Germany’s KBA automotive watchdog has detected illegal emission-control software in Audi’s newest Euro-6 diesel models and has ordered a recall of 127,000 vehicles, Bild am Sonntag reported.
Audi stated the models had been included in a voluntary recall of 850,000 diesel automobiles with V6 and V8 TDI engines revealed in July.
“The engine control software for the vehicles in question will be totally modified, evaluated and submitted to the KBA for approval”, Audi stated.
It did not validate more details of KBA’s demand.
Bild am Sonntag stated transport authority KBA had informed Audi to respond by February 2 on how it prepares to upgrade automobile software controlling emissions, making sure the automobiles are not able to illegally manipulate emission controls.
Audi stated it has been analyzing its diesel-fuelled automobiles for possible irregularities for months in close cooperation with the KBA.
“As part of this organized and comprehensive assessment, the KBA has now also issued a notice relating to Audi models with V6 TDI engines,” the automaker added.
In November last year, Audi announced a recall of 5,000 automobiles in Europe for a software fix after finding they emitted excessive nitrogen oxide, the polluting gas that parent Volkswagen concealed from U.S. regulators in its 2015 “dieselgate” scandal.