantity

Part Number

Description

1.00

7L8254301QX

Exhaust pipe with catalyst (left)*

1.00

7L8254350SX

Exhaust pipe with catalyst (right)

2.00

1K0253141T

Dual clamp

2.00

7P0253115

Gasket

2.00

8K0253115A

Gasket

12.00

N 91130801

Shouldered hex. nut, self-locking

02
LABOR
Labor Op

Time Units

Description

2706 89 50

10

Connect battery charger

2470 25 99

Time stated on
diagnostic protocol

Update engine control module software

Continued on next page

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2020 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
March 2020

26M7 Page 3 of 17

Criteria I.D.

ALL – (ONLY if muffler flange studs break)
LABOR
Labor Op

Time Units

Description

2625 01 99

20
(for each broken muffler
stud)

Drill out broken stud

PARTS
Quantity

Part Number

Description

Up to 6.00

N 10737101

Bolt hex. hd. with shoulder

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2020 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
March 2020

26M7 Page 4 of 17

Customer Letter Example (United States)

This notice applies to your vehicle: ,
Subject: Emissions Recall 26M7 - Catalytic Converter & Engine Control Module (ECM) Software
Dear Audi Owner,
In cooperation with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board, we are informing
you of our decision to conduct an emissions recall on certain 2011-2012 model year Audi Q7 vehicles. Our records show that
you are the owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
What is the issue?

Under certain high load and/or highway driving conditions vehicle exhaust temperatures may
increase catalyst aging, due to thermal stress, which could lead to elevated tailpipe emissions.

What will we do?

Your authorized Audi dealer will install an improved catalytic converter and updated Engine
Control Module (ECM) software. This work will take about three hours to complete and will be
performed for you free of charge. Please keep in mind that your dealer may need additional time
for the preparation of the repair, as well as to accommodate their daily workshop schedule.
IMPORTANT! Please note that if the ECM in your vehicle has been “chipped,” “tuned,” or
otherwise modified from original factory specifications with aftermarket components
and/or software, work needed to repair, replace, or return the ECM to original factory
specifications is NOT covered under this action.

What should you do?

In order to limit any possible inconvenience, please contact your authorized Audi dealer as soon
as possible to schedule this service. For your convenience, you can also visit www.audiusa.com
and click on the “Find a Dealer” link to locate a dealer near you and schedule this service.

Lease vehicles and
address changes

If you are the lessor and registered owner of the vehicle identified in this action, please forward
this letter immediately via first-class mail to the lessee within ten (10) days of receipt. If you have
changed your address or sold the vehicle, please fill out the enclosed prepaid Owner Reply card
and mail it to us so we can update our records.

Important information for California regulations require that this campaign be completed prior to the time you renew your
California Vehicle Owners vehicle registration. Therefore, please make sure that this campaign is completed prior to
– California Regulations
the renewal of your vehicle registration, and that you furnish proof of completion to the
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the form of a copy of the dealer’s repair order, including
a signed “Proof of Correction” certificate. You obtain this from your dealer after the campaign has
been completed. Please retain the signed “Proof of Correction Certificate” with your vehicle
records. DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM to the DMV, unless requested.
Can we assist you
further?

If your authorized Audi dealer fails or is unable to complete this work free of charge within a
reasonable time, please contact Audi Customer Experience at 1-800-253-2834 or via our
“Contact Us” page at www.audiusa.com.

Checking your vehicle for
open Recalls and Service
Campaigns

To check your vehicle’s eligibility for repair under this or any other recall/service campaign, please
visit the Recall/Service Campaign Lookup tool at www.audiusa.com and enter your Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN).

We apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause; however we are taking this action to help ensure your vehicle
continues to meet and exceed your expectations.
Sincerely,
Audi Customer Protection

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2020 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
March 2020

26M7 Page 5 of 17

Customer Letter Example (CANADA)

This notice applies to your vehicle: ,
Subject:
Software

Emissions Recall 26M7 - Catalytic Converter & Engine Control Module (ECM)

Dear Audi Owner,
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Audi
has determined that a defect, which relates to a prescribed emission standard, exists in certain 2011-2012 model year
Audi Q7 vehicles. Our records show that you are the owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
What is the issue?

Under certain high load and/or highway driving conditions vehicle exhaust temperatures
may increase catalyst aging, due to thermal stress, which could lead to elevated tailpipe
emissions.

What will we do?

Your authorized Audi dealer will install an improved catalytic converter and updated Engine
Control Module (ECM) software. This work will take about three hours to complete and will
be performed for you free of charge. Please keep in mind that your dealer may need
additional time for the preparation of the repair, as well as to accommodate their daily
workshop schedule.
IMPORTANT! Please note that if the ECM in your vehicle has been “chipped,”
“tuned,” or otherwise modified from original factory specifications with aftermarket
components and/or software, work needed to repair, replace, or return the ECM to
original factory specifications is NOT covered under this action.

What should you do?

In order to limit any possible inconvenience, please contact your authorized Audi dealer as
soon as possible to schedule this service. On or about February 27, 2020 the necessary
repair instructions and parts will be available to your authorized Audi dealer.

Lease vehicles and
address changes

If you are the lessor and registered owner of the vehicle identified in this action, please
forward this letter immediately via first-class mail to the lessee within ten (10) days of receipt.
If you have changed your address or sold the vehicle, please fill out the enclosed prepaid
Owner Reply card and mail it to us so we can update our records.

Can we assist you
further?

If your authorized Audi dealer fails or is unable to complete this work free of charge within a
reasonable time, please contact Audi Customer Relations Monday through Friday from 8AM
to 8PM EST at 1-800-822-2834 or via our “Contact Audi Canada” page at www.audi.ca.

We apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause; however we are taking this action to help ensure your vehicle
continues to meet and exceed your expectations.
Sincerely,
Audi Customer Protection

The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2020 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
March 2020

26M7 Page 6 of 17

Campaign Work Procedure

26M7 Emissions Recall

NOTE


These repair instructions may differ from the labor operations and labor times listed in ELSA.



Damages resulting from improper repair or failure to follow these work instructions are the dealer’s