Audi recalls A3, A3 e-tron, A4, Q3, Q7, TT for lighting problem: nearly 80,000 cars affected

Volkswagen is recalling nearly 80,000 Audi vehicles from the 2015, 2016, and 2017 model years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that some of those vehicles may suffer from a software glitch that could affect their lighting systems.

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The glitch in question affects the cars' side marker lights. NHTSA reports that those lights may be rendered inoperative when a car's parking light or headlights are illuminated. As such, vehicles may become harder to see, increasing the possibility of a crash.

The recall affects the following models:

• 2016 Audi A3 cabriolet

• 2016 Audi A3 e-tron

• 2016 Audi A3 sedan

• 2017 Audi A4 sedan

• 2015-2017 Audi Q3

• 2017 Audi Q7 

• 2016-2017 Audi TT coupe

• 2016 Audi TT roadster

All told, the recall affects 79,895 vehicles registered in the U.S. Audi will mail recall notices to owners of those vehicles, asking them to take their cars to dealerships for service. Dealers will update the affected software at no charge. 

If you own one of these vehicles and have further questions, you're encouraged to call Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834 and ask about recall #97CB. You can also contact NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 and inquire about safety campaign #16V642000.